People on a tight budget need to be prepared for power outages, fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other life’s inconveniences  just as much as folks with tons of money. You could be required to evacuate your home for any number of reasons and these things occur when you least expect it. That is the whole reason for having 72 hour kits or packs for every person in the family.

If you are short on time, you can get a great start by getting a prepacked 72 hour pack that supplies the general survival essentials then just add the items required to meet your personal needs. Most ‘survival kits’ come equipped with emergency food with a 5 – 10 year shelf life, water, a first aid kit, lightweight compact blankets and a flashlight. You will want to add things like emergency cash, a knife, matches or a lighter, toilet paper, a brush or comb, a toothbrush, 3 days of prescription medications, a change of clothes, and perhaps a Bible, a book or deck of cards.

If you have children you will consider their needs as you put your pack or packs for them together. To make sure you have everything you might need, compare notes with others like Family Disaster Readiness, who have already put considerable time and effort into being ready to survive the first three days of any type of crisis.