How to Create a Grab and Go Bag with a 72 Hour Kit

Robert E. Sopher Jr.

Ms. Krumsiek

ENG 6 TR 4:15-6:50p

10 October 2017

How to Create a Grab and Go Bag with a 72 Hour Kit

        So, what is a Grab and Go bag and why do you need one? First, a Grab and Go Bag (or it could be a backpack) is a bag that you grab quickly in case there is an emergency that forces you to leave your home. It could be because of a house fire, natural disaster, etc. Ideally, each member of your household should have his/her own bag tailored to their specific needs.

        What types of situations can possibly have you leave your home and possibly your town on foot? Maybe a terrorist attack, earthquake, or an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack, or even if a car were left on the highway and you had to leave your car because you couldn’t get out of the traffic. Or, what if there was a widespread power outage and you could not get gasoline? You just never know. It could happen, so keep a bag in your car as well.

        Having said that, leaving your car or home on foot in an emergency should be your last resort, not your first choice. Anyway, your 72-hour kit should have supplies to last you at least three days (if not a week).  Using zip top baggies for your supplies to make it easier to find is ideal.

        Your bag should contain the following items: cash, identification, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, hand wipes, first aid kit, pocket knife, N-95 face mask, feminine products for women/girls, compass, whistle, lightweight food for three days, can opener in each bag, water/ container for filling with water, lightweight mess kit, LifeStraw or water filter, prescriptions if need be and matches. Again, put what you want according to your needs. Back to the food, try to use lightweight options such as, freeze dried Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s), granola bars, ramen noodles, To Go packs of peanut butter, fruit cups, etc. You want to provide a good mix of protein and carbohydrates. Water bottles may be the easiest to include, you could throw a couple of them inside each Grab and Go Bag. Just remember that having water available, and clean water is really, important.