72-Hour Kits in Bug Out Bags for Kids and Families

Here are some ideas on 72-hour kits and bug-out bags for each person in your family, especially if you have young kids. Emergency preparedness is important!

Hey y’all, Tiffany here with some ideas for 72-hour first aid kits for kids and families that double as bug-out bags.

Several years ago, we moved to Houston a few months before Hurricane Harvey hit. That was our first experience with a hurricane, having come from Colorado, and it was an eye-opening experience for us.

We had another large storm barely miss us last year, and then we had a freeze that knocked the power out for many days.

See where I’m going with this?

Over the last year with COVID-19, I’ve become a bit addicted to end-of-the-world book series (my favorite ones being written by Mike Kraus). And it’s made me slightly paranoid.

We’re actively working on building up our food storage, but we also needed to put together some bug-out bags that have 72-hour survival kits in them that work with our family.

As we put them together, I thought it might be useful for y’all to know what other activities we decided to put in them. I also have some free printables at the end of the post, too.

black-bag-with-72-hour-kits-for-families-with-free-printable-checklist-72-hour-kits-in-bug-out-bags-for-kids-and-families

72-Hour Kit Bag

The first thing we needed to do was decide what to get garbage bags to put all the things into. I wanted each person in the family to have two garbage bags and a bag with a lot of the same items in it.

I did a bunch of research on prepper websites to find what other recommended food items they recommend. No, I’m not a prepper, but since they tend to take these things very seriously, I know I can trust their recommendations!

I settled on the RUPUMPACK Military Tactical Backpack Army MOLLE Hydration Bag 3 Day Rucksack Outdoor Hiking School Day pack 33L. It has great reviews and was an affordable price.

What to Put in a 72-Hour Kit

Now that we had our bags, I started doing research into what should go into our bags. Food and clothing are important. These bags are in case we ever have to leave our home in a hurry and don’t have time to pack. I had personal hygiene items and also chose items that would help us in any situation, that are significant to our individual needs. Additionally, I made sure to include waterproof containers for emergency kits and a first aid kit and supplies to ensure they remain protected and accessible during emergencies.

different-items-needed-for-72-hour-kits-72-hour-kits-in-bug-out-bags-for-kids-and-families

Clothing

You also never know if you’re going to have to be outdoors. Just watch any end-of-the-world movie! So a few extra things like ponchos and extra water are good to keep on hand.

Since my children are still growing, I purchased clothing a size larger than what they currently wear. That way I don’t have to change out the bags as frequently. I also decided on simple, lightweight clothing and underpants. One-piece outfits are the easiest! Additionally, investing in durable, versatile footwear ensures they’re prepared for any outdoor activities or unexpected weather conditions.

You also never know if you’re going to have to be outdoors. Just watch any end-of-the-world movie! So a few extra things like ponchos are good to keep on hand. Furthermore, having a stash of emergency supplies such as essentials for shelter and light such as flashlights and blankets can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected situations in life.

Food

The types of food you put in a 72-hour kit are going to be extremely individual. However, there are some universal supplies you should have on hand. Non-perishable items like canned goods and granola bars are great options for sustenance. Additionally, don’t forget to include a manual can opener and disposable utensils for convenience. Moreover, pack foods that are high in protein and nutrients to provide sustained energy during emergencies. It’s also essential to ensure you have extra water stored, as staying hydrated is crucial for survival during extended emergencies.

Personal Hygiene

You don’t want to be in an emergency without a toothbrush! It’s essential to maintain personal hygiene even in challenging situations. While trial-size shampoo and conditioner are convenient, I prefer environmentally-friendly options for sustainability. Additionally, Dawn dish soap has a ton of alternative uses and is good for the environment as well. It is versatile and can serve multiple purposes, making it a valuable addition to any emergency kit. Its eco-friendly nature further enhances its utility, ensuring minimal impact on the environment during emergencies.

Health

It’s important to stay on top of your health in an emergency. If you or your children have any medications you take regularly, you should store them all in one place to grab them easily. Additionally, consider creating a list of emergency contacts and medical information to have on hand. It’s also crucial to include essential survival tools such as a hand crank radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency broadcasts. Remember to pack extra batteries for the hand crank radio to ensure it remains functional during extended emergencies.

It’s also a good idea to have common over-the-counter medications for allergies, headaches, etc. You should also bring along a first aid kit. Including items such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers can help address minor injuries quickly and effectively. Additionally, don’t forget to pack essential protective gear like a dust mask to filter contaminated air and a warm blanket to maintain body temperature in case of exposure to the elements or cold environments.

Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some face masks are a good idea as well. Including masks in your gear or emergency kit can help reduce the risk of exposure to airborne illnesses and provide an added layer of protection during emergencies, evacuations, or survival situations.

Entertainment

You never know if you will be stranded at a hotel for a few days, or even on the road in a traffic jam. I put a few small games and toys in each first aid kit. Additionally, including books or coloring materials can provide entertainment and distraction during unexpected delays or downtime. I got most of these for only a few dollars; I use this Facebook group to keep an eye out for discounted items.

Other Supplies

Now, I may be a bit over-the-top on some of these other survival supplies. But it is much better safe than sorry! Odds are, you won’t end up completely off the grid because of an EMP or an asteroid hitting the Earth. But we also never thought that we’d have to survive a pandemic that would shut down entire countries. It’s always wise to be prepared for unexpected disaster situations, even if they seem unlikely.

I decided I would never regret having these and not requiring them, but I would regret not having them if they were needed! Being prepared for emergencies provides complete peace of mind and ensures you’re ready to handle whatever comes your way. In uncertain times, having essential household supplies readily available can make a significant difference in your family’s safety and well-being.

different-items-needed-for-72-hour-kits-in-bug-out-bags-for-kids-and-families

Free 72-Hour Kit Printables

I have two free printables for you!

The first is a list of recommended items of things you should purchase and have stored in your 72-hour kit for you to check off as you get them. We purchased our items over several months so we could stay within our budget

The second printable is a list of things you can’t keep in your go bag or bug-out bag but should grab if you have 5-10 minutes. I keep this list on the go bag, itself so I don’t forget anything. When it’s an emergency, high adrenalin levels and panic make it easy to forget.

You can either right-click on the images and save them, or you can download both as a PDF.