Provident Living FAQ: What about 72-hour kits?

[KF7EEC]

Question:
What about 72-hour kits?

Answer:

Church members are encouraged to prepare for adversity by building a basic supply of food, water, money, and, over time, longer-term supply items. Beyond this, Church members may choose to store additional items that could be of use during times of distress.



http://www.providentliving.org/question/result/0,12973,2929-1-90-2,00.html

[mgriffith]

So the Church DOES recommend 72-hour kits, as I thought.

/\/\ark

[KF7EEC]

So the Church DOES recommend 72-hour kits, as I thought.

/\/\ark

That's not really how I read it. It sounds more like "Do what All is Safetly Gathered In, and if you want to do more after that, great"

[signseeker]

So... "great" means it's good, right? So it's good?

Or bad?

[KF7EEC]

So... "great" means it's good, right? So it's good?

Or bad?

"Beyond this, Church members may choose to store additional items that could be of use during times of distress."

I think if people choose to store additional items, then its good. But, on the other hand, is it necessary?

[LoudmouthMormon]

Church members may choose to store additional items that could be of use during times of distress.Count me in the group of saints who so choose.

We actually used these 'additional items' last week, during the swift snowstorm in Colorado Springs. My kids and I were traped halfway up a hill on the side of the road for a few hours. Extra items included:
- Sturdy winter boots that kept my tootsies warm while helping push other people
- A big honkin' chain so the wife could tow us to safety in the big honkin' truck
- Light sticks - as valueable as gold for keeping the kids occupied during all the waiting
- Change of clothes for the kids - because altough we were stuck in town in a hotel, we still had a full schedule of things to do the next day.
- Small emergency supply of routine medication - life isn't near as fun if one of us doesn't get our brain pills.

In this case, the scripture could have read 'if ye are prepared, everyone will have a good time'. As far as unwelcome disruptions go, this one was a fun adventure of excitement and family bonding. And all because we keep a bag of things in the trunk.

LM

[signseeker]

"Good" is good enough for me! :thumbup:

[arbilad]

Do whatever the spirit guides you to. I have a "Get home" kit in my car, because I feel that's necessary. I'm working on my food storage because I've been commanded to. I don't feel a need to work on a 72 hour kit yet, so unless I receive personal revelation to, or it becomes a commandment, I will not get a 72 hour kit just yet. I'm still working on things such as a year's supply of fuel.

[signseeker]

You know what they say about the guy that waits to be commanded in all things...

Just kidding! :w00t:

[KF7EEC]

You know what they said about the Jews who built all these additional things around the Law?

:)

[signseeker]

:ack2:

[arbilad]

So Sign, are you saying that you shouldn't wait until you are commanded to put the horses on the BBQ? :-P

[mirkwood]

So Sign, are you saying that you shouldn't wait until you are commanded to put the horses on the BBQ? :-P

:l0 (20):

[mirkwood]

Car kits make a lot of sense. They can be used as 72 hour kits if you need one.

[signseeker]

So Sign, are you saying that you shouldn't wait until you are commanded to put the horses on the BBQ? :-P

I'm not waiting to be commanded to live cannibalism, I'll tell you that! :l0 (57):

[supersc]

72 hours of chocolate will help you get through anything.

[phylm]

Why wouldn't you have your family's 72 hour kits in place just as a matter of common sense?

[signseeker]

*whispers* Not all folks run off common sense, hon.

[Buffie]

Arbilad, I've done the same thing. I've stowed everything from rain ponchos to emergency blankets, a sleeping bag, instant rice, camp stove, etc. in my car. It's all packed into a backpack with wheels. I'd love to add a tent, but really can't afford one right now. If something bad happens, I plan to stay home; but there's always the chance something could occur while I'm out shopping or at work. I'm particularly concerned about an EMP attack which could damage electronics, etc. And like you, I really don't have a bug out or 72 hour kit beyond this. If I had to leave my home, I'd just add more water and canned goods in a laundry basket, put it in the trunk, and take off. However, I am fixing a small bag for my dogs which will include extra leashes, rope, collapsible bowls, chew toys, etc.

[arbilad]

Why wouldn't you have your family's 72 hour kits in place just as a matter of common sense?

In a case where it's a question of limited resources, I could see it. Notice the order of things given in the answer given: food storage first, then 72 hour kit. Many preparedness fairs get it backward. They spend lots of time and concentration on how to prepare your 72 hour kit, and don't spend much time on actual storage.
So anyway, back to what I was saying, if a family is struggling to get their storage together, they should finish that first, then worry about 72 hour kits.

[phylm]

Back when we could freely snowmobile for miles into the woods in Vermont, I used to pack a plactic drop cloth, duct tape, and some clothesline with my "survival kit." Makes a good make-shift tent in a pinch. I'd use a piece of 4 or 6 mil plastic in a 72 hour kit, however.

Incidentally, I used the "tent" one night when I played the "lost victim" for the rescue squad practice drill. It took them hours to find me and my rescuers were a bit annoyed to find me drinking hot chocolate in my little lean-to, and perfectly fine. Guess a woman should have been hysterical to be alone in the woods for most of the night!

[DMGNUT]

In a case where it's a question of limited resources, I could see it. Notice the order of things in the answer given: food storage first, then 72 hour kit. Many preparedness fairs get it backward. They spend lots of time and concentration on how to prepare your 72 hour kit, and don't spend much time on actual storage.
So anyway, back to what I was saying, if a family is struggling to get their storage together, they should finish that first, then worry about 72 hour kits.

I agree completely with your comments on the order of things, but... The VAST majority of all church members have neither their 72 hr kit, nor their food storage. It has been my experience that getting people excited about the 72 hr kit (which in many people's minds, is smaller and therefore more attainable), tends to be a good jumping off point to get them motivated and then going on their food storage as well. And keep in mind that the church has an abundance of food storage information, but putting together a good 72 hr kit, can require a bit more thought in order to suit your individual needs and/or location. I think that's why Preparedness Fairs sometimes focus more on them, then on the food storage itself.
Back for a moment to the topic of not having a 72 hr kit... I thought I'd mention that depending on where you live and what kind of natural disasters occur in your area, you should definitely have a 72 hr kit... we have clearly been counseled to have ?every needful thing?. And if you live in one of those areas that are particularly susceptible to natural disasters, the 72 hr kit is indeed, a "needful thing".

[phylm]

Your 72 hour kit should also include necessary papers and records, as well as extra clothing, etc. I don't see many members who could not squeak out 72 hours' worth of survival food, if it were no more than quick oats, water, and a Sterno can. In my old branch in Arcadia, we made 72 hour food kits that were contained in a #10 can for each member in the family for $5 each.

I DO see a lot of members who are blithely ignoring all counsel to prepare. My poor ward preparation specialist was almost in tears last Sunday when she came to me to tell me that the every 6 months' Walton Feeds order that she arranges was composed of some families in Orlando (2 1/2 hours away) who ordered $200 worth of food each, and one member from Tallahassee (6 hours) who was ordering $2000 of food. Only a couple of members from our ward had ordered anything. And, as she said: "And you know who goes to the cannery on our monthly ward days." I do. Usually the same 4 couples, one of whom is nonmember. She and I also put up small orders for sisters for whom the 2 1/2 hour trip is difficult.

72 hour kits are for unexpected calamities...earthquakes, huge ice storms, being stranded by blizzards, hurricanes, etc., all of which happen all too often. I repeat, why would not anyone prepare them as a matter of common sense?