Preppers, Everyday Humans, and the 72-Hour Kit: Your Guide to Disaster Readiness

You don't have to be a doomsday prepper to be prepared. You just have to be smart.

Let's be real—disasters don't send calendar invites. Earthquakes hit without warning. Floods rise faster than expected. Wildfires force evacuations in minutes. And yes, acts of terrorism and civil emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime.

Whether you're a seasoned prepper with a bunker full of freeze-dried meals or someone who just realized they don't even have a flashlight that works, this guide is for you. Because being prepared isn't about fear—it's about confidence, control, and taking care of the people you love.

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Why Everyone Needs a "Go Bag"

A go bag (also called a bug-out bag or 72-hour kit) is a pre-packed bag with everything you need to survive for at least 72 hours if you have to leave home quickly.

Why 72 hours? That's typically how long it takes for emergency services to establish relief operations after a major disaster. During that window, you might be on your own.

Here in Alaska, we know this better than most. Remote communities, extreme weather, and earthquake risks mean self-reliance isn't optional—it's essential.

The goal: Be ready to grab your bag and go in under 5 minutes.

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The Basic 72-Hour Kit: Start Here

This is your foundation. If you have nothing else, build this first.

Water & Hydration

• 1 gallon of water per person per day (3 gallons minimum)

• Portable water filter or purification tablets

• Collapsible water container

Food & Nutrition

• 3 days of non-perishable food (energy bars, MREs, dried fruit, nuts)
  

• Manual can opener (if bringing canned goods)

• Electrolyte packets

Shelter & Warmth

• Emergency mylar blankets (at least 2)

• Lightweight tarp or emergency tent

• Hand warmers and toe warmers

• Extra clothing layers (base layer, fleece, rain jacket)

• Sturdy shoes or boots

Light & Communication

• Flashlight with extra batteries (or hand-crank)

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather alerts)

• Whistle for signaling

• Fully charged portable power bank

First Aid & Medical

• Basic first aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic, tape, gloves)

• Personal medications (7-day supply minimum)

• Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal meds

• Prescription glasses or contacts (backup pair)

Tools & Safety

• Multi-tool or knife

• Duct tape (small roll)

• Paracord or rope (25-50 feet)

• N95 masks (for smoke, dust, debris)

• Work gloves

Documents & Cash

• Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, medical records) in waterproof bag

• Emergency contact list (written—phones die!)

• Cash in small bills ($100-200 minimum)

Personal Items

• Hygiene basics (toothbrush, soap, hand sanitizer, feminine products)

• Toilet paper or travel wipes

• Garbage bags (multiple uses: rain cover, waste, ground cover)

• Comfort item for kids or pets if applicable

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Level Up: Expanding Your Kit

Once you've got the basics covered, it's time to grow your preparedness game. Here's how to take your 72-hour kit from "survival mode" to "thriving mode."

Enhanced Water Solutions

• Larger capacity water bladder or jerrycans for home storage

• Portable water filtration system (like a Sawyer or LifeStraw)

• Water purification drops for long-term storage

Food Upgrades

• Freeze-dried meals (lightweight, long shelf life, actually taste good)

• Fishing line and hooks, snare wire for extended scenarios

• Portable camping stove with fuel canisters

• Mess kit (pot, pan, utensils)

Advanced Shelter & Warmth

• Quality sleeping bag rated for your climate

• Bivy sack or lightweight backpacking tent

• Fire-starting kit (waterproof matches, ferro rod, lighters, tinder)

• Solar blanket or reflective tarp

Communication & Navigation

• Two-way radios (walkie-talkies) for family communication

• Physical maps of your area (don't rely solely on GPS)

• Compass and basic navigation knowledge

• Solar-powered charger for devices

Medical & First Aid Expansion

• Trauma kit: tourniquet, chest seals, Israeli bandage, QuikClot

• SAM splint for fractures

• CPR mask

• Expanded medication supply

• First aid manual or quick-reference cards

Security & Self-Defense

• Personal safety devices (Byrna, Taser, pepper spray—know your local laws)

• Personal alarm

• Situational awareness training

Specialty Add-Ons

• Pet supplies (food, leash, carrier, medications)

• Infant supplies (formula, diapers, wipes)

• Entertainment (cards, small games, books—morale matters!)

• Sewing kit for gear repairs

• Extra batteries for everything

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Disaster-Specific Tips

Earthquakes

• Secure heavy furniture to walls

• Know how to shut off gas and water

• Practice "Drop, Cover, Hold On"

• Keep shoes and a flashlight by your bed

Floods

• Know your evacuation routes to higher ground

• Never drive through flooded roads (turn around, don't drown!)

• Store important items on upper floors

• Have sandbags or flood barriers ready if you're in a flood zone

Wildfires

• Create defensible space around your home

• Have N95 masks ready for smoke

• Know multiple evacuation routes

• Keep car fueled and ready during fire season

Acts of Terrorism or Civil Emergencies

• Stay informed but avoid panic

• Have a family communication plan and meeting point

• Know exits and escape routes in public places

• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, leave

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Make It a Habit, Not a Chore

Preparedness isn't a one-time project. It's a lifestyle.

• Review your kit every 6 months (rotate food, check batteries, update medications)

• Practice with your family (does everyone know where the go bag is?)

• Build skills, not just supplies (take a first aid class, learn fire-starting, practice navigation)

• Start small, build over time (you don't need to buy everything at once)

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Be Ready for Anything

Disasters are unpredictable. But your response doesn't have to be.

Whether it's an Alaskan earthquake, a wildfire evacuation, or an unexpected emergency far from home, having a 72-hour kit means you're not scrambling—you're moving with purpose.

You don't have to be a hardcore prepper. You just have to be ready.

Need help building your kit? Alpenglow Readiness Supply has the gear, the supplies, and the training to help you prepare for whatever comes your way. Shop our emergency preparedness collection or sign up for a training course today.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or certified training. Alpenglow Readiness Supply, its owners, partners, employees, and affiliates make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on the information in this blog is strictly at your own risk. In no event shall Alpenglow Readiness Supply be liable for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage of any kind resulting from, arising out of, or in any way related to the use of or reliance upon the information provided in this blog. This content does not create a professional-client relationship. Always seek the guidance of a qualified medical professional or certified instructor for specific medical or emergency response questions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. CPR and first aid techniques should be learned through accredited, hands-on training courses. Statistics and legal information referenced in this article are based on publicly available sources and may vary by jurisdiction and over time.