Personalizing Your 72 Hour Kit For Your Children

By Author: Bruce Saver
Total Articles: 4762
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In today's uncertain times, being prepared is no longer just an adage for boy scouts and the military. It should be on everyone's list of things to do this month. There's no area of the world truly safe from natural disasters, and with the growing threat of terrorism, man made catastrophes loom ever nearer. Fear, though, can be erased somewhat by the knowledge that you and your loved ones will be ready for whatever Mother Nature or hell-bound maniacs might throw at you.

Local and national officials have made the job of preparing easier by providing lists of the basics needed for survival. They've even figured out that, at most, it might take emergency responders 72 hours to get to you, should you be cut off or stranded or forced to "shelter in place." A small industry has grown up around emergency preparedness, selling supplies and even full-blown pre-made 72 hour kits. You can be sure that these contain all you might need in the way of basic supplies to fulfill those official lists of necessities for everyone. But what about your young children? Your baby? What about meeting their special needs during a stress-filled, ...
... scary time? Here's some ways in which you can prepare even the youngest family member for any emergency.

Kits for Babies and Toddlers

The youngest family members have some specific special needs that many of the pre-made kits and government lists don't account for or vaguely describe. Formula or soft food will need to be provided. If using powdered formula, you may need to increase baby's water allowance per day to accommodate for reconstituting the formula. Having an ample supply of disposable bottle liners on hand will do away with the necessity to sterilize the bottle after every feeding. If you are nursing your infant, you'll want to provide extra food and water for yourself, to ensure that you are properly fed and hydrated, too. Diapers are a necessity, but you may want to include three or four cloth diapers in baby's pack. That way, if you run out of disposables, baby can still be kept dry. Teething gel and diaper rash cream should be in either your first aid kit or baby's, as you never know when you might need them. Pacifiers, teethers, small toys (rattles, teddy bears, a"busy" book) aren't necessities, but if you have room, can help keep a fussy baby at bay. A sling or front pack carrier should also be considered, as it can provide a way for baby to stay safe while freeing up mom or dad's hands. Don't forget the baby wipes! And not just for baby - these can take the place of soap and water for everyone for a long time, should the need arise.

Toddlers can present their own problems, as picky eating, temper tantrums and boredom can become emergencies in and of themselves. Be sure your toddler's kit includes new toys or story books, paper and crayons, and favorite foods. New toys and story books can help eliminate boredom and add a sense of excitement to an otherwise stressful time. Paper and crayons can also help keep a busy little person quiet for a while, giving frazzled parents a bit of a break. Raisins, peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, dry cereal, and just the right brand of apple juice in a box can all help satisfy tiny tummies that can't be persuaded to try the yummy MREs mommy and daddy are having tonight.

Kits for Young Children

Children ages 4 to 8 present their own set of needs and considerations that should be met. They are somewhat old enough to understand what's happening, but not old enough to truly grasp the entire situation. They are most secure in their routines and familiar environments, and emergency situations that turn their routines into chaos and remove them from their homes and schools can create their own crises. Again, be sure their kits contain some of their favorite foods - juice boxes or pouches or powders, crackers, peanut butter, granola bars, graham crackers, dry cereals, dried fruits, etc. If you live in disaster-prone areas, you may want to introduce some of the types of foods in your emergency kits into your everyday diet, to familiarize your young children, just in case. Provide them with their own glow sticks, especially if they sleep with a night light. As with toddlers, small children will appreciate the excitement of a new toy or storybook, along with travel puzzles or games, and familiar toys, too. Crayons and paper or a coloring book can also be handy to help whittle away long hours in a shelter or in the car. Be sure to pack a permanent marker in either your kit or theirs, too. This can be used to write the child's name, your name (or an out-of-town relative's name,) and phone number on the child's arm or chest, ensuring that should you become separated, your child can be reunited with you or other family members. In your child's first aid kit, don't forget to include some items that many 72 hour first aid kits don't - child dosage chewables. If there is no child dosage given on the chewable medication's packaging, be sure to get one from your pediatrician and note it in your kit. That way, you'll be prepared for whatever medical situation your family may face.

Kits for Older Children

Preteens and teens need calm assurances in emergency situations, and often need ways in which to help in order to fight their fears. Make sure they each have their own flashlight and radio. Make them responsible for small duplicate items like whistles, matches and batteries. Allow them to choose their books, puzzles, and other activities to help them pass the time. A few of their favorite snack foods or candies can help soothe flustered spirits. A favorite comic book or card game can bring a bit of comfort to the crisis.

Whatever your children's ages, make a point of checking their kits more frequently than you do yours. Children's interests and clothing sizes change so often that their kits need to be kept up to date every 3 to 4 months, to ensure that should an emergency arise, they are well supplied and well prepared.
About Author:
Be prepared for emergencies, like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, winter storms, tornados, and pandemic flu. Visit the HurricaneStore.com for medical kits, hurricane supplies and emergency medical kits.