First Step

BOX 1
The 72 Hour Kit
A 72 hour kit, is just that, a kit that will help you exist for 3 days, no more. This is not lavish, or even to make things comfortable per se. This is more a kit that is able to travel with you even on foot there fore, light weight, and efficiently packed. It is used in an emergency that one could expect to be in a better position within a day or two. It will not cover things for extremes, just the basics to survive. Most times people that actually need their 72 hour kits, usually only end up using them for a day or two. But there are exceptions to this, and we must always keep this in mind, light weight, high nutrition, and protection from the elements.
LIST:
Backpack:
Although there may be other things that could hold these items, there is NO better choice then a backpack. With this 13 step system, it is box number 1. If you were only able to grab box 1, then your situation was fast acting, and an extreme situation, most likely meaning you have no vehicle, or will not have one available for long. It must be transportable being carried, and I cannot imagine anyone being happy packing around a plastic tote through the terrain that may be traversed, by city or country folk of any kind.
Water:
Water is the most important survival item in any list. We all hear that we should drink 8 glasses a day, 8 oz, 8 times a day. It is an easy calculation to remember. In reality though, it is actually recommended that men drink 13 glasses, and women 9 glasses. Keeping in mind though that almost all things we eat have water in them, and are included in this figure. The basic rule is that you want to produce at least 6 cups of clear, or slightly yellow urine a day. And rarely if ever feel thirsty. If so, you are drinking enough. Now that being said, water can be one of the most difficult to consider when getting your 72 hour kit together. It is heavy and bulky. But there are ways around this for most people in most areas. Obviously, you can pack bottles or sacks of water. But again this can be heavy. So having a good water filter and water purification tablets are also a great idea. Also understanding how to purify water with fire as well. Bleach can be used as well. Now of course lugging a bottle of bleach around puts us in the same situation of water, it is heavy and bulky. I came across an incredible idea. Powdered bleach! Yes, there is such a thing. It is called calcium Hypochlorite. Sounds complicated, but ahh, the marketers in corporations have come to the rescue and called it something far more simple someone simple like me J It is called “pool shock” by most companies. Calcium hypochlorite is widely available for use and is WAY BETTER then common household bleach. It destroys a larger variety of disease causing organisms including bacteria, yeast, fungus, spores and viruses. Calcium Hypochlorite comes in tablets or white powder. It is also superior because it lasts way longer. Most people, including me, do not realize that liquid bleach from the grocery store has a shelf life of only 6 months! So if you have stores of bleach older than six months, start using it to get rid of it, and replace it with powder. Instructions for use are simple. To make liquid bleach dissolve 1 heaping teaspoon about a quarter of an ounce of 78% granular calcium hypochlorite for each two gallons of water. That is it. Now to disinfect water with this bleach add one part chlorine solution (bleach) to 100 parts of water. Let sit for at least half an our hour before drinking to allow the chemicals to kill the unwanted creatures in your drinking water. If you get nothing else for water purification get this. If you are looking at filtering dirty water, I would add cotton balls, or coffee filters to your kit to get the big dirt pieces out. Then sterilize your water with your bleach concentrate. There are many people that talk about boiling your water as well. This may be a good idea, but it takes a lot of time, and a lot of fuel resources. This will depend on your situation. Although if you are looking into purifying salt water (ocean water) steam capture may be your only option.
Protein/Granola Bars:
Although I am a huge advocate of making your own protein/granola bars. 72 hour kits are not the time to use them. Homemade food items are always superior when it comes to health and nutrition. It contains less sugars, fats, and preservatives. But this is one situation when the downfalls in manufactured foods become an advantage. Extra sugars, and fats are something you will want plenty of when you have limited food resources. And preservatives will save you having to rotate your 72 hour kit food supplies every couple of days. When you are purchasing your bars for you kit do keep in mind what you are trying to accomplish. As many calories, vitamins, and minerals as you can possibly pack in a small food item. So read your labels and purchase the best you can. Remember you are trying to not only survive, but to obtain as much nutrition as you can get to thrive even when having to burn a lot of calories walking, working, and staying warm. Look for additions of vitamin d, c, calcium, higher carbohydrate counts, and whole grains. Meal replacement bars and high protein bars are superior to granola bars you would find for school or work lunches.
More coming...

Welcome

Well, at long last! Canadian Patriot has finally started her webpage. Thank you to everyone for your patience. I plan on making this an interactive, thought filled learning site. This will be written to try and help all those who are new to prepping, or old hats in the game. I welcome you all!
If you have just stumbled across this site or had someone recommend it. Welcome! Let me Introduce myself. I am the host of The Family Prepper Hour. I go by the handle Canadian Patriot, or CP for short you can find my show at www.thewatchmen.fm I am on the air Monday through Friday 1-2 pacific each week. There we discuss all things family and prep. It is a call in show, and your calls are always welcome! Questions, suggestions or observations are greatly appreciated by me, and my listeners. This is a great show, and an incredible network. Unlike being available only on your am or fm dial, The Watchmen is totally interactive with live chat, where hosts and other listeners can interact