Emergencies Happen When You Least Expect Them
Disasters happen, and it's your job to make sure your family is ready. 72-hour-kits are an important part of that preparation. Designed to be taken with you in case you have to evacuate in an emergency, it's like having your gear ready for a camping trip that could happen any time, any day.
Water
The absolute most important need to take care of in your 72-hour-kit is for clean drinking water. Disasters of all kinds tend to interrupt fresh water supplies. During Hurricane Katrina, babies and children actually died of dehydration due to the lack of uncontaminated water. You need a minimum of one gallon per day, per person for drinking, sanitation, and food preparation. Aim to have your first day's supply of water in the kit, and include some method of water purification as well. Make sure you have at least a two week's supply of fresh water in your home. The best way to do this is to buy a clean 50 gallon drum and fill it with fresh water and a teaspoon of bleach making sure to change the water every six months to keep it fresh. Alternatively, you can use old soda bottles that you've cleaned out, but avoid using old milk jugs- they break down too quickly and are not good for long-term storage. To keep the water clean and free of bacteria, add a few drops of bleach before closing up the bottles.
Other Stuff to Include...
Once you've taken care of your water supply, you can turn your attention to other parts of the 72-hour-kit. You'll want to include a rudimentary shelter, sleeping bags, clothing, some food... again, think camping gear. Don't forget important supplies specific to your family's needs, like diapers, formula, medicines, or spare glasses or contacts. Try to think of anything you wouldn't be able to do without for a week.