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After a disaster, you will need a way to protect yourself from the elements. Staying warm and dry is imperative to your survival. Of course, it’s impossible to predict whether you’ll be facing the heat of summer or the cold of winter — you need to plan for both. You might even find yourself dealing with pouring rain or hail.
It’s likely that you’ll be traveling to some sort of shelter after a disaster, but there could be a short time when you are not protected, especially if you find yourself evacuating by foot.
At a minimum, we suggest everyone have a poncho, emergency blanket, and tube tent in their 72-hour kit for warmth and shelter.
The Red Cross, and other emergency response agencies, typically set up shelters in strategic locations after a disaster to aid survivors. Many churches also respond by opening their doors to survivors. However, you might have to travel several miles to find shelter.
What If You Don’t Want to Go to a Shelter
Some people choose to avoid shelters, for various reasons. For example, most shelters do not allow pets and you might not want to leave your pet at home. Some people also feel they are safer away from large groups of people and do not want to deal with the possible chaos. You’ll have to make the best choice for you and your family.
If you don’t want to go to a shelter after a disaster, you may want to invest a little more money in the warmth and shelter portion of your 72-hour kit. This could mean packing more blankets and a sturdier backpacking tent. Just keep in mind that this means you’ll have a heavier pack. Backpacking tents are heavier and bulkier than tube tents.
What to Pack in Your 72-Hour Kit
The following is a checklist of items to put in your 72-hour kit for warmth and shelter. The must-have items are in bold.
- Poncho
- Emergency Blanket
- Tube Tent
- Fire-Starting Supplies
- Hand Warmers
- Mylar Sleeping Bag
- Mini Umbrella
- Wool Socks
- Sturdy Shoes
- Change of Clothes
Do you have any other suggestions for warmth and shelter in your 72-hour kit? Let us know in the comments below.