Although you can purchase pre-made 72-hour Emergency Kits, there is an alternative method if your finances are in a crunch. Here is a monthly installment plan based on 2 people:

JANUARY
Acquire storage container(s) – back packs, foot locker, suitcase, 5-gallon buckets, etc.

FEBRUARY
1. Flashlight (or 2 mini-flashlights) and batteries
2. 4 to 6 (8 ounce) boxes liquid milk
3. One change of clothing per person
4. Water purification tablets or bleach

MARCH
1. Trash bags (minimum 2)
2. 2 cans (about 5-7 ounces each) canned meat (tuna, chicken, ham, jerky, or beef sticks)
3. 1 roll toilet paper
4. 2 pocket packages facial tissue

APRIL
1. 2 pounds crackers (crackers with peanut butter or cheese, graham crackers, pretzels, etc.)
2. Can opener
3. 2 gallons water
4. First aid kit

MAY
1. 1-1/2 to 2 pounds dried fruit
2. Bar of soap or bottle of liquid soap
3. 1/2 of emergency cash desired + phone money (coins)
4. List of emergency phone numbers/addresses

JUNE
1. 12 (8 ounce) boxes of juice
2. Radio and batteries
3. Emergency blanket
4. Scriptures

JULY
1. Hard candy and/or gum
2. Candles and waterproof matches
3. Bleach or other disinfectant
4. Consecrated oil

AUGUST
1. 18 ounce jar peanut butter
2. Sleeping bags or bed rolls
3. Hatchet
4. Plastic drop cloth or tarp

SEPTEMBER
1. 8 servings of fruit roll-ups, fun fruits or individual canned fruit
2. Stress release materials (coloring books, crayons, books, pen, pencil, paper, toys, games, etc.)
3. Remainder of emergency cash desired
4. Travel sewing kit

OCTOBER
1. Rope or cord
2. Baking soda
3. First-aid manual
4. Paper cups or 2 collapsible cups

NOVEMBER
1. Copy of legal documents
2. Wet wipes
3. Feminine needs
4. Towel and washcloth

DECEMBER
1. Plasticware
2. Infant needs
3. Specialized health needs
4. Paper towels

Related posts:

1. Food in a 72-Hour Kit
2. 72 Hour Kits
3. Preparing for Disaster
4. Mormon Canneries and Self-Reliance
5. Emergency Preparedness and Survival Preparation