72 hour kits - Rotation

Rotating your items becomes even more important with children due to their growth rates. In 6 months it’s possible to have everything in your kit become obsolete if you’re not careful. But rotating clothing and items is a difficult task. Here are some tips for rotating:

—       Pack for rotation

·        Put the items you need to rotate at the top of the pack so you don’t have to unpack the entire thing to change out their clothes or diapers (this works as well with the items you think you’ll need first –first aid kit or a teddy or pacifier)

·        Categorize things into Ziploc bags – just pack the new bag and remove the old one, food or clothing. This is also helpful in the pacific northwest for waterproofing.

·        Pack 2 sizes to big – you won’t have to rotate as frequently. Besides you can wear something that’s too big but good luck squeezing your screaming child into an outfit that's too small.

—       When – remembering to do it is another huge obstacle – because it’s like we really have that much free time on our hands?

·        Set an appointment – treat it like the dentist. Right after you finish rotating or building it pick your date 6 months or a year from then and set an alarm for it (if you use your phone), and mark it on your calendar

·        Reward yourselves when its finished

·        Race a friend - be sure to set a deadline

·        Be accountable – post it on face book with your deadline, report to friends, if you keep it to yourself it won't happen

·        Host a kit party – each family brings their kits and up-dated food and clothing (or if just starting assign supplies to each family that they bring for the entire group) share the food from everyone’s kits (if it’s still edible) and enjoy each others company and maybe watch a disaster movie (age appropriate)

·        Use holiday’s as a reminder

o       Christmas – updated section for christmas present, or make one if they don't already have one. I've had numerous grandparents tell me this is their gift for their grandkids.

o       Halloween – an excuse to stash a bit of their candy away from their mouths

o       April fool’s day- You’d be fool to be caught unprepared

o       Religious observances (conferences, holiday’s – Passover)

o       Disaster weekend (we’ll get to that in a bit)

o       September is preparedness month for FEMA (see ready kids)