Emergency Kit

This list originated on the Glenn Beck web site as a 72-hour emergency kit.  I intend to update it to reflect five days (120 hours) instead of three, and there are other differences as well, but the original still stands as an excellent starting point.

Food and Water

(A three day supply of food and water, per person, when no refrigeration or cooking is available)

• Protein/Granola Bars
• Trail Mix/Dried Fruit
• Crackers/Cereals (for munching)
• Canned Tuna, Beans, Turkey, Beef, Vienna Sausages, etc ("pop-top" cans that open without a can-opener are ideal)
• Canned Juice
• Candy/Gum
• Water (1 Gallon/4 Liters Per Person)

Bedding and Clothing

• Change of Clothing (short and long sleeved shirts, pants, jackets, socks, etc.)
• Undergarments
• Rain Coat/Poncho
• Blankets and Emergency Heat Blanks (that keep in warmth)
• Cloth Sheet
• Plastic Sheet

Fuel and Light

• Battery Lighting (Flashlights, Lamps, etc.) Don't forget batteries!
• Extra Batteries
• Flares
• Candles
• Lighter
• Water-Proof Matches

Equipment

• Can Opener
• Dishes/Utensils
• Shovel
• Radio (with batteries!)
• Pen and Paper
• Axe
• Pocket Knife
• Rope

Personal Supplies and Medication

• First Aid Supplies
• Toiletries (roll of toilet paper- remove the center tube to easily flatten into a zip-lock bag, feminine hygiene, folding brush, etc.)
• Cleaning Supplies (mini hand sanitizer, soap, shampoo, dish soap, etc.)
• Immunizations Up-to Date
• Medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, children's medication etc.)
• Prescription Medication (for 3 days)

Personal Documents and Money

(Place these items in a water-proof container!)

• Scriptures
• Genealogy Records
• Legal Documents (Birth/Marriage Certificates, Wills, Passports, Contracts, etc)
• Vaccination Papers
• Insurance Policies
• Cash
• Credit Card
• Pre-Paid Phone Cards

Miscellaneous

• Bag(s) to put 72 Hour Kit items in (such as duffel bags or back packs, which work great) Make sure you can lift/carry it!
• Infant Needs (if applicable)

Notes:

1. Update your 72 Hour Kit every six months (put a note in your calendar/planner) to make sure that: all food, water, and medication is fresh and has not expired; clothing fits; personal documents and credit cards are up to date; and batteries are charged.
2. Small toys/games are important too as they will provide some comfort and entertainment during a stressful time.
3. Older children can be responsible for their own pack of items/clothes too.
4. You can include any other items in your 72 Hour Kit that you feel are necessary for your family's survival.

Well and Pump Problems

Is the pump short-cycling or running more than usual?

The problem could be with the check valve, meaning the water in the holding tank - and the house - is draining back into the ground, or with the bladder in the holding tank, meaning the tank can't maintain proper water pressure in the system.

1. Shut off the house water from either the water main or the water softener valve.
2. Shut down the pump at the circuit breaker to prevent the pump from burning out.

Either of these problems will require professional repair.

Is the pump not running at all?

1. Check the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the grey cover from the solenoid out at the pump / wellhead and check that the switch is able to open and close properly.  For some reason, the switch sticks in cold weather.  Also, the ants love to gather around the switch.  Either way, the switch gets stuck in the "closed" position and the pump eventually shuts itself down to prevent it from burning out.
3. If the switch is stuck "closed", turn off the pump at the circuit breaker and then use a screwdriver to pry the switch back open.  It may take several tries.  The first time or two, the switch will re-close on its own.  Eventually, though, the switch will stay open and you will be back in normal operation.  If you want to save some time in exchange for some additional risk, leave the circuit breaker on and use an insulated screwdriver.  Just keep in mind, you're dealing with a 220V, 30A circuit, which could cause some discomfort if not treated with respect. 
4. If the pump has power and the switch is opening and closing freely, does the pump turn on when you force the switch closed?  If so, the problem is likely with the pressure sensor not closing the switch when the pressure in the holding tank gets low.  Use a crescent wrench to adjust the pressure sensor by turning the retaining nuts on the spring-loaded pressure sensor bolts.  On most switches, the tall bolt is the "turn on" pressure and the short bolt is the "turn off" pressure, but check to be sure that this is really the case; assumption is not your friend here.
5. If the pump does not turn on when you force the switch closed, this problem will require professional assistance.

Is the water pressure not correct, or does it vary wildly?

The problem is most likely with the bladder in the holding tank.  The bladder is filled with water from the pump, and has pressurized air between it and the metal of the tank, which is what maintains the pressure between pump cycles.

1. Use a tire pressure guage to check the air pressure in the holding tank.  The pressure should be approximately 22psi.
2. Add or remove air if necessary, but this should not be a common, frequent event.

If the tank is not holding air properly, it will most likely need to be replaced.  Professional repair is highly recommended.

Is your problem not covered here?

Use Google to check for clues or call for professional assistance.