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Monday, June 1, 2009

Happy Anniversary to Us! And some prizes for you...***UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED

It's our one year anniversary here at Safely Gathered In, and we're celebrating by having a week of giveaways!! Come back often this week and check out our daily prize.


Today's giveaway is a Crank Powered 12v Cell Phone Charger from Survival Outpost- perfect for your car kit or your 72-hour kits. This small, lightweight charger can provide power to more than just your phone - it can be used for a PDA, iPod, GPS receiver, and pretty much anything else that uses a cigarette-lighter adapter. Very handy! I know I wouldn't want to be caught in the middle of nowhere with a dead cell phone - especially in an emergency!

All you have to do to enter this giveaway is leave a comment on this post telling us the status of your 72-hour kits. Are they completed? Halfway done? Not even started?? (FYI - next week we'll be gathering the 72-hour kits step-by-step here on our blog, so it's ok if you don't have yours done yet. You can follow along with us!)

One comment per person, please. This giveaway ends at 10am tomorrow, EST, (June 2) and the winner will be announced tomorrow morning before our next giveaway.

SurvivalOutpost.com is an Austin-based on-line business specializing in Preparedness Supplies and Survival Equipment for individuals, families and businesses. The SurvivalOutpost.com philosophy is to balance reason with readiness, and to encourage knowledge, independence and self-sufficiency as tools to survive in an increasingly uncertain, unpredictable and interdependent world.

Thanks to Survival Outpost for sponsoring this great giveaway!

One year ago: Welcome to our blog!

141 comments:

Alyosha said...

We still just have a pre-made 72 hour kit that's only meant for 2 people. Too bad we have three kids now.....

Amber said...

Ours our done, but not updated. I think the clothes are a bit small! And, the food may be a bit stale. With school out I can get my kids to help change it all.

Amanda said...

We've been working on ours. We've got everything but the food, which we're slowly adding to weekly.

Ashley said...

I'm about half way done, but we're having a baby soon...so I'm going to need to add more stuff.

Aubrey said...

We've been working on ours for a long time. We have some things completed and some things that are not...I'm excited about you guys doing 72 hour kits again. I've been waiting

Anonymous said...

My husband and I put ours together...but since then I've been rummaging through them. The contents are currently all over our closet floor....

gptjunk @ gmail.com

Melanie said...

Ours our done, but a few things need to be updated (some expired meds and food). Love your blog and all the info you generously share!

Fellars Family said...

Ours our done, but it is probably time to update.

Unknown said...

My wife thought I was nuts for months as I tried to build my kits. Until we lost electricity in a home that runs entirely on electricity. We bunkered in the family room next to the fireplace. She is now a believer and is more dedicated then I ever was...we are almost done!

Michelle said...

They're done, but haven't been updated in the last 18 months or so.

Anonymous said...

I just finished following following along to build our car kit. I have already pulled stuff out of it twice. Now I am excitedly waiting to start the 72h kits with you.

SydneyMin said...

Happy Anniversary! I love your blog :) We have two backpack store-bought 72 hour kits. Definitely something, but in need of additions. I just bought a Sure deodorant (less than 50 cents with a coupon) to stick in there. Hey - may as well not be stinky in an emergency!

Sheffer's said...

I haven't even started ours, but it's one of my goals for this year!

Shelly said...

We have two 72-hour kits but they need to be used up and replaced. I love this site...it's very helpful and encouraging!

Autismland Penny said...

We haven't made them yet but I plan on following along this time as hurricane season is upon us! Great blog! Happy anniversary!

Stephanie in AR said...

We need to find better backpacks - when we moved one the side seam burst. The supplies are in the house but need to be inside the packs. The plan is to finish before the end of the month.

K P said...

Our 72-hour kits are ready and waiting -- hopefully, never to be used. :)

KP
preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com

Jana said...

We have everything together except for the food. Its about halfway done, and I need to put them all together in the packs. Better than it was a few months ago!

Yart said...

I have ours started. They could definitely use some more stuff.

Anonymous said...

I just finished our 72 hour kits during general conference weekend and have one for each of us. A cell phone charger would be just the thing to complete it for sure!

WoozleMom said...

I'm excited about next week -- I really need to get started on those!

Spencer Reeve said...

They are done, but like so many others commented, they need to be updated with a little.

The Oman Family said...

Our 72 hour kits are still in the first stage (just the backpacks) for the kids. The adults have one but hasn't been looked at for a while. I am for sure going to be following you this the next few weeks!

ErikaP said...

I'm new to your blog, so I don't even know what a 72 hour kit is yet. I look forward to learning, though.

Liz said...

My husband and I have 72-hour kits from very early in our marriage. Since then we have been blessed with three additions to our family. It is much different putting together 72 hour kits for little ones who cannot carry their own! We have started, but I would LOVE to see some suggestions on better ways to accomplish this task!

Lisita said...

I haven't started ours yet but hope to soon!

Rachel said...

I haven't even started my 72 hr kit. It's still in the "in my head" stage.

Miller Family said...

I have just the food for 4, but now we are a family of 5 and I know they are in need of updating and other items. Can't wait to get started next week!

KC and DL said...

My 72 hour kits are done! Thanks to you for helping me :)

Coach Carole said...

We have our 72 hour kits ready, and with us at all times.

Mama's Boys said...

72 kits are done and by the garage door. However, my oldest son would be in sore need of clothes since we haven't swapped those out in too long. The others can wear the "hand-me-downs." :-)

utahraptors at zookee dot org

Shelane said...

We still don't have clothes in ours. Or enough water, but we have enough food to last us 3 days.

Bryce said...

Our 72 hour kit is pretty much done. I just need to get a little more organized and get it so it's easier to grab.

We Are A Happy Family said...

I need to go through mine and switch out clothes and food. Thanks for the weekly reminders. It has been a great help. I love reding the blog.

KT said...

I would say we're about 75% done. All of the "important" things are included, now we just need some of the extras that will make the 72 hrs a bit easier...

Great giveaway. Thanks!

Heidi said...

Ours are done, but we're figuring out a better storage system to make them more portable and protected from water, etc. We've got five kids, lots of bags and I want a way to more quickly gather them if needed.

Thanks! I'm hthaden at gmail dot com.

Joanna said...

I have one backpack between The Husband and I, and Little Miss has hers... that dream I had of being unready unfortunately hasn't lit much of a fire under me. It's just I hate spending money! I need to get over that if I want to be prepared.

Destiny said...

Sadly, not even started.

Sarah said...

Mine is about 3/4 done, I hope to complete it as you guys do the 72 hour kit this time around. Thanks for you help, ideas, information, and motivation to be more prepared

Emily said...

We have food and some of the non-food items but need to get everything together.

Gretchen said...

Just about half way there on our kits!

Kobie said...

Totally done! Yay!

Nicki said...

I would say we are halfway there. Your blog has really helped me think of things we need besides just food, clothes, and water.

Michael and Emily said...

Hey it is our 1st year anniversary too! Because of your website, I pretty much have our 72 hour kits done. I need to be better with the food, but everything is there and ready to go. Thanks so much!

Michelle said...

Could be better...we have most of it put together, but I still need to get things like clothes, diapers, etc. Still working on it.

Samantha said...

I have the backpacks for my kits, so I guess I have a tiny start. Glad you will be focusing on them next week! I need a kick in the butt! :)

Gretta said...

Sad to say I/we haven't even started. I would say we do have probably all the things laying around the house but just need to be placed in a backpack. Trying to get husband on board with this one he doesn't really see the need He would rather spend $$ on our 3 months of food and year supply. I think once school starts and backpacks go for 75% off I will by them then and just started adding things.

Beth said...

Started, not very far at all.

Andrea Gunnell said...

It is half way done but I think I'm going to follow along with you starting next week and make sure we complete it.

Scott Franson Photography said...

Ours are done, I think with 9/11 and the flu thing it made me nervous and anxious to feel like I did something to help us out if we needed it.
Claudia
scfranson@charter.net
www.claudiafranson.blogspot.com

Sharlyn said...

All we are missing is clothes. Other than that they are packed and ready to go.

Lisa said...

Getting them ready :)

Shayleen Lunt said...

Our 72 hour kits are minimal, but complete. I even have babies ready since I'm due in three weeks ;)
shaylenejohnson at hotmail dot com

Raysha said...

I only have a few items for our 72 hour kits. I'll definitely have to start collecting more when you do it step by step again!

The Anderson's said...

We just need to add the money and other misc items. But doing pretty good!

Carolyn said...

Our 72 hour kits are done!!! We took the time to update and rotate items this week. We also completed our Evacuation Checklists and organized our Survival supplies.
Thanks for the inspiration!

West Family said...

I got a great start last time you did them, but they are not complete. Can't wait to get them done!

Jenny said...

I am presently disabled and haven't even started to get an emergency food storage plan together, a step by step tutorial for all aspects of a basic starter food storage plan would be quite a blessing!

Nicole Ross said...

Nope, not even started yet. But will be once you start helping us next week!
Nicole

Danielle said...

As a PROcrastinator, I have not started ours yet, but I plan to soon.

ldsmom2201 at yahoo dot com
http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com
http://homeschoolunitstudies.blogspot.com

Melissa said...

We are getting close - love your blog.
thanks for the fun giveaway
ty71803@Msn.com

Coordination Queen said...

We have 2 72-hour kits completed... but we have 2.5 kids now so I probably ought to update that...

Kristy Rhodes said...

We have our 72 hour kits pretty much complete. My husband and I both have large backpacking backpacks with extra food and stuff in them. Each of our three kids have their own packs. I still have a few items to include in each of them, but I think we would survive if something happened!

Leslie said...

Ours are coming along. Mostly done, but need some updating

Christal said...

Let me just say that at this point, I'm hoping that "something is better than nothing." We have a kit put together, but the bleach I had in the basket leaked out...now we need to replace a few food items, TP, paper towels, and clothing (needed to do that anyway since baby #4!)Looking forward to next week's posts, as we could use a refresher! We DO NOT have a Crank Powered 12vCell Phone Charger! Wow! What a great addition that would be!

Julie said...

I don't a specific 72 hour kit, but I do have my emergency stuff in a container in the garage for quick pack and go.

Morgan said...

Our kits are almost completed! We've been working hard to get them done due to the tornadoes in our area! Thanks for such a wonderful site and for the giveaway as well! I tell all my friends about your site! :)

Satsuki Rebel said...

I'm a more recent follower so I don't exactly have a 72 hour anything though I AM a bargain hunter. This means I have a slightly stocked pantry anyways though I know it could still use a bit of work.

Judy/Mom said...

We have gone from a family of 10 down to just the 2 of us now. For many years we have each had a 72 hour kit. As the kids left for college, their 72 hour kit went with them. Now they and their families are scattered all over the country. They are all pretty good about keeping up with 72 hour kits for their growing families. I think it is important to them for their families because it was important to us as they were growing up. It is good for this grandma's peace of mind.

Anne said...

We've got the basics in there but need to add more food and baby supplies.

Kathy said...

They are halfway done. I just need to get stuff for my newborn baby in mine. Your site is fantastic!

Lara said...

Well we have 8 kids, plus one on the way who will be born in August. I've got everybody's kit done, even the new baby's, except for food. I am having a hard time figuring out how to do food for our family. The kids' backpacks don't really have room for 72 hours worth of food, and I don't think they could ration it correctly on their own. So I am trying to think of a good way to pack up all the food our whole family would need for 72 hours, that is still portable in case we are leaving on foot! A pioneer handcart would be nice!! I think I'm missing a couple of pairs of shoes too!

Donna said...

I have been working on mine for a while now. I've always had something to show, but never have had them all complete. That has been my goal this year was to complete & update all of them. We have 11 kids and a grandma! So that's 14 packs!! Whew!!! Wish me luck!

The Powers Family said...

I am looking forward to putting it together following along with your blog week by week. Thank you so much for all your help!
Kim

Lynn said...

WE updated ours last October during conference. They SURE needed updating! I pulled out baby bottles, formula, and diapers! The baby is 11 years old this summer. LOL!
It sure feels good to have them updated and ready. We even updated some of the equipment to the newer modern stuff. Awwww.....peace in my heart at last. : D

Unknown said...

Have just started Our 72 hour kits. Thanks for all the helpful info!

SHILLIG4FAMILY said...

ours are done :)

MelanieJ said...

We have the ones in the #10 cans that I need to go through.

The Holdaway's said...

Being new to your blog, I think our 72 hr kits are mostly complete, but I'm sure I'm missing something - looking forward to the week by week details of the kits!

Aleasha said...

we are in mid-process!!!!

Jamie said...

I have 4 out of the 5 completed. The completed ones need to be redone and brought to date.

MDawg said...

I am in the process of completing our 72 hour kits. I look forward to next week when you start over again so I can get them finished. Thanks!

Keri said...

Mine is kind of in a shambles. I'll be honest: I just stuck things in there when it occurred to me that they might be useful to have. Looking forward to cleaning it out soon.

Barbara said...

I am just getting started. Have a great backpack and a couple of items. I'll be glad to work on it for the next few weeks. Thanks for all your hard work.

silvercityranch said...

We have everything in the kit except for canned heat. And we dont' keep the ax & shovel in the house but are easily accessible.

Anonymous said...

I don't live in a disaster prone area, so I've been putting off my 72 hour kit until last. I'll be interested in learning more about them!

Tiffany -- the mommy said...

Not finished but still working on our 72-hour kits!!!

Kerri said...

Our 72 hour kits were up to snuff in 2000. We only had a 2 year old and a 9 month old then. We have added two more kids since then. I am so excited that you are starting the 72 hour kit step by step this week. I am starting with you and am determined to get things in order!

Andrea :) said...

Ours are done, but the food needs to be updated. It's probably stale and hard as a rock. I'm so looking forward to the step by step instructions!

Renman said...

Mine is pretty much done, but I need to update the food, as it has gone bad.

Shannon said...

We really need to add to and update ours! Thanks for the giveaway!

Brooke said...

We have just started. Right now we offically have backpacks for the entire family and some odds and ends to put together! I look forward to getting started with your weekly assignments.

Dan and Melissa said...

Ours is mostly done, but has been sitting so long it now needs to be updated!

Jennifer said...

We have one pre-made 72-hour kit backpack per person....but need to go back and add a few specific items that weren't included.

Heather said...

The kits for our family cover the basics for surviving 72 hrs.

~Pam said...

done but should probably update again soon!

Jennie said...

We have something called a "go bag" in our car that includes a change of clothes for everyone, batteries and a bottle of water for everyone (our family of 6). I am very eager to see what we can add to it.

I just last week found your site through Moneysavingmom.com. I'm enjoying it!

Mary said...

We're almost done with ours, so I'm looking forward to the last final push to finish them through your blog. I love you site and have recommended it to many friends. You rock!

Anonymous said...

Fancy!

The Mergenthaler Family said...

Our 72-hour kit is all together, but hasn't been updated in a year. I'm sure the clothes we have for our children are small and out of date. The snacks and food could use rotating too. I feel a summer project coming on . . .

Katie said...

we have ours pretty well put together, just updated at conference time. yay!

Kevin and Naomi Barton said...

I am new to these things but have already started getting mine ready and looking forward to having it finished

Tattoo Jim said...

Thanks to you help,. ours is now complete....

nanci said...

Ours are still a work in progress - close but need to add some medications and check clothing sizes. The car kits are complete.

Love your blog! Thanks for all the great recipes and hints.

momof6 said...

Ours are a work in progress! The biggest thing we need to gather right now is a change of clothes for everyone.

Gen-IL Homesteader said...

Happy Anniversary! Thanks for a chance to win some fun giveaways! Our kits are about 90% done. Just a few things to add, but we'd be pretty okay if we had to use them right now. Thanks!

MelTheo said...

Happy Anniversary! Ours are good to go - but I think I need to re-visit them and make sure the supplies haven't expired. They were a gift from our in-laws a couple of years ago and haven't been looked at since!

staceyk said...

Ours are started, but no where near done. Yikes!
snakan0(at)hotmail(dot)com

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

Happy Birthday! So glad you started up this blog. It sure answers a lot of questions and motivates me to keep on working on my storage. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Svedi Pie said...

We've started it - but need to finish it :)

Britanie said...

I found your blog just as you started the last round of car emergency kits and have put two together for our vehicles and I'm super excited to begin the 72-hour kit rotation. This is a great way for me to become prepared in a way that isn't emotionally, physically or financially exhausting and I'm so grateful for it!

Brandi said...

Ours are put together, but it's past time to change things out. I need to get that done!

Heather said...

We have a 72-hour kit, but it's been so long since we've even looked at it that I know it wouldn't keep a family of four!

MMW said...

thanks to your program on SGI, we are up to date. woo hoo. Thanks so much.

Rebecca said...

My husband and I have 72 hour kits that need to be changed out. We do not have anything for our baby boy, though...need to get on that!

QDman said...

One per car.

Camille said...

I am still working on my 72 hour kit....it is a work in progress!! This would be great to add to it though!

Wilken Family... Mary, Dave, Andrew & Emily said...

My 72 hour kit is in sad shape! Glad you'll be working on it next week, and I REALLY enjoy your blog!

Celeste said...

ours was complete, until we added two babies to the fam

Anonymous said...

I am new to your blog! I am just getting started on the kits, and growing my food storage. I can't thank you enough for the guides and the recipes!
Wendy at whuffdsm@yahoo.com

debbieo said...

When I found your blog I actually had my 72 hours kits done and was working on my 1 year. Still working on it. I have a 72 hr kit for all five of us and car kits.
Thank you for your blog.
Mrs. Olson

Jessica Anderson said...

We have all our stuff for our 72 hour kit... it's just still spread out all over our house ;-) I need to be better at it. But this would be a great addition.

LeighSabey said...

Our 72 hour kits are done but I have yet to take the final step of moving them from our upstairs bedroom to our coat closet near the front door!

Kelsey said...

My 72 hour kits are done...but need updating. I guess I can pull the diapers out since my little girl has been potty trained for over a year!

Erin S said...

Thanks to you, our 72-hour kits are finished. Yeah! I just started reading your fabulous blog last month and you have really inspired me. Thank you so much!

Becca said...

Hi! I found your blog through a friend about 4 months ago. I've not thought much about food storage or preparedness until I had a nightmare two weeks ago. There was a natural disaster here in the Bay Area and everything was in chaos. We ran out of food and water. I couldn't feed my family and I felt pretty helpless. I normally don't wake up from dreams, but this one made me sit up. Although, I haven't started my 72-hour kit (Safely Gathered In) version, I check in daily to get inspired. I bought my first order of food storage from the cannery. Thanks for all the knowledge. It will take me one bite at a time, but I'll sleep better at night. I did have a question, but I will ask later, since this comment is way too long already.

Lara said...

We have most of the stuff but not put together in a grab-and-go kit. I keep telling myself I need to do that, but haven't yet! What am I waiting for?!

Shenna said...

Kits are about 90% done! Thanks for the website!!

Lindsey said...

Status: needs to be updated. Haven't looked at it in over a year. :(

The Browns said...

We came upon your blog in the middle of your last 72-hour kit step-by-step. We've got a good start and plan on following along.

Denise B said...

Cool giveaway! Happy anniversary!de

Kristi said...

Ours is in desperate need of updating . . . since we did it for 2 before having a baby . . . and our baby's now 17 months old.

Megan said...

We're just getting started with our 72-hour kits. We've been bad at food storage, but have been very inspired to get moving! Thanks for this blog!

Kathy said...

Congrats to you on 1 year!! We are not working on 72 hour kits right now. Trying to finish our 3 month supply and then will turn our attention and resources to finishing our kits. Thanks for the giveaway!

Shannon said...

Our 72 hour kits are about a third of the way there. I just rotated all of the food items in them, and am in the middle of updating a few things. (Baby doesn't need size 3 diapers anymore...) Congrats on one year! Thanks for the fun giveaway!

Valerie Wilson said...

Our kits are mostly done! Just need to add a little more for breakfasts and snacks, oh yes, and put back the sweat pants I took out to use recently!

Trying Traditional said...

started, but not quite done. I'm looking forward to your posts next week to finish it up.

Christina said...

I have collected some items for a 72 hour kit, but I am not organized with it. I need to make a list of what I have, because right now I don't even know.
I am excited to finish collecting when you start you 72 hr kit next week. And to see what your ideas are to have in the lit.

Evelyn said...

Our 72 hour kits are good to go food-wise, but not equipped with extras like first aid kits, blankets, etc. We also need 2 more bottles of water to complete the water part.

Carol said...

I need to work on ours. I took them apart a couple of years ago and never got them back together. I need to replace the food and the change of clothes. I need motivation!

Diann @ The thrifty Groove said...

We have ours all together I am happy to say! yay us!