72 Hour Kit Calorie Calculator for Emergency Planning

When you are preparing a 72-hour kit for emergency situations, you need to pay special attention to the calorie counts of the food items in the kit. Calories are the energy that the body requires in order to perform basic functions. Many people feel as if a few cans of food and some energy bars would be sufficient for a 72-hour kit.

However, a 72-hour kit must contain a specific number of calories according to the energy of the individuals who will be utilizing that kit. Without correctly calculating and providing the proper amount of calories for the individual, they may begin to feel as if their bodies is crashing due to not receiving enough energy. In order to calculate the necessary calories for a 72-hour kit, one must first calculate the body weight of the individual.

Plan Food and Calories for a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

An average adult that weighs 170 pounds burns around 2,200 calories per day. Children require fewer calories then adults due to their smaller body size, but just as with adults, their bodies requires some form of fuel in order to remain resilient. An individual’s physical activity level also plays a major role in the number of calories that they burn.

For instance, individuals that are hauling gear will burn more calories than those that are not. The multiplier for physical activity is 1.28 or higher; thus, a kit created for an individual that dont often perform physical activities will not provide enough calories for those that are often active. Another factor that can impact the calorie needs of an individual is the climate.

In cold climates, individuals will burn more calories because their bodies must burn more energy in order to produce the amount of heat necessary to fight the threat of hypothermia. In these cases, the individual need should add 12 percent to the total number of calories. Another factor that can impact an individual is the elevation at which they are located.

Higher elevations requires the body to burn more calories in order to breathe adequate amounts of oxygen. At elevations above 5,000 feet, an individual will burn 7 percent more calories. An individual can also factor into their calorie calculation the format of the food.

For instance, dense food bars contain more calories per pound than MRE pouches. Additionally, because dense food bars are typically lightweight, individuals often include them in the necessary 72-hour kit to carry. However, you must also calculate the weight of the food in addition to the number of calories that they contain.

The weight of the food should be under 25 pounds for a family of four unless the kit is to be kept within a vehicle. Another must calculate 15 percent extra calories for the kit to account for unexpected changes in the duration of the emergency. In the case that an emergency lasts for longer than three days, or if an individual refuses to eat certain foods, this 15 percent buffer will ensure that the individual has enough calories to last them through these unexpected scenarios.

Many individuals will make mistakes when calculating the number of calories that are necessary for the 72-hour kit. One of the most common is underestimating the energy needs of an individual during an emergency situation. Even if an individual is sheltering in place during an emergency situation, they still require calories to perform tasks and to remain vigilant for any potential emergencies.

Additionally, cold climates will increase the number of calories that an individual burns due to the bodys requirement of burning additional energy for heat production. Thus, if an individual is to be prepared for cold weather scenarios, their calorie totals must be increased. When creating a 72-hour kit, individuals should base the food on the hardest day possible rather than the easiest day possible.

Finally, when creating a 72-hour kit, an individual should also consider the type of food that is to be included. Because the food may lie in an emergency kit for many years, it is essential that the items have a long shelf life. Additionally, including a variety of food can help to maintain the morale of the individuals who are consuming the food.

This is especially true of children who require a variety of food. The total weight of the 72-hour kit must remain under 25 pounds for a family of four, unless the kit is to remain within a vehicle. Finally, another option is for an individual to eat only the food that is contained within the 72-hour kit for a day to ensure that the number of calories and the type of food included are able to meet the needs of an individual.

It is actualy important to check the expiration dates too. You should of checked your kits more regulary. Most people dont realize how alot of food is needed.

If your preparing for a disaster, dont forget the furnitures. One of teh most important parts is making sure its easy to carry. If you’re kit is too heavy, you wont be able to move it comfortabley.

A kit should be based off the needs of your family. You should also consider if the kit fits in a small space. This is more important than most people think.

If the kit is too big, it might not fit in a car. Make sure the food is nutritious. You’ll want to make sure you have enough food for everyone.

A good kit should be ready to go at any time. This is a luxurios thing to have when things go wrong. Make sure you check the kit every year.

It is naturaly important to stay prepared. Always remember to check your food items.