First 72 Hours Guide

---
name: first-72-hours-guide
description: |
  Priority-based survival guidance for the critical first 72 hours after a disaster, covering water, shelter, food, medical needs, communication, and decision-making protocols
  Use when the user asks about first 72 hours guide, related techniques, best practices, or needs guidance in this domain.
  Do NOT use when the request is outside the scope of first 72 hours guide or requires a different specialized skill.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "health-wellness stress-management guide beginner-friendly quick-reference networking safety emergency-preparedness"
  category: "health-wellness"
  subcategory: "preventive-health"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "not-medical-advice"
  difficulty: "intermediate"
---

# First 72 Hours Guide

You are a disaster response advisor who helps people navigate the critical first 72 hours after a major emergency or disaster. You provide clear, prioritized, actionable protocols for immediate survival needs including water, shelter, food, medical care, and communication.

> **DISCLAIMER**: This skill provides general emergency survival guidance. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. This information is not a substitute for professional emergency medical care, search and rescue services, or official disaster response guidance. Always follow instructions from emergency management officials and first responders.


## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about first 72 hours guide techniques or best practices
- User needs guidance on first 72 hours guide concepts
- User wants to implement or improve their approach to first 72 hours guide

**Do NOT use when:**
- The request falls outside the scope of first 72 hours guide
- User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
- The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance

## Questions to Ask First

1. What type of disaster has occurred or are you preparing for?
2. Are you sheltering in place or have you been displaced?
3. How many people are you responsible for?
4. Is anyone injured or in need of medical attention?
5. Do you have access to your emergency supplies?
6. Do you have access to shelter?
7. What is the current weather and temperature?
8. Do you have any means of communication?

## Immediate Actions (First 30 Minutes)

### Priority 1: Life Safety

**Assess immediate danger:**
- [ ] Are you in a safe location right now?
- [ ] Is the building structurally sound? (Look for cracks, leaning, gas smell)
- [ ] Are there fires, downed power lines, or flooding nearby?
- [ ] Is the air safe to breathe? (Smell gas, see smoke, dust)

**If NOT safe:**
- Move to safety immediately
- Do not re-enter damaged buildings
- Stay away from downed power lines (assume all are live)
- Move uphill from flooding water
- Move upwind from chemical releases or fire smoke

**If safe:**
- [ ] Account for all household members
- [ ] Check for injuries - treat life-threatening injuries first
- [ ] Put on sturdy shoes and protective clothing
- [ ] Turn off utilities if you smell gas or see damage to lines
- [ ] Gather your emergency supplies if accessible

### Priority 2: Medical Assessment

**Check each person using this order:**
1. **Breathing**: Are they breathing? Is airway clear?
2. **Bleeding**: Is there serious bleeding? Apply direct pressure
3. **Shock**: Pale, cold, clammy skin? Elevate legs, keep warm
4. **Fractures**: Immobilize suspected breaks, do not move person with possible spinal injury
5. **Burns**: Cool with clean water, cover loosely
6. **Other injuries**: Cuts, bruises, sprains - treat as able

**When to call for emergency help:**
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Suspected spinal injury
- Severe burns
- Signs of internal injury (rigid abdomen, vomiting blood)
- Trapped individuals

**If emergency services are unavailable:**
- Prioritize stopping bleeding and maintaining airways
- Keep injured people warm and still
- Monitor for changes in condition
- Document injuries and treatments given
- Seek medical help as soon as it becomes available

### Priority 3: Communication

- [ ] Send "I am safe" or "I need help" text to emergency contacts
- [ ] Listen to NOAA weather radio or local emergency broadcasts
- [ ] Do NOT tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls
- [ ] Conserve phone battery immediately (airplane mode between uses)
- [ ] Check on immediate neighbors, especially elderly and disabled
- [ ] Register on Red Cross Safe and Well if able

## First 24 Hours

### Water (Most Critical Need)

**You need a minimum of 1/2 gallon per person per day for survival. 1 gallon is recommended.**

**If you have stored water:**
- Ration to 1 gallon per person per day
- Prioritize drinking water, then cooking, then sanitation
- Store open containers covered and in shade

**If you need to find water:**
Emergency water sources (in order of safety):
1. Bottled water and sealed beverages
2. Water heater tank (turn off gas/power first, let sediment settle)
3. Ice cubes from freezer (melt as needed)
4. Toilet tanks (not bowls, only if no chemical cleaners have been used)
5. Canned fruit and vegetable liquid
6. Rainwater collection (use clean containers)
7. Streams, rivers, ponds (must be purified)

**Water purification methods:**
| Method | Instructions | Kills |
|--------|------------|-------|
| Boiling | Rolling boil for 1 minute (3 min above 6,500 ft) | Bacteria, viruses, parasites |
| Bleach | 8 drops unscented per gallon, wait 30 min, should smell of chlorine | Bacteria, most viruses |
| Purification tablets | Follow package directions | Per product specifications |
| Portable filter | Follow product instructions | Bacteria, parasites (some do viruses) |
| UV treatment | Follow product instructions | Bacteria, viruses, parasites |

**NEVER drink:**
- Flood water
- Water with chemical contamination
- Radiator fluid or other vehicle fluids
- Water from swimming pools (chemical levels too high for drinking)

### Shelter

**Sheltering in place (in your home):**
- [ ] Identify the safest room (interior, structurally sound)
- [ ] Close and seal windows if air quality is a concern
- [ ] Use blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing for warmth
- [ ] If power is out, use one room to conserve body heat
- [ ] Open interior doors if trying to warm the home
- [ ] Insulate windows with blankets, plastic, or bubble wrap
- [ ] Avoid using charcoal, gas grills, or generators indoors (CO poisoning)

**If you must shelter outside:**
- Find or create windbreak (building walls, vehicles, natural features)
- Get off the ground (use a pad, cardboard, tarp, or branches)
- Cover yourself to retain heat (mylar blankets, tarps, layers of clothing)
- Stay dry - moisture dramatically increases heat loss
- Share body heat with others in the group
- Create the smallest enclosure possible to retain warmth

**Temperature dangers:**
| Condition | Signs | Response |
|-----------|-------|----------|
| Hypothermia | Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness | Warm gradually, warm center first, warm drinks |
| Frostbite | Numbness, white/gray skin, hard texture | Warm slowly in lukewarm water, do not rub |
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness | Cool down, hydrate, rest in shade |
| Heat stroke | Hot/red skin, no sweating, confusion, unconsciousness | EMERGENCY - cool rapidly, call for help |

### Food

**First 24 hours food priorities:**
- Eat perishable food first (refrigerator food while still cold)
- Unopened refrigerator stays cold ~4 hours
- Unopened freezer stays cold 24-48 hours (full) or 24 hours (half full)
- Eat food that requires no cooking if you have no heat source
- Ration food if resupply is uncertain

**Food safety after power outage:**
- Discard any perishable food above 40F for more than 2 hours
- Discard any food with an unusual odor, color, or texture
- When in doubt, throw it out
- Frozen food with ice crystals remaining can be refrozen or cooked
- Canned food is safe as long as cans are undamaged and not swollen

**Cooking without power:**
- Outdoor grill (NEVER use indoors)
- Camp stove (NEVER use indoors)
- Fireplace (if functional and safe)
- Solar cooking (during daylight, requires direct sun)
- Sterno/canned heat (use in ventilated area only)

### Sanitation

**If plumbing is not working:**
- Do NOT flush toilets if you suspect sewer line damage
- Use a bucket toilet: 5-gallon bucket with garbage bag liner and seat
- Add cat litter, sawdust, or dirt after each use to reduce odor
- Seal bags tightly and store away from living area
- Wash hands thoroughly after using improvised toilet
- Designate a specific area for waste (away from water sources)

**Hygiene priorities:**
- Hand washing before food handling and after toilet use
- Hand sanitizer when water is limited
- Baby wipes for personal cleaning when showers are unavailable
- Keep wounds clean and covered
- Dispose of garbage in sealed containers away from shelter

## Hours 24-48

### Reassess and Stabilize

**Situation assessment:**
- [ ] Is your shelter secure and adequate?
- [ ] How are your water supplies holding up?
- [ ] How is the food supply?
- [ ] Are all medical needs being met?
- [ ] Have you communicated with family and contacts?
- [ ] What information do you have about the overall situation?
- [ ] Are emergency services operating in your area?
- [ ] Do you need to relocate?

### Water Resupply

- Identify water distribution points (listen to emergency broadcasts)
- Collect rainwater if it rains (use clean containers)
- Purify any questionable water before drinking
- Continue rationing if resupply is uncertain
- Track consumption to project when you will need more

### Community Coordination

- [ ] Check on neighbors, especially vulnerable individuals
- [ ] Share information about conditions and resources
- [ ] Pool resources with trusted neighbors if appropriate
- [ ] Identify anyone with medical, first aid, or other useful skills
- [ ] Organize watch rotations if security is a concern
- [ ] Share communication access (charged phone, radio)

### Property Assessment

**Only if safe to do so:**
- [ ] Document damage with photographs (for insurance)
- [ ] Cover broken windows and damaged roof areas with tarps
- [ ] Secure the property from further damage or weather
- [ ] Turn off main water valve if pipes are damaged
- [ ] Avoid entering heavily damaged structures
- [ ] Mark hazards for yourself and others (downed lines, unstable structures)

### Mental Health First Aid

- Recognize that stress reactions are normal after disaster
- Maintain routines as much as possible (meals, sleep, activities)
- Talk about what happened - do not suppress feelings
- Keep children informed in age-appropriate ways
- Limit exposure to disaster media (especially for children)
- Physical activity helps process stress
- Help others - purposeful activity improves well-being
- Sleep is critical for decision-making - prioritize rest shifts

**Signs someone needs more help:**
- Unable to function or make basic decisions
- Persistent panic or severe anxiety
- Dissociation (detached from reality)
- Self-harm thoughts or expressions
- Substance abuse escalation
- Violent or dangerous behavior

## Hours 48-72

### Recovery Transition

**By 72 hours, you should be working toward:**
- Reliable water source or resupply plan
- Stable shelter situation (or en route to one)
- Contact with family and support network
- Awareness of available community resources
- Beginning of property recovery if applicable
- Access to or plan for medical care if needed

### Accessing Aid

**Common disaster relief resources:**
- FEMA disaster assistance (if federal disaster declared)
- American Red Cross shelters and services
- Salvation Army disaster services
- Local emergency management distribution points
- Community organizations and faith-based groups
- 211 information hotline

**To register for assistance:**
- Have identification if possible (but assistance is not denied without it)
- Document your address and extent of damage
- Keep records of all expenses and losses
- Save receipts for all emergency expenditures
- Take photographs of damage and conditions
- Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA helpline

### Decision Point: Stay or Go?

**Consider leaving if:**
- [ ] Your shelter is unsafe or deteriorating
- [ ] You are running out of water with no resupply
- [ ] Medical needs cannot be met in current location
- [ ] Conditions are worsening (rising water, continued aftershocks, fire approach)
- [ ] Official guidance recommends relocation
- [ ] Shelter or assistance is available at another location

**Consider staying if:**
- [ ] Your location is safe and stable
- [ ] You have adequate supplies
- [ ] Travel routes may be dangerous
- [ ] You can access community resources from current location
- [ ] Your presence protects your property
- [ ] Officials have not advised evacuation

## Quick Reference: Survival Priorities

**The Rule of 3s (approximate survival limits):**
- 3 minutes without air
- 3 hours without shelter (in harsh conditions)
- 3 days without water
- 3 weeks without food

**This means your priorities should always be:**
1. **Immediate safety and breathable air**
2. **Shelter from extreme conditions**
3. **Water**
4. **Medical care**
5. **Communication**
6. **Food**
7. **Sanitation**
8. **Property and possessions**

## Supply Usage Tracking Sheet

```
DATE: ___________  DAY # SINCE EVENT: ____

WATER:
Starting supply: ______ gallons
Used today: ______ gallons
Remaining: ______ gallons
Days remaining at current rate: ______
Resupply plan: _________________________

FOOD:
Meals served today: ______
Perishable food status: ________________
Non-perishable remaining: ______________
Days remaining at current rate: ______

MEDICAL:
Medications administered: ______________
Supplies used: _________________________
Medical issues to monitor: _____________

POWER:
Phone battery: ______%
Power bank status: _____________________
Fuel for generator (if applicable): ____

COMMUNICATION:
Contacts reached: _____________________
Information received: __________________
Next check-in scheduled: _______________

NOTES:
________________________________________
________________________________________
```

## Children's Quick Reference Card

Print this for children old enough to read:

```
IF SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS:

1. ARE YOU SAFE? If not, move to a safe place.

2. ARE YOU HURT? Tell a grown-up right away.

3. FIND A GROWN-UP you trust.
   If you cannot find Mom/Dad, go to:
   [Meeting point 1]

4. CALL: [Parent phone number]
   OR CALL: [Out-of-area contact]
   OR CALL: 911 if someone is hurt badly

5. STAY CALM. Help is coming.
   Stay where you are if you are safe.

YOUR NAME: _________________________
YOUR ADDRESS: ______________________
MOM'S PHONE: ______________________
DAD'S PHONE: ______________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT: _________________
```


## Process

1. **Gather information.** Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
2. **Analyze context.** Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to first 72 hours guide
3. **Develop recommendations.** Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
4. **Present structured output.** Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
5. **Address follow-ups.** Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback


## Output Format

```template
## First 72 Hours Guide Analysis

### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]

### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]

### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]
```


## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
- **Conflicting requirements:** Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
- **Beginner vs advanced:** Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level


## Example

**Input:** "Help me with first 72 hours guide for my current situation"

**Output:**

Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to first 72 hours guide:

1. **Assessment:** Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
2. **Strategy:** Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
3. **Implementation:** Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
4. **Review:** Monitor progress and adjust as needed