Extreme weather, power outages, and sudden evacuations can leave families without basic services for days. A well-stocked 72-hour emergency kit gives your household the essential supplies to stay safe, fed, and sheltered until help arrives.
You can’t predict every disaster, but you can have the right tools and resources ready when things go sideways.
After decades spent tracking hurricanes, floods, and winter storms, I’ve seen just how fast conditions can spiral. Roads close, communication drops, and clean water can vanish in hours.
A 72-hour kit lets your family meet its own needs for three days, whether you’re stuck at home or have to leave in a hurry.
This guide covers what to include: food, water, hygiene essentials, tools, documents, and tips for storage. If you follow a straightforward plan, you’ll have a kit that fits your family and be ready to act when every minute matters.
Understanding the 72-Hour Emergency Kit
A 72-hour emergency kit holds the basic supplies your household needs to stay safe, fed, and hydrated for three days after a disaster. You should keep it ready for quick evacuation.
You want to grab it and go—no last-minute scrambling.
Purpose and Importance
The main job of a 72-hour emergency kit is to keep you alive and comfortable until help shows up or services come back. Disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can knock out power, water, and roads.
Emergency crews might not reach you right away. Having a survival kit means you can take care of yourself and your loved ones without outside help.
A good kit should cover five key areas:
- Water: at least 1 gallon per person per day
- Food: non-perishable and easy to prepare
- Shelter and warmth: blankets, tarps, or emergency bivvies
- First aid: basic medical supplies and personal medications
- Communication and light: battery-powered radio, flashlight, spare batteries
Being prepared cuts down on panic and confusion if you need to leave fast. It helps make sure you don’t forget anything crucial.
Pre-Made vs. DIY Kits
You can buy a pre-made emergency kit or put one together yourself. Pre-made kits save time and usually come in neat, organized bags.
They’re handy if you want a quick fix or don’t have much time.
But factory kits sometimes use cheaper items or include things your family doesn’t need. The food might not fit your diet, and some tools just aren’t very sturdy.
If you build your own kit, you get to pick what goes in. Choose food you actually like, tools you trust, and little comforts that matter to you.
It can also save money if you collect supplies over time.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Pre-Made Kit | DIY Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Prepare | Low | Moderate to High |
| Customization | Limited | High |
| Cost Control | Low to Medium | High |
| Quality Control | Variable | High |
How Many Kits Your Family Needs
Every person should have their own 72-hour emergency kit. That way, everyone has enough food, water, and personal stuff, even if you get separated.
Stash kits where you can grab them fast—by the door, in the car, or even at work.
If you have pets, make a separate kit for each one, with food, water, and a leash.
Kids need lighter kits and probably a comfort item, like a small toy or blanket. Older adults might need extra meds or mobility aids.
In homes with more than one floor, keep smaller kits on each level. That way, you don’t risk leaving behind something important if you need to get out quickly.
Essential Emergency Supplies
A solid emergency kit should cover your basics: hydration, nutrition, first aid, and safe access to light and power.
Pick items that are tough, simple to use, and work even when the power’s out.
Water and Purification
Clean water is your top priority in any emergency. Plan for one gallon per person per day for drinking and hygiene.
For three days, that’s three gallons for each person.
Bottled water is easy to store but takes up a lot of space. Collapsible water containers help save room and can be filled as needed.
A portable water filter or purification tablets will help if you run out of bottled water. Filters remove dirt and germs, while tablets kill bacteria.
Pack both if you can. Filters are great for streams or lakes, and tablets are a lightweight backup.
Keep filters dry and sealed so they stay clean.
Non-Perishable Food Selection
Choose food that lasts, is packed with nutrients, and doesn’t need much cooking. Canned goods like beans, veggies, and meats work well.
Don’t forget a manual can opener.
Ready-to-eat meals (MREs) are made for emergencies. Some even heat themselves, which is handy when you can’t use a stove.
High-energy snacks—protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit—are easy to carry and give you fast calories. Instant oatmeal or pasta works if you have hot water.
Skip anything that needs a fridge or long cooking time. Use sealed containers to keep pests and moisture out.
First Aid Kit and Medications
A good first aid kit should handle small injuries and help with bigger problems until you get help. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, tweezers, and scissors.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are useful. Antibiotic ointment helps prevent infections.
If you take prescription meds, pack at least a three-day supply in labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions in case you need a refill.
An emergency blanket and gloves can help if someone goes into shock or gets too cold.
Keep everything in a waterproof pouch to protect from spills.
Lighting and Power Sources
When the power goes out, you’ll want a flashlight and spare batteries. LED flashlights are brighter and last longer.
A headlamp lets you keep both hands free for cooking or first aid. Store batteries separately so they don’t corrode.
A hand-crank or solar-powered emergency radio will help you get weather alerts and local news, even if the grid is down. Some radios can charge your phone, too.
A small solar charger or crank charger keeps your gadgets running. Pick ones that can handle rough weather and a few bumps.
Hygiene and Sanitation Essentials
Staying clean during an emergency helps prevent sickness and keeps things bearable. You might not have soap, water, or trash pickup, so go for portable, simple solutions.
Supplies should be easy to store, last without a fridge, and work even if you don’t have running water.
Personal Hygiene Items
Basic hygiene keeps you healthier and more comfortable. Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a must when you can’t wash your hands.
Baby wipes work for quick cleanups and can sub in for a shower.
Pack a small kit with:
- Soap (bar or liquid) in leak-proof packaging
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for each person
- Feminine hygiene products in sealed packaging
- Contact lens solution, plus spare lenses or glasses
Put everything in waterproof bags to keep them dry. Make sure you have enough for three days, or more if you have a big family.
Sanitation Supplies
Emergencies often mean no toilets or trash pickup. Heavy-duty garbage bags can line a bucket to make a temporary toilet.
Use plastic ties to seal up waste.
Other handy items:
- Disposable gloves for handling waste
- Toilet paper and tissues in waterproof bags
- Portable toilet chemicals or absorbent gel
- Paper towels for wiping things down
If you can, pack a small bottle of bleach or disinfectant for cleaning. Keep all sanitation supplies together and away from food and water.
Special Needs for Infants and Pets
Babies need specific items you can’t improvise. Bring enough diapers, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream for at least three days.
If you use formula, pack that and clean bottles. Add baby-safe soap, too.
Pets need their own gear. Pack pet food, a water bowl, and waste bags.
Small animals might need bedding or a carrier to stay safe.
Store baby and pet supplies in labeled, sealed containers. It’ll save you time and keep things organized.
Shelter, Clothing, and Warmth
Protection from wind, rain, and cold is crucial after a disaster. Without proper gear, you lose heat fast—even in mild weather.
Staying dry matters for both comfort and safety.
Emergency Blankets and Sleeping Bags
Emergency blankets are super light and designed to reflect body heat. Mylar blankets are cheap and fit in any kit.
A warm blanket made from fleece or wool is more comfortable and breathes better than Mylar, but it takes up more space. Wool stays warm even when wet.
Sleeping bags rated for low temps are a must in cold places. Mummy-style bags trap heat better than rectangular ones.
Keep sleeping bags in waterproof sacks to avoid moisture.
If it’s really cold, throw an emergency blanket inside your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
Appropriate Clothing
Pack clothes you can layer. Start with a base layer made from synthetic or merino wool to wick away sweat.
Add a middle layer (like fleece or down) for warmth. Your outer layer should be waterproof and windproof—a rain jacket or poncho works.
Don’t forget extra socks, gloves, and a warm hat. Wet feet can cause blisters or even frostbite, so bring at least two extra pairs of socks.
Skip cotton since it dries slowly and holds moisture.
Keep all clothing in sealed plastic bags to keep it dry.
Shelter Materials
A portable shelter protects against the elements. You can use a small tent, a tarp with ropes, or a bivy sack.
A tarp is lightweight and flexible—you can set it up lots of ways.
Ground insulation, like a foam pad, keeps you from losing heat to the cold ground. Even a folded blanket under your sleeping bag helps.
A compact poncho can double as rain protection and a makeshift shelter wall. Bring stakes, cord, and duct tape for fast setup or repairs.
Tools and Survival Gear
Good tools help you fix things, build shelter, cook, and find your way. The best gear does more than one job and doesn’t weigh you down.
Multi-Tool and Knife
A multi-tool rolls several tools into one compact package. You usually get pliers, screwdrivers, scissors, and small blades.
It’s handy for repairs, opening cans, or cutting rope.
A fixed-blade or folding knife is important, too. You’ll use it for cutting branches, prepping food, or first aid.
Pick tools made from stainless steel, with a secure lock and a grip that feels right in your hand.
Keep them in a spot you can reach quickly.
Fire Starting Tools
Fire gives you warmth, light, and a way to cook. Pack matches in a waterproof container and butane lighters for backup.
Bring at least two fire-starting methods in case one fails.
Waterproof matches beat regular ones if it’s wet. Windproof lighters help when the weather’s rough.
Toss in some dry tinder in a sealed bag to make starting a fire easier. Cotton balls with petroleum jelly are a simple, lightweight option.
Navigation and Communication
When cell service goes down, you really need local paper maps and a magnetic compass. Make sure your maps cover your home area and any routes you might need to evacuate.
A whistle works well for signaling for help across long distances, and you won’t wear yourself out using it. Three short blasts usually mean you’re in trouble.
Two-way radios let family members keep in touch if you get separated. Pick radios that have extra batteries and a weather alert feature so you can get storm warnings.
Repairs and Utility Tools
Basic repair tools help you keep your gear working and let you make quick fixes to shelter or clothing. A small pliers and wrench set tightens bolts or adjusts equipment.
Duct tape comes in handy for patching tents, sealing containers, or just securing loose stuff. Zip ties are great for attaching gear to your backpack or bundling things together.
Keep these tools in a small pouch or resealable bag to stay organized and dry. Having them ready really saves time and cuts down on stress when things go wrong.
Important Documents and Cash
Having quick access to important records and some money makes it much easier to deal with chaos after a disaster. It’s smart to pick what you store carefully and keep it somewhere safe, so you can use it when you need it most.
Identification
Every family member should have a copy of government-issued identification in the kit. That means driver’s licenses, passports, or state ID cards. For kids, a school ID or birth certificate works for proving who they are.
Put these copies in a waterproof, sealable pouch so they don’t get ruined by water. Originals stay in a safe place, but having duplicates in your kit helps if wallets or bags go missing.
Add recent passport-sized photos of everyone. If someone gets separated, these photos help authorities know who to look for. You can also keep digital copies on an encrypted USB drive for backup.
Critical Family Documents
Some records prove ownership, help you get benefits, or let you file insurance claims. You’ll want:
- Property deeds or rental agreements
- Insurance policies for home, health, auto, or life
- Medical records and vaccination history
- Marriage and birth certificates
- Emergency contact list with phone numbers and addresses
Use photocopies or certified copies, and store them in a waterproof folder. If you can, keep digital scans on an encrypted USB drive or in a secure cloud account.
Label each section clearly so you can grab what you need fast. When you’re stressed out, being able to hand over the right document quickly makes a big difference.
Emergency Funds
Cash is a lifesaver when cards don’t work or ATMs are down. It’s best to keep small bills like $1, $5, and $10, so you don’t have to worry about getting change.
Set aside enough to cover basic expenses for three days—think food, fuel, and transport. Don’t stash too much, just enough to get by without risking a big loss.
Keep your cash with your documents in the waterproof pouch, but put it in a small envelope so you can grab it fast. That way, you don’t have to dig through sensitive papers just to buy something.
Maintaining and Storing Your Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit only helps if everything inside works, you can find it quickly, and you know what to do with it. Regular checks, smart storage, and a bit of practice help keep your kit ready for anything.
Regular Kit Maintenance
Supplies expire and gear wears out. Check your food, water, batteries, and medications at least twice a year. Swap out anything that’s expired, broken, or just not needed anymore.
Keep an emergency kit checklist to make things easier. Mark down inspection dates and jot notes about what needs replacing.
Change your gear with the seasons.
- Winter: Toss in extra blankets, gloves, and hand warmers.
- Summer: Add sunscreen, bug spray, and more water.
Keep your insurance papers and contact lists updated, too.
Best Storage Locations
Store your kit where you can grab it fast, even if the lights go out or there’s a power outage. A lot of people keep one at home, one at work, and one in the car.
At home, pick a dry, cool spot that’s easy to reach. Skip basements that flood or attics that get too hot.
For your car, use a sturdy, waterproof container to protect your stuff from heat or moisture. Pack extra water, a flashlight, and basic tools in case your car breaks down.
At work, stash a smaller kit with food, water, and some first aid, just in case you get stuck or can’t leave right away.
Family Drills and Practice
Even if you’ve got the best-stocked kit around, it won’t help much if your family doesn’t know what to do with it. Try holding short practice drills at least twice a year.
These drills might look like this:
- Finding and opening the kit in total darkness
- Figuring out how to use a manual can opener or a water filter
- Trying some basic first aid with the kit’s supplies
Kids need to know where you keep the kit and which things they’re allowed to use safely.
If you practice during a fake power outage or something similar, everyone gets a chance to build real confidence and pick up speed for when it actually counts.