Comprehensive 72-hour emergency kit Checklist

Below is a comprehensive 72-hour emergency kit checklist to follow. For challenges or a step-by-step process that is more detailed, check out my other pages.

Water and Food

Water: one gallon per person per day (3 gallons total per person) Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Non-perishable food that’s easy to prepare (3-day supply) What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Food rations with long shelf life (ideally 5-year shelf life, providing around 1200 calories per person per day) The Essentials Complete 72-Hour Kit – 2 Person: Black or Red Backpack — Emergency Zone
Manual can opener for food cans Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Water filtration device (like a Frontier Straw Filter) for emergency water sourcing The Essentials Complete 72-Hour Kit – 2 Person: Black or Red Backpack — Emergency Zone

Light and Communication

Flashlight with extra batteries Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Power bank for charging devices EU tells the public to hold 72 hours of emergency supplies | Reuters
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert) Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Whistle to signal for help Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Extra batteries (replace yearly) Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit

First Aid and Medication

First aid kit What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Medical supplies specific to your needs (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, etc.) What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross

Tools and Safety Items

Multi-purpose tool What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape (for emergency shelter) Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Fire extinguisher Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Matches in a waterproof container Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Local maps (paper versions) Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit

Sanitation and Personal Hygiene

Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Toilet paper Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit

Clothing and Comfort

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Emergency blanket What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross

Documents and Money

Emergency contact information as part of your family emergency plan Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Cash and coins (ATMs and credit card machines may not work during emergencies) EU tells the public to hold 72 hours of emergency supplies | Reuters
Important family documents saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Extra set of car keys and house keys What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross

Special Considerations

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, wipes) if applicable What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) if applicable What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Games, books, puzzles, or other activities for children What Do You Need In a Survival Kit | American Red Cross
Paper and pencil Build A Kit | Ready.gov

Emergency Information

Emergency preparedness guidebook with information on creating emergency plans, administering first aid, and responding to different disasters The Essentials Complete 72-Hour Kit – 2 Person: Black or Red Backpack — Emergency Zone

Storage Recommendations

Store items in airtight plastic bags Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag/backpack Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Keep your kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept Build A Kit | Ready.gov

Maintenance Tips

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Replace expired items as needed Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Ideally, replace water bottles every six months (when you change your clocks) Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit
Re-evaluate your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change Build A Kit | Ready.gov
Check food expiry dates when you change your clocks and replace as needed Build your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit