Emergency Kit Checklist: Everything You Need for 72 Hours
Updated 2026-04-04 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
Most emergencies last 72 hours or less before outside help arrives. If you have the right supplies on hand, those three days are manageable. This checklist covers exactly what you need, nothing more, nothing less.
Water: 1 Gallon Per Person Per Day
Water is your first priority. Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days. A family of four needs 12 gallons minimum.
- Use sealed commercial water bottles or food-grade containers
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
- Replace stored water every 6 to 12 months
- Include a water filter as backup in case your stored supply runs out
A personal water filter like the LifeStraw lets you drink from streams, puddles, or questionable tap water. It filters bacteria and parasites down to 0.2 microns. Keep one in every kit.
1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter — Best Water Filter for Kits
Filters up to 1,000 gallons of contaminated water. No batteries, no moving parts. Lasts years in storage.
- Removes 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.9% of parasites
- Works with any freshwater source
- Lightweight at just 2 oz
Food: 3-Day Non-Perishable Supply
You need about 2,000 calories per person per day. Focus on foods that require little or no cooking.
Good options:
- Canned beans, tuna, chicken, soups
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Granola bars and trail mix
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Ready-to-eat meals (freeze-dried or commercially packaged)
Check expiration dates once a year. Rotate stock by using and replacing items before they expire.
First Aid
A solid first aid kit handles most injuries you will encounter in an emergency. Cuts, burns, sprains, blisters. The Everlit 250-piece kit covers all of that.
2. Everlit 250 Piece First Aid Kit — Best All-Around Kit
Military-inspired kit packed into a compact, organized case. Good for home, car, and bug-out bags.
- 250 pieces including bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, and tweezers
- Organized compartments so you can find what you need fast
- Includes emergency blanket and tourniquet
Flashlight and Radio
Power outages happen in almost every major emergency. You need light and information.
Flashlight or lantern: A compact, rechargeable lantern works better than a flashlight for indoor use. The Goal Zero Crush Light folds flat, packs small, and runs on solar.
3. Goal Zero Crush Light — Best Compact Lantern
Solar-powered, collapsible, and waterproof. Charges via USB or sunlight.
- Three brightness settings
- Folds to about 1 inch thick
- Runs up to 168 hours on low
Emergency radio: Cell service often goes down during major disasters. A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio keeps you informed when your phone cannot.
4. NOAA Emergency Weather Radio — Best Emergency Radio
Receives all 7 NOAA weather channels plus AM/FM. Charges via hand crank, solar, or USB.
- Built-in flashlight and SOS alarm
- Charges your phone via USB
- Works when the grid is down
Documents
Keep copies of these in a waterproof bag or folder:
- ID cards and passports
- Insurance cards (health, auto, home)
- Bank account numbers and emergency contacts
- Prescription information
- Property deed or lease agreement
- Photos of family members (for identification if separated)
A waterproof document bag costs a few dollars and takes five minutes to put together. Do it now.
Medications
A 7-day supply of prescription medications is the goal. Talk to your doctor about getting an emergency supply if your insurance allows it.
Also include:
- Over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- Antidiarrheal medication
- Antihistamine
- Any personal medical supplies (insulin, EpiPen, etc.)
Check expiration dates every six months. Replace anything expired.
Quick-Reference Checklist
Use this list to build or check your kit:
Water
- 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3-day supply)
- Water filter or purification tablets
Food
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Manual can opener
First Aid
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- Any personal medications (7-day supply)
Light and Communication
- Flashlight or lantern with extra batteries
- NOAA weather radio
Documents
- Copies of important documents in waterproof bag
- Cash in small bills
Other
- Warm blanket or sleeping bag
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust masks or N95 respirators
- Basic tools (wrench to shut off utilities, multi-tool)
- Phone charger and backup battery
This kit fits into one large backpack or a plastic storage bin. Start with the basics, then build from there.