What is a 72-hour emergency kit?

A 72-hour kit is a portable emergency supply bag containing everything your household needs to survive independently for three days following a disaster or evacuation. Ready.gov and FEMA both recommend that every household maintain a 72-hour kit because the first 72 hours after a major disaster are often when public services are most stretched and least available.

How much water should go in a 72-hour kit?

Pack 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days, per Ready.gov guidance. A family of four needs at least 12 gallons. If weight is a concern, include water purification tablets or a portable filter as a backup. Water is the heaviest item in most kits, so balance stored water with purification capability.

Should a 72-hour kit be in a backpack or a container?

A backpack is generally preferred because it leaves your hands free during evacuation, works on foot if your vehicle is not accessible, and is easy to grab quickly. Use a sturdy, water-resistant backpack sized for your household. Large households or those with young children may split supplies across two bags. Store the kit in a consistent, accessible location — not in a locked storage unit or buried in a garage.

How often should I update my 72-hour kit?

Review your kit at least once per year — many people use daylight saving time as a reminder. Replace expired food and medications, update document copies, and adjust contents as your household changes (new medications, new family members, change in address or insurance). Clothing and seasonal items should also be reviewed seasonally.

What documents should go in a 72-hour kit?

FEMA recommends including copies of: government-issued IDs for all household members, insurance policies (home, auto, health, life), medical records and prescription information, bank account numbers and financial account information, property records or lease agreements, and contact lists for family, doctors, and employers. Store originals in a fireproof home safe and include photocopies or scanned images in your kit.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist — What to Pack and Why

Section 1

Water and food. The heaviest items and the most critical.

Water is the highest priority in any kit. Food matters, but a person can survive three weeks without food and only three days without water.

Water

1 gallon per person per day for 3 days stored in sealed containers — include pets
Water purification tablets as backup (iodine or chlorine dioxide)
A portable water filter (such as a Sawyer or LifeStraw) as a secondary option
Collapsible water container for refilling at a water source

Food

3-day supply of shelf-stable food requiring no cooking and no refrigeration
Manual can opener — not electric
High-calorie, compact options: nut butter, jerky, dried fruit, energy bars, crackers
Infant formula, special diet foods, and pet food as needed for your household

Section 2

Shelter, light, and warmth. Comfort is also safety.

Shelter and Warmth

Emergency space blankets (one per person — lightweight and compact)
Change of clothing appropriate for the season, including sturdy closed-toe shoes
Rain poncho or waterproof layer
Work gloves and N95 masks (useful in wildfire smoke, building collapse dust)

Light and Power

Flashlight for each household member with extra batteries
Headlamp (keeps hands free — especially useful for families with children)
Portable power bank, fully charged, to keep phones running
Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio

Section 3

Documents and finances. Replace the irreplaceable ahead of time.

Lost or destroyed documents slow recovery significantly. Copies cost nothing to make and very little to store. FEMA recommends this as a core kit element.

Critical Documents

Copies of government-issued IDs for every household member (driver's license, passport, birth certificate)
Home, auto, health, and life insurance policy numbers and agent contact information
Medical records, prescriptions, and doctor contact information for all household members
Store all document copies in a waterproof bag or pouch inside the kit

Finances and Contacts

Cash in small bills — ATMs and card readers fail during power outages
Written contact list: family members, out-of-state contact, doctors, employer, neighbors
Bank account numbers and financial institution contact information
Paper map of your local area — do not rely solely on phone navigation

Section 4

Household-specific needs. Tailor the kit to your household.

A kit for a single adult is different from one for a family with young children, elderly members, or household members with medical needs. Build around your actual household.

Families with Children

Infant formula, diapers, and wipes sized for current age
Children's medications (age-appropriate pain relievers, any prescription medications)
Small comfort items: a book, a toy, or a familiar object for young children

Medical and Accessibility Needs

7-day supply of all prescription medications in clearly labeled original containers
Extra batteries or charger for medical devices (hearing aids, CPAP, glucose monitors)
Register with your local utility and emergency management office if you depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment

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72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist. What to pack and why it matters.