72-Hour Emergency Kit: Family Preparation Guide

Store 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days. A family of four needs 12 gallons minimum. Use food-grade containers, rotate every 6 months, or buy bottled water. Include water for drinking, wound cleaning, and basic hygiene.

Do not assume tap water will be available after a disaster. Plan for zero water access.

Pack 2000 calories per person per day for 3 days. Choose foods requiring no cooking or minimal water: granola bars, peanut butter, canned meals with pull-tabs, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and shelf-stable milk. Include comfort foods.

Avoid high-sodium or sugar-heavy foods that increase thirst. Label all items with purchase dates.

Assemble bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain relievers, antihistamines, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, and scissors. Add all prescription medications (30-day minimum supply), inhalers, EpiPens, and eyeglasses if needed. Include burn cream and elastic bandages.

Check prescription expiration dates every 6 months. Store medications in original labeled bottles.

Photocopy birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, medical records, deeds, and financial documents. Place copies in a waterproof, fireproof bag. Create USB drive backups with digital photos. Store separately from main kit if possible.

Pack a multi-tool, wrench (to shut off utilities), duct tape, rope, plastic sheeting, hand-crank can opener, garbage bags, toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer. Add wet wipes, paper towels, and basic hygiene items for 3 days.

Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, charged mobile phone with cables, solar or battery charger, whistle, and paper/pencil. Write down contact numbers—phone networks may fail. Include out-of-state contact information.

Include extra blankets, warm clothing layers, and emergency mylar space blankets. Add a sleeping bag if space allows. For each family member, pack sturdy shoes, socks, and one complete change of clothing in their individual kit.

Pack a flashlight with extra batteries, hand-crank flashlight, headlamp, glow sticks, and matches in a waterproof container. Do not rely on a single light source. Consider candles for stationary use only.

Never use candles indoors in a sealed space. Use only in well-ventilated areas.

If budget is tight, buy in this order: water, food, first aid + medications, documents, flashlight + batteries, blanket, radio, multi-tool. A basic kit costs $50–100 per person to start. Add remaining items as funds allow.

Pack everything in a sturdy backpack or rolling bag. Keep weight under 30 lbs per person for portability during evacuation. Practice carrying it. Store in an easily accessible location everyone knows. Refresh entire kit annually.

Test your kit now. Carry it up stairs to confirm portability. If too heavy, remove lower-priority items.