Why every home needs a 72-hour emergency kit
Disasters can strike without warning—storms, power outages, chemical leaks, wildfires, and grid failures can leave families without essential services for days. A well-built 72-hour emergency kit ensures you have food, water, medical supplies, and tools to stay safe until help arrives.
If you’re new to preparedness, start with our Start Here guide and explore the Safety Symptoms Index for related emergency warning signs.
Core components of a 72-hour emergency kit
Your kit should support every person in your home for at least three days. Here’s what experts recommend including:
1. Water
- One gallon per person per day (drinking + sanitation)
- Portable water filter or purification tablets
2. Food
- Non-perishable items (canned goods, protein bars, freeze-dried meals)
- Manual can opener
3. Medical supplies
- First-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, gloves, and gauze
- Prescription medications (3-day supply)
- Emergency contact and medical information list
4. Tools and safety gear
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Multi-tool or basic toolkit
- Whistle for signaling
- Dust masks (N95 preferred)
5. Communication essentials
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Portable power bank for phones
6. Personal items
- Hygiene items (soap, wipes, toothbrush, feminine products)
- Copies of important documents
- Cash in small bills
Where to store your emergency kit
Keep your kit in a location that is:
- Easy to access during an evacuation
- Protected from moisture and extreme temperatures
- Known to all household members
Many families store kits near an exit, in a closet, or in a waterproof bin in the garage.
How to maintain your emergency kit
- Check food and water every six months
- Replace expired medications and batteries
- Update documents and contact lists annually
- Adjust supplies as your family’s needs change
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Trusted emergency preparedness resources
For authoritative guidance on emergency kits and disaster readiness, visit FEMA’s preparedness recommendations at Ready.gov.