What to Include in a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
If there’s one thing life loves to do, it’s surprise us. Sometimes it’s a good surprise, like finding twenty bucks in an old coat pocket. Other times, it’s a storm knocking out power, a flood warning, or a sudden evacuation notice on your phone. When those not-so-fun surprises show up, having a 72-hour emergency kit ready can make all the difference between being stressed and being prepared.
A 72-hour kit—sometimes called a “go bag” or “bug-out bag”—is your safety net. It’s a collection of essentials that keeps you and your family safe, fed, warm, and comfortable for three days if you can’t stay home or don’t have access to normal services. Whether you’re facing a natural disaster, a power outage, or just want peace of mind, knowing what to pack (and why) makes all the difference.
Let’s walk through what should go inside your kit, why it matters, and how to make sure it’s ready when you need it most.
🍲 The Basics: Food, Water, and Shelter
When things go sideways, your first concerns are survival needs—food, water, and a place to stay warm and dry. These are the foundation of your kit, and everything else builds on them.
Quick Checklist:
Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Water filter or purification tablets
Non-perishable food (granola bars, canned chili, peanut butter, trail mix, instant noodles, jerky, rice pouches, freeze-dried meals)
Manual can opener
Lightweight tent
Emergency (foil) blanket
Sleeping bag or thick blanket for each person
Extra clothing layers (socks, gloves, hats)
Poncho or rain jacket
Rocket stove or portable grill
Fire starter and a ferro rod
Water
Humans can survive weeks without food, but only a few days without water. You’ll need at least one gallon per person per day. That’s three gallons each for a 72-hour period—enough for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene.
You can store bottled water, but it’s smart to also pack a small water filter or purification tablets. They’re lightweight, last a long time, and can save you if you ever need to refill from a lake or stream. If you’ve ever tried hiking on a hot day without enough water, you already know how miserable dehydration can get. Multiply that by a few days, and it’s clear why clean water is the number-one item on your list.
Food
Your kit isn’t the time for fancy meals, but it doesn’t have to be sad either. Think simple, non-perishable, and high in calories. Granola bars, canned chili, peanut butter, trail mix, instant noodles, and jerky are all good choices. If you have a camping stove or small portable burner, you can include soups, rice pouches, or freeze-dried meals too. Rocket stoves are an excellent choice, because they can cook entire meals with only twigs and other scrap wood.
Don’t forget a manual can opener. It’s easy to overlook, but you’ll regret it if all you have are cans and no way to open them. Also, rotate your food every few months so it doesn’t expire. You might even make it a family tradition to swap out your kit snacks for fresh ones during the first week of every season.
Make sure you read up on cooking during emergencies, too, so you can make the most of your supply.
Shelter and Warmth
Even if you plan to stay at home during an emergency, power outages or evacuation orders can leave you exposed to the elements. Your kit should include a lightweight tent, an emergency blanket (the foil kind works wonders), and a sleeping bag or thick blanket for each person.
Pack extra layers of clothing—especially socks, gloves, and hats—because staying warm can make all the difference between being uncomfortable and being in danger. A poncho or rain jacket is another must-have, since being wet in cold weather is one of the fastest ways to lose body heat.
You’ll also want an easy way to start a fire. Consider having some fire starter on hand and some matches. If you really want a self-sufficient tool, get a ferro rod, which can start a fire from sparks, without any fuel.
🧰 Tools and Gear
Quick Checklist:
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
Flashlight (with extra batteries or hand-crank option)
Duct tape
Rope or paracord
Lighter or waterproof matches
Whistle
Imagine you’re camping in your backyard and something breaks. Now imagine you don’t have your usual tools nearby. That’s what being unprepared during an emergency can feel like. A few basic tools can make almost any situation easier.
A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife is your best friend in a crisis. It can open cans, cut rope, tighten screws, and handle a dozen other small jobs. Add a sturdy flashlight with extra batteries (or better yet, a hand-crank one) and you’ll never be stuck in the dark.
For navigation, a good old fashioned compass and map can be a good idea to have on hand as well. Just make sure you know how to navigate with them.
A small roll of duct tape is another hero item. From patching holes to making quick repairs, it’s amazing what you can do with a few strips of the silver stuff. Rope or paracord is also handy—you can use it for shelter, clotheslines, or even to pull things out of reach.
Don’t forget a lighter or waterproof matches for starting fires. (Or as mentioned before, a more self-sufficient option is a ferro rod and fire starter.) Even if you don’t plan on cooking over flames, a fire can keep you warm, provide light, and signal for help if needed. Toss in a whistle too—it’s lightweight, takes no batteries, and can help rescuers find you faster than your voice ever could.
🏥 Health and Safety Supplies
Quick Checklist:
First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, tweezers)
Prescription medications (extras for each family member)
Gloves and hand sanitizer
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Masks (N95 or similar for smoke, dust, or illness)
Allergy or asthma supplies (EpiPens, inhalers, etc.)
Emergencies aren’t kind to scraped knees, bug bites, or allergic reactions. A good first aid kit can turn a bad situation around quickly. You can buy pre-made kits or build your own with the essentials: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, tweezers, and any prescription medicines your family needs.
If someone in your household has allergies or asthma, make sure extra inhalers or EpiPens are included and clearly labeled. Also, pack some gloves and hand sanitizer to help prevent infections.
A small bottle of sunscreen and insect repellent are smart additions too. Just because it’s an emergency doesn’t mean you’re immune to sunburn or mosquito bites. (Though it’s still a good idea to keep the bugs away as best as possible.)
And here’s something many people forget: masks. Whether it’s smoke, dust, or illness, having a few N95 masks can make breathing a lot easier—and safer.
☎️ Communication and Information
Quick Checklist:
Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio
Solar charger or portable power bank
Printed list of emergency contacts and addresses
Out-of-town contact information
Identification cards for kids (with parent contact info)
When cell towers go down or power is out, staying informed becomes tricky. A battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio is worth its weight in gold. You can tune in to local emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions.
Your phone is still important, of course, but without power it’s just a fancy paperweight. Pack a solar charger or portable power bank so you can recharge devices.
It’s also smart to print a list of emergency contacts and addresses—don’t rely on your phone’s memory alone. Include numbers for family members, local emergency services, and an out-of-town contact who can help coordinate if your group gets separated.
If you have kids, write their information (and yours) on a small card to keep in their pockets or backpacks. In a chaotic situation, that tiny detail can reunite families faster.
🧼 Personal Comfort and Hygiene
Quick Checklist:
Soap (travel-size)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Wet wipes
Toilet paper
Small towel
Deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Trash bags (for waste, waterproofing, or makeshift ponchos)
Comfort items (deck of cards, book, small toy for kids)
Let’s be honest—three days without a shower or bathroom can get rough. Hygiene isn’t just about comfort; it’s about staying healthy. Pack travel-sized soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, wet wipes, and toilet paper. A small towel, deodorant, and feminine hygiene products are musts too.
A few trash bags can help in more ways than you might expect. They can store waste, keep items dry, or even serve as emergency ponchos.
And don’t underestimate the power of small comforts. A deck of cards, a favorite book, or a small toy for a child can make long hours of waiting much easier. Stress relief is part of survival too.
💵 Money, Documents, and Identification
Quick Checklist:
Cash (small bills preferred)
Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance cards, birth certificates, medical info)
Waterproof pouch or sealed plastic bag for storage
USB drive with scanned document backups
If you have to leave in a hurry, digital payments might not work, and ATMs could be down. Keeping a small amount of cash—especially small bills—can help you buy gas, food, or other supplies when cards aren’t an option.
Make copies of important documents like IDs, insurance cards, birth certificates, and medical information. Store them in a waterproof pouch or sealed plastic bag. If you can, add a USB drive with scanned versions for backup.
You might not think about these things in the moment, but when you’re trying to prove your identity, file a claim, or contact loved ones, you’ll be glad you have them.
🐶 Pets and Special Needs
Quick Checklist:
Pet food (enough for 72 hours)
Water and portable bowl
Leash or carrier
Favorite toy or blanket (for comfort)
Diapers and wipes (for babies or elderly family members)
Baby formula and bottles
Prescription medications or medical supplies for special needs
If you have pets, don’t forget their needs too. Pack enough food, water, a leash, and a small bowl. Bring a favorite toy or blanket to help keep them calm.
For babies or elderly family members, include diapers, formula, medications, and anything specific they need daily. Emergencies are stressful enough without worrying about running out of essentials for those who depend on you most.
Packing It All Together
All this gear won’t do much good if it’s scattered around the house. Pack it in a sturdy backpack or waterproof duffel bag that’s easy to grab and carry. If you have a family, consider splitting supplies across several bags so one person isn’t overloaded.
Label everything clearly, and make sure each person knows where the kit is stored. Once or twice a year, go through it and update expired items, clothing sizes, and batteries. You can even make it a family activity—turn “emergency kit check day” into a learning experience instead of a chore.
Why It Matters
Building a 72-hour emergency kit might not sound exciting at first, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your household. Disasters don’t make appointments. They show up when they want, and your best defense is being ready before they arrive.
When you’ve already prepared food, water, shelter, and supplies, you’re not scrambling at the last minute. You’re calm, focused, and capable—exactly what your family needs.
And here’s the bonus: being prepared doesn’t just help you. It helps your community, too. When fewer people need rescuing or emergency assistance, resources can go where they’re needed most. You can literally save lives.
Final Thoughts
No one likes to imagine being caught in a disaster. But preparing for one isn’t about fear—it’s about confidence. It’s about knowing that if things go wrong, you’ve got the tools to handle it.
So gather your supplies, check your list, and pack that bag. Store it somewhere easy to grab, and sleep a little better tonight knowing you’re ready for whatever life throws your way.
A 72-hour emergency kit isn’t just stuff in a bag—it’s peace of mind in a backpack.
