72-Hour Emergency Essentials
Your go-to guide for what you need to survive the first 72 hours of an emergency.
Whether it’s a snowstorm, blackout, flood, or wildfire — the first 3 days are often the most critical. Having these basics ready can make all the difference.
So, Why 72 Hours?
Most emergency services aim to respond within 72 hours, but during widespread crises (like a major storm or evacuation), it can take that long to restore services or reach everyone. That’s why your goal is to be self-sufficient for three full days — water, food, shelter, and basic care.
Let’s break it down. You don’t need a bunker — just a backpack, bin, or shelf with the right gear.
The Essentials
Here’s what every 72-hour kit should have:
Water
4L per person, per day (for drinking, cooking, hygiene)
Store in bottles or jugs, and rotate every 6–12 months
Water purification tablets or filter (backup plan!)
Food
Non-perishable items that don’t require cooking
Granola bars, dried fruit, canned beans, tuna, crackers
Manual can opener if you pack canned food
Baby food or formula, if needed
Light & Power
Flashlight + headlamp
Extra batteries
Portable phone charger (pre-charged!)
Candles + lighter (use carefully)
First Aid & Meds
Bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes
Personal medications (3-day supply minimum)
Pain reliever, allergy meds, gloves
First aid manual (or cheat sheet!)
Sanitation
Wet wipes or washcloths
Toilet paper, tissues, menstrual products
Hand sanitizer + trash bags
Comfort & Warmth
Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
Extra socks + a warm layer
Small towel, hat, gloves (especially in winter climates)
Documents & Copies
Photocopies of ID, health cards, prescriptions
Emergency contacts + out-of-town contact
Small notebook + pen
Communication
Battery-powered or crank radio (to get alerts)
Local emergency numbers list
Optional But Handy:
Cash (small bills)
Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
Extra set of keys (home + car)
Mask + gloves (especially during cold/flu season)
Want to build this fast? Use our printable checklist to gather items room-by-room or week-by-week. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
Bonus Tip:
Store your kit somewhere you can grab it quickly — and check it every 6 months to rotate food, water, and meds.
You’ve got this. Prepping isn’t panic — it’s peace of mind.
