Emergency Supply Checklist (72-Hour Basics for Home + Car)

Emergencies don’t give you time to think. This checklist covers the practical supplies that help you get through the first 72 hours of a power outage, winter storm, evacuation, or disruption, without panic buying.

Download the 1-page printable Emergency Supply Checklist (PDF) and save it to your phone for quick access.

The 72-hour essentials (start here)

These are the basics that make the biggest difference fast:

Water

• Water for drinking + basic hygiene (enough for 3 days)

• Water storage containers (even clean bottles help)

Food

• 3 days of shelf-stable food you’ll actually eat

• Manual can opener (if needed)

Health + first aid

• Basic first-aid supplies

• Prescription meds (as available) + key over-the-counter items

• Copies of important medical info (allergies, conditions)

Light + power + information

• Flashlight or lantern

• Backup power for your phone

• Weather/emergency updates (radio/app alerts)

Warmth + shelter

• Warm layers + blankets

• If winter: extra socks, hats, gloves

Hygiene + sanitation

• Wipes / sanitizer

• Garbage bags (multi-use)

• Toilet paper + basic hygiene items

Documents + money

• Copies of ID + insurance + key documents (in a waterproof pouch)

• A little cash (small bills)

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Water checklist

• Store what you can (even starting with a few bottles is progress)

• Keep water where you can grab it quickly (not buried in storage)

• If you have kids/pets: add extra

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Food checklist (no panic buying)

• Choose shelf-stable items you already like:

  • canned meals/soups

  • nut butters

  • granola/protein bars

  • dried fruit

• If you can’t cook: include items you can eat without heating

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Light + power (what you’ll miss first)

• 1–2 reliable lights

• Phone charging backup

• A way to get updates if Wi-Fi/cell service is unreliable

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Documents (you’ll wish you had it)

• ID copies

• Insurance info

• Emergency contacts

• Any essential household details (meds, allergies, pet info)

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Add-ons for kids + pets

Kids

• Comfort item

• Age-appropriate snacks

• Diapers/wipes (if relevant)

Pets

• Food + collapsible bowl

• Leash/harness

• Any meds

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If you only have 15 minutes today

• Put a flashlight + charger in one spot

• Check your pantry for 3-day food options

• Fill and store a few water bottles

• Write emergency contacts in your phone notes

 

Ready-to-go starter kit option

If you want to start with a compact kit you can keep in your car, entryway, or go-bag, the MiniPack is a practical first step.

Pair it with an emergency radio + phone charger so you have light, power, and updates if the power goes out.