Feeling overwhelmed about emergency preparedness? Start with a 72 Hour Emergency Kit. This type of kit has everything you need to shelter in place or evacuate at a moments notice. It contains everything you need to weather three days of an emergency. I have one kit for myself and one for my dog, and they bring me so much peace of mind.
If you can, dedicate a closet or other location in your home for your kit. You may need a few different totes or bags for your kit, but everything should be in one place so you can find it easily.
Basic 72 hour emergency kit for adults
This is the basic starter kit. You may have other things to add based on your personal needs, but these items cover food, water, and basic physical comfort. You’ll also want to have a folder for copies of your important documents like insurance policies, bank information, utilities, and your emergency contacts. And yes, you do need all of these in print! It may be difficult to access the internet or cell service during an emergency.
- One gallon of water per person, per day (3 gallons for one person)
- Non-perishable food for 3 days (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, snacks)
- Flashlight and/or Headlamp
- Hand crank radio
- Extra batteries and/or powerbank
- First aid kit
- Hygiene (hand sanitizer, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, antiperspirant, nail clips, etc)
- Maps
- Extra cell phone with charger and backup battery
- Change of clothes with hiking boots/work boots (choose items you can layer for weather)
- Extra prescription medicines
- Extra prescription glasses
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle with filter
- Collapsible bowl and cup (like for camping) with cutlery
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Copies of important documents
Infants and children 72 hour emergency kit
In addition to clothes, food, and formula, you might want to add these items to your 72 hour kit if you have children. Consider packing an extra diaper bag that stays with your emergency supplies for babies. Older children may be able to carry their own backpacks, or you may opt to keep their supplies in a tote so adults can easily pack it into the car if needed.
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Ointment
- Formula and bottles
- Baby food
- Favorite foods/snacks
- Prescription medicine
- Comfort items/small toys
- Books
- Activities
- Blankets
- Water bottles
Don’t forget your pets!
Pack a kit for your pets, too. If they are small enough to use a carrier, make sure you keep one with your 72 hour emergency kit. You may need to evacuate in an emergency. It’s also helpful to place your pet in their carrier when you are sheltering in place, such as during a bad storm.
- Food
- Water
- Treats
- Favorite toys
- Waste clean-up bags
- Extra litter and litter tray (for cats)
- Collar and/or harness
- Leash
- ID tags
- Rabies tags
Those lists should get you started with what to pack in your 72 hour emergency kit. These other articles have even more information and ideas! You can also check out my printable guides and checklists to stay super organized (coming soon!)
