FEMA and Red Cross use 72 hours as the baseline window before outside help reaches most disaster areas in the US.

How is a go-bag different from a home kit?

A go-bag is portable and lightweight for evacuation. A home kit includes larger water containers and bulk food for shelter-in-place.

Where should I store my kit?

Go-bags near the front door; home kits in a cool, dry closet or garage shelf everyone knows about.

72-Hour Emergency Kit: Everything You Need

Review

Updated 2026-08-06

The 72-hour kit is the foundation of family preparedness. Download our free printable checklist and check off items as you go.

Water & Food

Water: 1 gallon per person per day × 3 = minimum supply
Food: Non-perishable, ready-to-eat (bars, canned goods, peanut butter)
Manual can opener
Paper plates and utensils

Power & Light

Flashlight + extra batteries (or hand-crank model)
NOAA weather radio
Phone power bank, fully charged
Candles and matches (use with ventilation caution)

Health & Hygiene

First aid kit (50–100 pieces)
Prescription medications (7-day supply)
N95 masks
Hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper
Glasses/contact lenses

Tools & Safety

Multi-tool or knife
Whistle (rescue signal)
Duct tape and plastic sheeting
Local maps (printed)
Cash in small bills

Documents

Photo IDs, insurance cards
Emergency contact list
USB backup of important files

Bottom Line

You don't need to buy everything at once. Add one category per week until your family hits 72 hours of self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why 72 hours?: FEMA and Red Cross use 72 hours as the baseline window before outside help reaches most disaster areas in the US.
How is a go-bag different from a home kit?: A go-bag is portable and lightweight for evacuation. A home kit includes larger water containers and bulk food for shelter-in-place.
Where should I store my kit?: Go-bags near the front door; home kits in a cool, dry closet or garage shelf everyone knows about.

Disclaimer: Content is for informational and educational purposes only. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 (US/Canada) or your local emergency services. PrepareStorm is not a government agency and does not provide emergency dispatch.