Free 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Check boxes as you complete items. Print this page for an offline copy.

Water & Hydration

At least 1 gallon of water per person per day (minimum 3 gallons per person)

Water storage containers (food-grade)

Portable water filter (Sawyer Squeeze, LifeStraw, or similar)

Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide)

Manual can opener (for canned water if applicable)

55-gallon water barrel for extended supplyOptional

WaterBOB bathtub bladder for storm preparednessOptional

Food

Canned goods (soups, beans, tuna, chicken, vegetables) — enough for 3 days

Nut butter (peanut, almond) — high calorie, no prep required

Crackers and granola bars

Dried fruit and nuts

Hard candy or glucose tablets

Manual can opener

Disposable plates, cups, and utensils

Instant oatmeal or instant coffee (if heat source available)Optional

Comfort foods specific to your householdOptional

Light & Power

Flashlight (one per household member) + extra batteries

Headlamp + extra batteries

Portable power bank (10,000 mAh minimum), fully charged

Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio

Extra batteries in correct sizes (AA, AAA, 9V)

Battery-powered lantern for room lightingOptional

Solar-powered light as backupOptional

Warmth & Shelter

Emergency mylar blankets (2 per person)

Rain poncho or packable rain jacket (one per person)

Extra warm socks (wool recommended)

Warm hat and gloves

Extra clothing layers (fleece, wool)

Lightweight sleeping bag rated for your climateOptional

Tarp or emergency shelterOptional

Communication & Navigation

Family emergency contact card (waterproofed)

Printed maps of local area and evacuation routes

Charged power bank for phone

NOAA weather radio

Out-of-area contact information in writing

Documents & Cash

Photo IDs (copies for all household members)

Insurance cards (health, home/renters, auto)

Emergency contact list with phone numbers

Prescription information

Cash in small bills ($100–200 minimum)

Waterproof document sleeve or bag

Copies of legal documents (will, custody agreements, medical directives)Optional

USB drive with digital copies of important documentsOptional

Sanitation & Hygiene

Hand sanitizer

Moist towelettes or wet wipes

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Basic soap

Feminine hygiene products if applicable

Toilet paper (extra rolls)

Small trash bags

Portable toilet or camping toilet optionOptional

Sanitation supplies for extended situationsOptional

Household-Specific Items

Infant formula, diapers, wipes if applicable

Pet food and water for 3 days

Pet medications and vaccination records

Any specialized medical equipment and power supply plan

Note: This checklist is a starting point. Your household's specific needs — medical requirements, pets, climate, family size — may require additions. For medical and safety guidance, consult healthcare providers and local emergency management agencies.