72-Hour Emergency Kit: Complete Checklist and Guide

A 72-hour kit contains everything you need to survive for three days if you’re forced to evacuate your home. It’s the foundation of emergency preparedness—ready to grab and go when disaster strikes.

Whether you call it a 72-hour kit, go-bag, or emergency evacuation kit, the concept is the same: pre-packed supplies that sustain your family until you reach safety or help arrives.

Why 72 Hours?

The 72-hour timeframe comes from emergency management research:

• First responders typically establish aid stations within 72 hours
• Evacuation routes usually clear within 3 days
• Utility restoration often begins within this window
• Shelter availability increases after initial chaos

72-Hour Kit vs. Bug Out Bag

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:

For most families: Build a 72-hour kit. It covers the most likely scenarios (hurricanes, fires, chemical spills) where you’re evacuating to a shelter, hotel, or relatives’ home.

The 72-Hour Kit Checklist

Organize your kit by category. Check off items as you acquire them.

Water (Most Critical)

Options for water:

• Commercial bottled water (replace annually)
• Filled water containers (rotate every 6 months)
• Water pouches (5-year shelf life)

Food

Emergency food bars are ideal for 72-hour kits: long shelf life, compact, no preparation needed.

Shelter and Warmth

First Aid

Light and Communication

A hand-crank radio ensures you receive emergency broadcasts even without power.

Documents and Money

Tools and Supplies

Personal and Comfort

Building Your Kit: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Container

Recommendation: One backpack per adult (35-50L), supplemented by a duffel or tote for family supplies.

Step 2: Pack in Layers

1. Bottom: Heavy items, things you’ll need last
2. Middle: Clothing, shelter, bulky items
3. Top: Frequently accessed items (food, water, first aid)
4. Pockets: Critical items (documents, phone, wallet, flashlight)

Step 3: Make It Grabbable

Your kit should be:

• Packed and ready — Not “I know where everything is”
• In an accessible location — Not buried in storage
• Known to all family members — Everyone knows where it is
• Regularly checked — Batteries fresh, food unexpired

Family-Specific Considerations

Infants and Toddlers

• Formula and bottles
• Diapers and wipes (many)
• Baby food
• Favorite comfort items
• Child medications
• Portable crib/playpen (if evacuating by car)

School-Age Children

• Familiar snacks they’ll actually eat
• Small toys, books, or games
• Comfort item
• Copy of custody documents if relevant
• School emergency contact info

Elderly Family Members

• Extra medication supply
• Mobility aids
• Medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen—plan power needs)
• Large-print emergency info
• Hearing aid batteries

Pets

• 3+ days of food and water
• Collapsible bowls
• Leash, collar with ID tag
• Carrier or crate
• Pet first aid
• Vaccination records
• Photo for identification

Storage and Maintenance

Where to Store Your Kit

• Near an exit — Garage, front closet, mudroom
• One per car — Modified kit in each vehicle
• Work/school — Smaller kits at frequent locations

Maintenance Schedule

Quick Start: Budget 72-Hour Kit

Build a basic kit for under $100:

Upgrade over time: better first aid, quality water filter, power bank, emergency radio.

Sources

• Ready.gov - Build a Kit
• FEMA Emergency Supply List
• Red Cross Emergency Preparedness
• Sensible Prepper - 72-Hour Kit
• The Prepared - Bug Out Bag Guide

Related:

• Bug Out Bag: Complete Guide
• Get Home Bag Guide
• Vehicle Emergency Kit
• Home Water Storage Guide