How to Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
A 72-hour kit is the supplies your household needs to get through three days without power, running water, or a trip to the store. Start with water, food, light, a radio, and first aid, then add the rest over time.
This guide follows the federal Ready.gov basic kit and shows the gear we'd buy first for each item.
The checklist
- Water: one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, plus a manual can opener.
- Radio: battery-powered or hand-crank, with NOAA weather alerts.
- Light: a flashlight or headlamp, plus extra batteries.
- First aid kit and any prescription medications.
- Signal and shelter basics: a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape.
- Sanitation: moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties.
- Tools: a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Information: local maps, and a phone with chargers and a backup battery.
What to buy versus what you already own
Most households already have a can opener, duct tape, garbage bags, and a wrench. The items worth buying on purpose are the ones that fail when the power does:
| Need | Why it's worth buying | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Stored water | Bottled water runs out fast. Sturdy jugs are cheap and refillable. | Scepter 5-gallon container |
| Water treatment | Lets you safely drink water you find once the stored water is gone. | Sawyer Squeeze |
| Food that keeps | Ready to eat, needs no cooking, and lasts for years. | Mainstay 3600 bars |
| Radio | Weather alerts and news when phones and internet are down. | Midland ER310 |
| Light | Hands-free light for cooking, caregiving, and repairs. | Petzl Tikkina |
| Batteries | Long-shelf-life lithium cells that won't leak in storage. | Energizer Ultimate Lithium |
| First aid | An organized kit you can find things in under stress. | Surviveware kit |
Our picks
Or start with a ready-made kit
If you want to be covered today, a pre-made kit gets you most of the list in one box, and you can upgrade pieces over time.
Storing and maintaining your kit
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags, and the whole kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
- Store it somewhere cool and dry that everyone in the house knows about.
- Every six months, replace expired food, water, and medications, and test your lights and radio.
- Tailor it to your household: medications, glasses, infant supplies, and pet food and water.
FAQ
How much water do I need for a 72-hour kit?
Ready.gov recommends one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation, for several days. For three days that is at least three gallons per person, plus extra for pets.
Should I buy a pre-made emergency kit or build my own?
A pre-made kit is the fastest way to be covered, and it's a good fit for a car or a second home. Building your own costs more time but lets you choose better versions of the items that matter most: the light, the radio, the water filter, and the first aid kit.
How often should I check my emergency kit?
Ready.gov suggests reviewing your kit every six months: replace expired food, water, and medications, and check that batteries and lights still work.
- Ready.gov — Build A Kit (basic supplies list, water guidance, maintenance)
- Ready.gov — Emergency Supply List (printable checklist)
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