Printable Checklist
72-Hour Kit Checklist
Three days of supplies for your household. Most of it you already own — this is about gathering and organizing, not buying everything new.
Aim for three days per person. Build it for your family — your people, your medications, your pets. Then check it twice a year when the clocks change.
Water
- One gallon per person, per day 3 gallons each, minimum — more in hot climates
- Extra water for pets
- A way to treat water (filter, tablets, or unscented bleach)
Food (3 days, little or no cooking)
- Canned goods (beans, soup, vegetables, meat)
- Peanut butter, granola or protein bars, dried fruit, nuts
- Comfort foods and anything for special diets
- Manual can opener
- Pet food
- Paper plates, cups, utensils
Light & power
- Flashlight or headlamp for each person
- Spare batteries (check sizes)
- Charged power bank for phones
- Charging cables
- Larger power station, if budget allows
Information
- Battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
- Printed list of emergency contacts phones die — paper doesn’t
- Local area map
First aid & medications
- Stocked first-aid kit see the First-Aid Kit Checklist
- 7-day supply of prescription medications
- Glasses, contacts, or other daily essentials
- Hand sanitizer and a small bottle of soap
Sanitation & hygiene
- Wet wipes and toilet paper
- Trash bags and ties
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Diapers and wipes, if needed
Warmth & shelter
- Emergency blanket or sleeping bag per person
- A change of warm clothes and sturdy shoes
- Rain ponchos
- Work gloves
Tools & supplies
- Multi-tool or pocketknife
- Duct tape and a few zip ties
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Lighter or waterproof matches
- N95 masks
Documents & cash
- Copies of IDs, insurance, and key records in a zip bag
- Small bills and coins card readers go down with the power
- Spare house and car keys
Make a smaller “go bag”
Keep the bulk of your supplies at home, and pack a slimmed-down version by the door in case you have to leave in a hurry:
- Water and a few snacks
- Flashlight and charged power bank
- Copies of documents and medications
- One change of clothes per person
- Cash and emergency contact list
Twice a year, check it
- Rotate water and food
- Test the radio and flashlights; replace batteries
- Refresh medications and update documents
- Swap kids’ clothes for current sizes
Want the full walkthrough? Read The 72-Hour Kit Most Families Actually Need.
