Emergencies don't always give you time to prepare.

Severe weather, power outages, evacuations, transportation disruptions, and other unexpected events can leave you without immediate access to food, clean water, electricity, or everyday supplies.

That's where a 72-hour emergency kit comes in.

A 72-hour kit—sometimes called a 3-day emergency kit, go bag, or emergency preparedness kit—contains essential supplies intended to help you through the first three days of an emergency.

The goal isn't to prepare for every possible scenario. It's to have essential supplies organized and ready so you aren't starting from scratch when something goes wrong.

In this guide, we'll walk through how to build a 72-hour emergency kit, what to put in it, how much water and food to consider, and how to keep your kit ready for use.

What Is a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?

A 72-hour emergency kit is a collection of essential supplies assembled to help you manage basic needs for approximately three days during an emergency.

Depending on your situation, you might use it at home during a power outage or take it with you during an evacuation.

A basic kit usually addresses several priorities:

• Water

• Food

• First aid

• Shelter and warmth

• Lighting

• Communication

• Hygiene

• Navigation

• Essential tools

• Personal medications and documents

Your kit should reflect your household, location, climate, and likely emergencies.

A family with young children will need different supplies from a solo traveler. Someone living in a cold climate may need more insulation, while someone in an area vulnerable to hurricanes or flooding may prioritize waterproof storage and evacuation supplies.

Why 72 Hours?

During a major emergency, normal services may be disrupted.

Stores may be closed. Electricity may be unavailable. Roads can become difficult to travel. Water supplies may be affected, and emergency services may be dealing with a large number of calls.

Having supplies available gives you a degree of self-sufficiency while conditions stabilize or help becomes available.

However, 72 hours shouldn't be viewed as a guarantee that every emergency will be resolved within three days.

Think of it as a practical starting point for emergency preparedness.

Once you've built a solid three-day kit, you can gradually expand your supplies if your household's emergency plan calls for it.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Let's break your kit into categories.

1. Water

Water should be one of your first priorities.

A commonly used emergency-planning guideline is to store approximately one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation.

For three days, that means approximately:

1 person = 3 gallons

2 people = 6 gallons

4 people = 12 gallons

Remember that additional water may be needed depending on heat, physical activity, medical needs, pregnancy, pets, or other circumstances.

Store water in appropriate containers and check your supplies periodically.

Base Camp Basics carries outdoor Water & Storage equipment that can help with transporting and organizing water during camping and preparedness situations.

Don't Rely on Only One Water Source

Stored water is ideal because it's immediately available.

However, an emergency plan may also include an appropriate backup method for treating water.

Depending on your circumstances, that could include:

• Water filters

• Water purification products

• Boiling equipment

• Appropriate water containers

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for any water-treatment product.

2. Emergency Food

Choose foods that:

• Have a reasonable shelf life

• Require little preparation

• Don't depend on refrigeration

• Provide useful calories and nutrition

• Are foods your household will actually eat

Possible choices include:

• Canned foods

• Nut or seed butters

• Crackers

• Dried fruit

• Shelf-stable meals

• Granola or energy bars

• Ready-to-eat foods

• Shelf-stable protein sources

If your food requires a can opener, put a manual can opener in your kit.

Don't assume you'll have electricity or a working kitchen.

If you're using camping cookware or a portable stove during an outage, operate fuel-burning equipment only in accordance with its safety instructions and ventilation requirements.

Never use grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning equipment inside a home, tent, garage, or other enclosed space unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved for that use. Carbon monoxide can be deadly.

3. First-Aid Supplies

Every 72-hour emergency kit should include basic first-aid supplies appropriate for the people in your household.

Consider items such as:

• Adhesive bandages

• Sterile gauze

• Medical tape

• Antiseptic supplies

• Disposable gloves

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Emergency blanket

• Basic wound-care supplies

• Any necessary personal medical supplies

Just as important as owning first-aid supplies is knowing how to use them.

Consider taking a recognized first-aid and CPR course.

You can also explore First Aid & Emergency Preparedness gear at Base Camp Basics when building your kit.

4. Prescription Medications and Personal Medical Needs

Your emergency kit needs to reflect your actual household.

Consider necessary:

• Prescription medications

• Medical equipment

• Backup batteries

• Glasses or contact-lens supplies

• Hearing-aid batteries

• Mobility supplies

• Copies of important medical information

Medication storage requirements vary, so follow instructions from your pharmacist, physician, manufacturer, or other qualified medical professional.

Don't store medications in extreme temperatures if their instructions prohibit it.

5. Flashlights and Emergency Lighting

Power outages are common during many emergencies.

Every household member should have access to reliable lighting.

Consider packing:

• Flashlights

• Headlamps

• Lanterns

• Spare batteries

• Rechargeable lighting

• Backup light sources

Headlamps can be particularly useful because they leave both hands free.

Base Camp Basics offers Camping Lighting & Electronics that can also be useful when preparing for outages and outdoor emergencies.

Avoid depending entirely on your phone flashlight.

Your phone battery may become much more important for communication.

6. Emergency Radio

When internet access and cellular networks are disrupted, a radio can provide important information.

Consider an emergency radio capable of receiving local broadcasts and relevant emergency information.

Battery-powered, hand-crank, or solar-assisted models can provide additional options when household electricity is unavailable.

Keep any required batteries with the radio and test the unit periodically.

7. Backup Power

Your phone may become one of your most valuable communication tools during an emergency.

Keep appropriate:

• Charging cables

• Power banks

• Vehicle chargers

• Backup batteries

Charge your power banks periodically rather than putting them into your kit and forgetting about them.

A dead backup battery isn't much of a backup.

8. Shelter and Warmth

Even if you expect to remain at home, consider what you would need if heating failed or you had to evacuate.

Depending on your climate, consider:

• Emergency blankets

• Sleeping bags

• Warm clothing

• Hats

• Gloves

• Rain protection

• Tarps

• Appropriate shelter equipment

Your sleeping system should match your climate and expected conditions.

Base Camp Basics offers Sleeping Bags & Sleep Systems for camping and outdoor applications that may also be useful when planning your emergency equipment.

9. Extra Clothing

Pack at least one practical change of clothing.

Consider:

• Socks

• Underwear

• Base layers

• Long pants

• Long-sleeved shirt

• Warm layer

• Rain jacket

• Durable footwear

• Seasonal clothing

Keep clothing protected from moisture.

Waterproof bags or sealed storage containers can help ensure that you have something dry to change into.

10. Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies

Personal hygiene can become difficult when water or utilities are unavailable.

Consider including:

• Toilet paper

• Soap

• Hand sanitizer

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Feminine hygiene products

• Moist wipes

• Garbage bags

• Disposable gloves

• Personal hygiene items

Garbage bags have numerous emergency uses, so having several sizes available can be helpful.

11. Important Documents

Keep copies of important information protected from water.

Depending on your needs, that might include:

• Identification information

• Insurance information

• Emergency contacts

• Medical information

• Prescription information

• Household contact details

• Important phone numbers

• Evacuation plans

Avoid carrying unnecessary sensitive information.

Physical copies can be useful because your phone may not always be available or charged.

12. Emergency Cash

Electronic payment systems and ATMs may not work during extended power or network outages.

Consider keeping an appropriate amount of emergency cash in a secure location.

Smaller denominations can be useful if businesses cannot provide change.

The amount will depend on your household and emergency plan.

13. Navigation

Phones and GPS systems are incredibly useful, but don't make them your only navigation option.

Consider keeping:

• Local maps

• Regional road maps

• Evacuation route information

• Compass

Mark important locations in advance, such as meeting points, shelters, hospitals, and possible evacuation destinations.

Knowing how to use a map and compass is more valuable than simply owning them.

14. Basic Emergency Tools

A few carefully selected tools can handle many basic tasks.

Depending on your needs, consider:

• Multi-tool

• Utility knife

• Duct tape

• Cordage

• Work gloves

• Whistle

• Adjustable wrench

• Basic repair supplies

Don't pack tools simply because they look useful.

Every item adds weight and takes up space.

Choose equipment you understand and know how to use.

Base Camp Basics carries Camping Tools & Outdoor Gear that can complement an appropriately planned emergency kit.

15. Paracord or Utility Cordage

Cordage can be useful for:

• Securing equipment

• Organizing gear

• Temporary repairs

• Practicing knots

• Appropriate shelter applications

Base Camp Basics offers 7-core camping paracord for general outdoor utility use.

Remember that ordinary camping paracord isn't automatically suitable for climbing, rescue, fall protection, or other life-safety applications.

16. Fire-Starting Supplies

Depending on your emergency plan and environment, appropriate fire-starting supplies may be useful for outdoor situations where fires are legal and safe.

Possible options include:

• Waterproof matches

• Lighters

• Ferrocerium rod

• Protected tinder

Store fire-starting equipment safely and away from children.

Never start a fire indoors or in an unsafe location.

Follow all local fire restrictions.

17. Signaling Equipment

A whistle is inexpensive, lightweight, and useful for attracting attention.

Other signaling equipment may include:

• Flashlight

• Reflective material

• Signal mirror

• Emergency beacon for appropriate backcountry situations

Three short whistle blasts are commonly recognized as a distress signal in outdoor settings.

18. Backpack or Emergency Bag

If evacuation becomes necessary, you need a practical way to carry your supplies.

A sturdy backpack can keep essential equipment organized and ready to move.

Look for enough capacity for your essential supplies without making the pack so heavy that you can't comfortably carry it.

Base Camp Basics offers Bags & Packs suitable for a variety of camping and outdoor applications.

Remember:

Your emergency kit isn't useful if it's too heavy for you to move.

Test your loaded pack before an emergency.

Don't Forget Household-Specific Items

Generic emergency-kit lists are only a starting point.

Your household may also need:

Babies and Young Children

Consider diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, food, medications, comfort items, and appropriate clothing.

Older Adults

Consider medications, mobility equipment, hearing-aid supplies, glasses, medical information, and other accessibility needs.

Pets

Don't forget:

• Pet food

• Water

• Bowls

• Medications

• Leash or harness

• Carrier

• Waste bags

• Identification information

Pets need emergency supplies too.

Where Should You Store Your 72-Hour Kit?

Accessibility matters.

You don't want emergency supplies buried underneath holiday decorations at the back of a storage room.

Keep your primary kit somewhere:

• Easy to reach

• Known to household members

• Protected from extreme temperatures when required

• Protected from moisture

• Close enough to retrieve quickly during an evacuation

You may also want smaller emergency kits in your vehicles, workplace, or other appropriate locations.

How Often Should You Check Your Emergency Kit?

A 72-hour kit shouldn't be something you build once and ignore for five years.

Review it regularly.

A simple schedule is every six months.

Check:

• Food expiration dates

• Water supplies

• Medication dates and storage requirements

• Battery condition

• Power-bank charge

• Flashlight operation

• Clothing sizes

• Seasonal equipment

• Contact information

• Children's supplies

• Pet supplies

Replace anything expired, damaged, discharged, or no longer appropriate.

You can even set a recurring calendar reminder.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Here's a simplified checklist you can use while assembling your kit:

Water & Food

• Water

• Backup water-treatment method

• Three-day food supply

• Manual can opener

• Eating utensils

Health & First Aid

• First-aid kit

• Prescription medications

• Personal medical supplies

• Emergency blanket

• Medical information

Lighting & Communication

• Flashlight

• Headlamp

• Emergency radio

• Spare batteries

• Power bank

• Charging cables

• Whistle

Clothing & Shelter

• Change of clothing

• Extra socks

• Rain gear

• Warm layers

• Sleeping bag or blankets

• Appropriate shelter equipment

Tools

• Multi-tool

• Appropriate utility knife

• Duct tape

• Cordage

• Work gloves

• Fire-starting equipment where appropriate

Navigation & Documents

• Local maps

• Compass

• Emergency contact information

• Copies of important documents

• Emergency cash

Hygiene

• Toilet paper

• Soap

• Hand sanitizer

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Garbage bags

• Personal hygiene products

Household-Specific Supplies

• Children's supplies

• Pet supplies

• Accessibility equipment

• Personal medications

• Special dietary items

Common 72-Hour Kit Mistakes

Mistake #1: Buying Gear You Don't Know How to Use

Emergency preparedness isn't about owning the most equipment.

Learn how your gear works before you need it.

Mistake #2: Making Your Bag Too Heavy

It's easy to keep adding equipment until your emergency bag becomes nearly impossible to carry.

Pack your bag and actually walk with it.

Adjust the contents if necessary.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Water

Tools and gadgets get attention, but safe drinking water should be one of your highest priorities.

Plan water first.

Mistake #4: Depending Entirely on Electronics

Phones are incredibly valuable, but batteries die and networks can fail.

Maintain appropriate non-electronic backups for critical functions such as navigation and important contact information.

Mistake #5: Never Checking the Kit

Food expires.

Batteries discharge.

Children grow.

Medications change.

Phone numbers change.

Review your supplies regularly.

Mistake #6: Building a Generic Kit

Your kit should be designed for your household, not an imaginary average person.

Climate, medical needs, children, pets, location, transportation, and likely hazards should influence what you pack.

72-Hour Emergency Kit FAQ

What is the most important item in a 72-hour emergency kit?

There isn't one item that addresses every emergency, but safe drinking water should be among your highest priorities. Food, medications, first aid, shelter, lighting, communication, and other essential supplies are also important.

How much water should I have for 72 hours?

A common emergency-planning guideline is approximately one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, or roughly three gallons per person for 72 hours.

Individual needs can be higher depending on climate, activity, health needs, and other factors.

How much food should I put in a 72-hour kit?

Plan enough shelf-stable food for each household member for approximately three days.

Choose foods your household will actually eat and consider dietary restrictions, allergies, preparation requirements, and storage life.

Should everyone have their own 72-hour bag?

This depends on your household.

Individual bags can distribute weight and make personal supplies easier to organize, while some shared household equipment can be divided among adults who are able to carry it.

Is a 72-hour kit the same as a bug-out bag?

The terms sometimes overlap, but they aren't necessarily identical.

A 72-hour kit focuses on having essential supplies available for approximately three days. A bug-out bag is typically designed specifically for rapid evacuation.

A well-designed emergency backpack can potentially serve both purposes depending on your plan.

Where should I keep my emergency kit?

Keep it somewhere accessible where household members know how to find it quickly.

Avoid locations where moisture, excessive heat, freezing conditions, or other environmental factors could damage supplies.

Start Building Your 72-Hour Emergency Kit Today

You don't need to purchase everything at once.

Start with the essentials:

Water. Food. First aid. Medications. Lighting. Communication. Shelter.

Then gradually improve your kit.

Add appropriate tools.

Organize important documents.

Prepare supplies for children and pets.

Learn how your equipment works.

Review everything regularly.

The objective of a 72-hour emergency kit isn't to prepare for every imaginable disaster.

It's to give you a practical foundation for dealing with unexpected situations without having to scramble for basic supplies at the last minute.

Preparedness starts with a plan—and you can start building yours today.

Prepare smart. Stay ready. Keep exploring.

— Base Camp Basics