Go Back Email Link
Organize your ingredients list
Print Pin Checklist
5 from 1 vote

72 Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Prepare for any emergency with this printable 72-hour kit checklist of essential items to help you survive and stay safe.
CategoryChecklists
Equipment
  • 1 Durable backpack or
  • 1 Rolling tub or
  • 1 Suitcase to store your items
Items
1. Water
  • 1 gallon water per person per day (3 gallons per person for 72 hours)
  • 1 portable water filter for evacuation scenarios
  • 1 bottle water purification tablets for water purification (see notes)
2. Food
  • 9 meals per person (3 meals per day) consisting of non-perishable food items (see notes)
  • 1 box snacks (granola bars or similar)
3. Lighting
  • 1 flashlight with batteries
4. Emergency Radio
  • 1 crank radio (see notes)
5. Batteries
  • 1 packet spare batteries (see notes)
6. Solar Power
  • 1 solar-powered charger for charging phone and small devices
7. Lighters
  • 3 lighters
  • 1 pack matches (as a backup)
8. Tools
  • 1 survival knife non-foldable with sturdy grip
  • 1 multi-tool army knife
  • 1 pair tweezers
  • 1 pair scissors
  • 1 wrench to turn off utilities prior to evacuation
  • 1 set pliers
9. Blankets
  • 2 thermal blankets such as Mylar
10. Medication & First Aid
  • 1 pack basic medications (see notes)
  • 1 pack prescription medications
  • 1 pair extra glasses/lenses
  • 1 first-aid kit
  • 1 roll athletic tape
11. Hygiene & Toiletries
  • 1 bottle hand sanitizer
  • 1 tube toothpaste & toothbrush
  • 1 roll toilet paper (extra if able)
  • 1 pack sanitary pads or tampons
  • 1 pack baby wipes
  • 1 bottle mild detergent
12. Clothing
  • 1 set seasonal change of clothes per person
  • 1 set extra underwear per person
13. Dust Masks
  • 1 pack dust masks
14. Baby Products (as needed)
  • 1 pack diapers
  • 1 can milk formula sufficient for 3 days
  • 1 pack baby wipes
  • 1 set spare baby clothes
  • 1 bottle baby medication basic and/or prescription
  • 1 set games or puzzles for toddlers
15. Pet Essentials (as needed)
  • 1 bag dry pet food sufficient for 3 days
  • 1 pack waste bags & ties
  • 1 collapsible pet bowl
  • 1 pet carrier
16. Rain Gear
  • 1 poncho per person
17. ID & Documents
  • 1 set identification and important documents (see notes)
  • 1 spare cash
18. Eating Utensils
  • 1 set plastic utensils
  • 1 can opener
19. Shelter
  • 1 tent
20. Sleeping Gear
  • 1 emergency sleeping bag per person
21. Bug Spray
  • 1 bottle bug spray
22. Whistle
  • 1 emergency whistle
23. Navigation Equipment
  • 1 GPS device keep charged
  • 1 map
  • 1 compass
24. Disposable Camera
  • 1 disposable camera (see notes)
25. Gloves
  • 1 pair sturdy gloves (see notes)
26. Sheets
  • 1 set cotton sheets
  • 1 set plastic sheets (see notes)
27. Utility & Repair Items
  • 1 coil rope
  • 1 roll duct tape
  • 1 bag zip ties
Additional Notes
Water
  1. Prioritize drinking over hygiene.
  2. A water filter and purification tablets are good ways to supplement water in emergency evacuation scenarios.
Food
  1. Choose non-perishable foods that don't require cooking, such as dry cereal, crackers, trail mix, granola bars, canned beans, tuna, and meat.
  2. Avoid pop-up lid cans as they can leak.
  3. Consider preferences of children, such as granola bars or fruit snacks.
  4. Choose lightweight (freeze-dried) meals where possible but keep in mind extra water may be required for rehydration.
Emergency Radio
  1. Select one with PEAS (Public Emergency Alert System), weather alerts and crank system for backup power.
Spare Batteries
  1. These are in addition to what is already in your battery-powered equipment.
Medication & First Aid
  1. Basic medications include painkillers, cough syrup, anti-inflammatories and laxatives.
  2. You should include any personal prescription medications needed.
  3. Regularly check expiration dates and rotate any medications.
Clothing
  1. If you live in a very wet climate, ensure you have wet weather gear (waterproof boots etc).
  2. Those in very cold climates should include thermal wear.
ID & Documents
  1. Important documents should be laminated and include copies of IDs, passports, medical record and insurance papers.
Navigation
  1. Ensure your GPS is kept charged and you have directions to shelters and key locations such as water sources in paper format.
Disposable Camera
  1. Useful for documenting damage to property for insurance claims. More reliable than phones in extreme weather conditions.
Gloves
  1. Choose durable gardening or work gloves to protect hands while carrying heavy items, tying ropes, or cutting objects. Avoid disposable or dishwashing gloves.
Sheets
  1. Versatile for use as bedding, bandages, food covers, ground cover, or for organizing items. Essential for multiple emergency uses.
QR Code linking back to recipe