Emergency Kit Checklist

Exactly what goes in a 72-hour home emergency kit, from water and food to first aid, tools and documents.

Published June 21, 2026

Water

One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
Extra water for pets and for hot climates
A few collapsible bottles or a refillable container
Water purification tablets or a small filter as a backup
Useful if your stored water runs out before help arrives

Food

Three-day supply of non-perishable food per person
A manual can opener and basic utensils
Ready-to-eat items that need no cooking or refrigeration
High-energy foods like nuts, dried fruit and protein bars
Special foods for infants, pets and dietary needs

First Aid and Medications

A stocked first aid kit with bandages and antiseptic
A seven-day supply of prescription medications
Pain relievers, antihistamines and any personal medicine
Copies of prescriptions and a list of allergies
Spare glasses, contact supplies and hearing-aid batteries

Tools and Lighting

Flashlights or headlamps with spare batteries
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
A multi-tool or basic wrench and pliers set
A whistle to signal for help
Duct tape, plastic sheeting and work gloves
Phone chargers and a power bank

Sanitation and Comfort

Moist towelettes, hand sanitizer and garbage bags
Toilet paper, soap and personal hygiene items
A change of clothes and sturdy shoes per person
An emergency blanket or sleeping bag for each person
Dust masks to filter contaminated air
Comfort items and activities for children

Documents and Cash

Copies of IDs, insurance and medical records in a waterproof bag
A list of emergency contacts and meeting points
Cash in small bills in case card systems are down
Spare house and car keys
A paper map of your area in case GPS is unavailable

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An emergency kit checklist lists exactly what to pack in a 72-hour home supply kit so your family can stay safe through a disaster or extended outage. It covers water, food, first aid, tools, lighting, sanitation, important documents and comfort items in one organized place.

A good kit is built before you need it, kept where you can grab it, and refreshed on a schedule. The goal is to have everything ready in one container so no one is searching for supplies during an emergency.

Work down the list section by section, using durable containers like plastic bins or a duffel bag. Aim for a three-day supply at minimum, and store extra water and food at home when you have the space.

Great for families, renters and homeowners, this checklist is printable and downloadable as a PDF. Tick off each item as you pack, then set a reminder to review the kit twice a year.

FAQ

What should be in a basic emergency kit?

The basics are water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, flashlight, battery or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a whistle, medications, sanitation supplies, copies of documents and cash. Ready.gov recommends these as the core of every household kit.

How much water and food should the kit hold?

Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day and a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Choose foods that need no cooking or refrigeration, and include a manual can opener.

How long should an emergency kit last?

Build at least a three-day (72-hour) supply for evacuation, and keep a two-week supply of food and water at home when space allows. The 72-hour kit is the grab-and-go baseline recommended by FEMA and the Red Cross.

How often should I check my emergency kit?

Review it twice a year. Rotate water and food before they expire, replace dead batteries, refresh medications, and update clothing and documents as needs change.

Is this emergency kit checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF, tape a copy inside the kit, and check off each item as you pack and restock it.