What Is a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit — sometimes called a "go bag" or "bug-out bag" — is a collection of essential supplies designed to sustain you and your household for at least three days following a disaster or emergency evacuation. Emergency management agencies recommend 72 hours as a baseline because it typically takes that long for first responders and relief services to reach and assist affected communities after a major event.
Who Needs One?
Every household should have a 72-hour kit, regardless of where you live. Natural disasters, severe weather events, extended power outages, and evacuation orders can affect communities in virtually every region. Having supplies ready in advance means you won't be competing with everyone else at the store when the emergency is already underway.
The Core Categories of Emergency Supplies
1. Water
Water is your most critical resource. The general guideline is one gallon per person per day. For a family of four over 72 hours, that's 12 gallons minimum. Store water in food-grade containers, and consider including:
- Commercial bottled water (easiest to rotate)
- A portable water filter (e.g., squeeze or straw-style filter)
- Water purification tablets as a backup
2. Food
Choose non-perishable, low-preparation foods with long shelf lives:
- Canned goods (beans, tuna, soup, vegetables)
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Granola bars and trail mix
- Dried fruit, nuts, and jerky
- Instant oatmeal or freeze-dried meals (if you have a way to heat water)
Don't forget a manual can opener, and account for any dietary restrictions, allergies, or infant/pet needs.
3. First Aid
A comprehensive first aid kit should include:
- Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes), gauze pads, and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Any prescription medications (maintain a rolling 7-day supply)
- A first aid manual
4. Light and Power
- Flashlights (one per person) with extra batteries
- Headlamps for hands-free use
- Battery-powered or hand-crank lantern
- Portable battery pack/power bank for phone charging
- Candles and waterproof matches (use with caution indoors)
5. Communication
- Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
- Charged backup phone battery
- A written list of important phone numbers (power outages can lock you out of your phone)
- Local area maps (digital maps fail without cell service)
6. Documents and Cash
- Copies of ID, passports, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof bag
- Small amount of cash in small bills (ATMs may be offline)
- USB drive with digital copies of important files
7. Warmth and Shelter
- Emergency mylar blankets (compact and highly effective)
- A change of clothes and sturdy footwear per person
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag or thermal blanket if evacuation is likely
Maintaining Your Kit
A kit that hasn't been maintained can fail you when you need it most. Set a recurring reminder to:
- Check and rotate food and water every 6–12 months
- Replace batteries and test flashlights annually
- Update medications and document copies as needed
- Adjust supplies as your household size or needs change
Where to Store It
Store your kit in a cool, dry, accessible location — ideally near an exit. A waterproof backpack or rolling bin works well. Keep a smaller version in your car for emergencies away from home.
A 72-hour kit takes an afternoon to assemble but can make an enormous difference when seconds and resources matter most.