72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

FEMA says the first 72 hours after a disaster are on you. This checklist follows Ready.gov's basic kit and links each item to our researched picks. Tick items off as you go; nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

1. Water One gallon per person per day for at least 3 days (FEMA). Add a filter for refills.
   Water Storage Water Filtration Water Purification Tablets
2. Food At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
   Food Pantry Containers & Can Openers
3. Weather radio Battery or hand-crank NOAA radio with alerts.
   Weather Radio
4. Light Flashlight, headlamp or lantern, plus extra batteries.
   Lighting
5. First aid kit Plus a tourniquet and any daily prescriptions.
   First Aid Trauma & Bleeding Control Emergency Prescriptions (Telehealth)
6. Phone charging Power bank or small solar charger.
   Phone Charging
7. Whistle and compass To signal for help and find your way with no GPS.
   Navigation & Signaling
8. Warmth Emergency blanket or bivvy for each person.
   Emergency Blankets & Bivvies
9. Plastic sheeting and duct tape To shelter in place or patch windows and roofs.
   Tarps Duct Tape & Cordage
10. Fire starter Ferro rod, stormproof matches or tinder.
    Fire Starting
11. Multi-tool Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
    Tools
12. Go bag A sturdy pack to carry it all if you have to leave.
    Go Bags
13. Car kit Jump starter and a seatbelt cutter/window breaker.
    Vehicle Emergency Kit
14. Dust masks, wipes, garbage bags Ready.gov basics; we don't list picks for these yet.
15. Documents and cash Copies of IDs, insurance and medical info in a waterproof bag, plus small bills.
16. Family plan Meeting place, out-of-area contact and pet supplies.

Store your kit in one easy-to-carry container, check it every six months, and replace water you bottled yourself. Source: Ready.gov Build a Kit.