72-Hour Kit Checklist for Families: What to Pack for Every Age

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Quick answer: a 72-hour kit holds enough food, water and supplies for each person for three days. Plan one gallon of water per person per day (three gallons each), non-perishable food that needs little or no cooking, a first aid kit, a radio, flashlights, warm clothing, hygiene items, copies of documents and cash. Add specific items for babies, children, older adults and pets, and keep the kit where you can grab it fast.

Many emergencies leave you on your own for a few days: a storm that closes roads, a long power outage, a short-notice evacuation. A 72-hour kit, also called a go bag, is the basic set of supplies that gets you through the first three days. This guide explains what to pack, how to store it and what each family member might need. It follows the Ready.gov and CDC supply lists.

What is a 72-hour kit and why have one?

Ready.gov says that after an emergency you may need to survive on your own for several days, and a disaster supplies kit is a collection of the basic items your household may need. Three days is a common planning target because it is often how long it takes for help and services to reach affected areas. Think of it as a starting point; if you can, build toward a two-week supply of water at home.

What should you pack it in?

Ready.gov suggests storing items in airtight plastic bags and placing the whole kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A backpack for each adult and older child makes sense if you may have to leave on foot, while younger children can carry a small bag with comfort items and a few light supplies. Keep weight in check: if you cannot carry it comfortably, it will not help you.

Where should you store your kit?

Choose a cool, dry place that everyone can reach, and make sure every family member knows where it is. Ready.gov recommends having supplies for home, work and the car, because you will not know where you will be when something happens. Keep a smaller version at work and a kit in your vehicle in case you are stranded.

What kind of food should you pack?

Choose non-perishable food that needs little or no cooking and little or no water. Good options include canned meats, fish, fruits and vegetables with pull-tabs or a manual can opener, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, trail mix, shelf-stable milk and juice boxes. Pack foods your family will eat, include comfort items for children and think about allergies and special diets. Check dates every six months and swap items before they expire. Our guide to food for a bug-out bag has more ideas.

Water for 72 hours

Store at least one gallon per person per day, so each person needs at least three gallons. In a go bag, you will not carry all of that, so plan how you will get more, and pack a way to make water safe, such as water treatment tablets or unscented household bleach with instructions. See our full guide to storing water and purifying water.

Premade kits

If you prefer to buy a premade kit, treat it as a starting point. Check what is included, make sure it matches the number of people in your household and add what is missing, such as medications, a radio, extra water and items for children, babies and pets. We previously linked to a premade kit; we will add a current, verified recommendation later.

Core items for every kit

Water (one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and a supply of needed medications
Whistle to signal for help
Dust masks
Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Cash, in small bills
Copies of important documents, such as identification and insurance, saved electronically or in a waterproof container

Warm clothing, sturdy shoes and a blanket or sleeping bag for each person

Checklists by family member

Adults

Pack a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, a warm layer, a hat and gloves, personal hygiene items, prescription medications and a few days of refills if possible, spare glasses or contact lens supplies, a multi-tool and a small notebook and pen. Add a phone charger and power bank. See our Swiss army knife guide for a multi-tool.

Teens

Teenagers can carry their own pack with clothing, hygiene items, a flashlight, a water bottle, snacks and a copy of key contacts. Teach them how to use the radio, the first aid kit and how to turn off utilities.

Children (ages 4 to 10)

Pack a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, a hat, a small blanket, snacks, a comfort item such as a stuffed animal, a few quiet activities such as books or cards and a laminated card with parent names, phone numbers and any medical needs. Add a flashlight they can use.

Babies and toddlers

Ready.gov lists infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream. Also add extra clothing, blankets, any needed medication, a pacifier, and enough formula and clean water to mix it for several days. Adjust the quantities for your child’s age and check expiry dates often.

Older adults and people with medical needs

Pack medications, a list of doses and prescribers, spare batteries for hearing aids, glasses, mobility aids if portable, and supplies for any medical devices. Ready.gov and the CDC recommend talking to your health provider about a plan for medical devices and for refrigerated medicines if the power goes out.

Pets

Pack pet food, extra water, a leash or carrier, waste bags and a copy of vaccination records. Ready.gov lists pet food and extra water for your pet. Remember that most public shelters allow only service animals, so plan where your pets would stay.

Extra items to consider

Depending on your climate and situation, think about a tarp or poncho, a small camp stove for outdoor use only, a fire extinguisher, hand and foot warmers in cold climates, a sleeping bag, paper plates and utensils and games to keep children busy. Keep your car kit stocked as well.

Maintain your kit

Review the kit once a year, and more often for food and medicine. Ready.gov advises replacing expired items and rethinking your needs as your family changes. Rotate water every six months if you fill your own containers. A reminder on your phone or the change of clocks each spring and fall can help.

Using your kit: evacuate or shelter at home

The same kit works in both cases. If you stay home, you can use it to supplement your pantry and keep water, a radio and flashlights in one place. If you must leave, you can grab it and go. For decisions about leaving or staying, see our guide on bugging out or staying put.

Common mistakes with 72-hour kits

Packing too heavy to carry.
Forgetting medications, glasses or baby supplies.
Never checking expiration dates.
Keeping the kit somewhere hard to reach.
Storing water in a hot garage where plastic can degrade and water tastes poor.
Not telling every family member where the kit is.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water do I need in a 72-hour kit?

At least one gallon per person per day, which is three gallons per person for three days. Add a way to make water safe if you must leave.

What food should I pack?

Non-perishable food that needs little or no cooking, such as canned goods, nut butter, crackers, bars and dried fruit. Choose foods your family will actually eat.

Where should I store the kit?

In a cool, dry spot everyone can reach, with smaller versions at work and in the car.

How often should I update my kit?

At least once a year, and rotate food, water and medicines before they expire.

Is three days enough?

It is a good starting point. Many agencies suggest aiming for more at home, and a two-week water supply if possible.

Bottom line

A 72-hour kit is the first step toward being ready. Cover water, food, light, information, first aid and warmth for everyone in the household, add the specific needs of each person and pet, store it where you can reach it and review it every year.