Also known as a Go Bag, Bug-Out Bag, or simply an Emergency Kit, a 72-hour kit should contain everything you and your family need to survive and stay comfortable for at least three days during an emergency or evacuation.

Disasters don’t wait, and you may only have minutes to act. Having a packed and personalized emergency kit ready to go can make a world of difference.

Everyone’s kit will be a little different, but here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you build a kit that works for your family, your pets, and your lifestyle.

Personal Essentials

• Wallet or purse
• House and car keys
• Mobile phone with charging cables and battery bank
• Extra set of car and house keys
• Extra cash (small bills and coins)
• Copies of personal documents:
• Passport or ID
• Birth certificates
• Insurance policies
• Deed or lease
• Medical records and prescriptions
• Emergency contact list

Food & Water

• One gallon of water per person, per day (minimum 3-day supply)
• Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Comfort snacks: hard candy, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate, peanut butter, juice boxes
• Manual can opener
• Camp stove with fuel
• Cooking utensils and mess kit
• Baby formula, bottles, and baby food
• Pet food and bowl

Medical & Hygiene

• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• C-PAP machine, portable oxygen, or syringes
• Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses with solution
• Hearing aids with spare batteries
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush or comb
• Feminine hygiene products
• Face masks (N95 or surgical)
• Towels
• Sanitation and personal hygiene supplies
• Portable toilet and waste bags
• Space blanket or emergency blanket
• Household liquid bleach (for water purification)

Clothing & Protection

• Extra clothes and sturdy shoes
• Coats, hats, gloves, scarves, mittens
• Umbrella or rain poncho
• Work gloves
• Extra stockings or socks
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Tent, tarp, stakes, and rope
• Camp shower
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Poncho

Tools & Tech

• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA preferred)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Matches or waterproof lighter
• Scissors
• Tools to secure your home (wrench, pliers, duct tape, etc.)
• Portable gas or solar-powered generator
• Two-way radios or HAM radio
• Laptop or external hard drive
• Phone charging power bank

Mobility & Transport

• Wagon or cart (if walking is required)
• Stroller
• Walker, cane, or wheelchair
• Extra totes or containers for loading supplies quickly

Comfort & Recovery Items

• Religious or spiritual items
• Scriptures or Bible
• Jewelry and other valuables
• Family heirlooms
• Photo albums or digital backups
• Books, puzzles, and games
• Comfort toys for kids (stuffed animals, dolls)
• Emergency preparedness reference books
• Journals and pens
• Small musical instruments (harmonica, ukulele, etc.)
• Coloring books and crayons
• Valuable collections
• Hunting or fishing gear

Pet Preparedness

• Collar, leash, and ID tags
• Vaccination and vet records
• Crate or pet carrier
• Food, water, and treats
• Pet vitamins or medications
• Comfort toys and bedding

Miscellaneous

• Local maps (paper)
• Written contact info (especially for children)
• Emergency whistle
• Glow sticks or light sticks
• Emergency contact card
• Emergency plan printout
• Sleeping bags
• Notebook, pens, permanent marker
• Trash bags and ziplock bags

Pro Tips

• Keep a sturdy pair of shoes under your bed for quick access.
• Rotate food, water, and medications every 6 months.
• Customize your kit based on your family’s needs, the season, and common regional hazards.