A practical, family-focused checklist for a 72-hour household emergency kit. Cover water, food, first aid, power, documents, and the small things that keep kids comfortable when routines break down.

Start here: Build the Water, Food, and First aid sections first. Add the rest over the next few weekends. A partial kit you actually have beats a perfect kit you keep meaning to build.

Your kit progress

Loading your saved progress…

Progress saves automatically on this device.

1. Water

0/4

One gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and basic hygiene.

Bottled water: 1 gallon per person per day, 3-day minimum
Extra water for pets
Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Collapsible water container for refills

2. Food

0/7

Three-day supply of non-perishable food that does not need cooking or refrigeration.

Canned protein: tuna, beans, chicken
Peanut butter and shelf-stable nut butters
Granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit
Baby food and formula if needed
Pet food: 3-day supply
Manual can opener
Disposable utensils, plates, and cups

3. First aid and medications

0/7

A stocked first aid kit plus a 7-day supply of prescription medications.

Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Gauze pads, medical tape, and elastic wrap
Antiseptic wipes and hand sanitizer
Pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal
Tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer
7-day supply of prescription medications
Copies of prescriptions and dosing instructions

4. Power, light, and communication

0/6

Plan for a power outage that lasts several days.

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather)
Flashlight for every household member
Extra batteries for each device
Portable phone chargers, fully charged
Whistle for signaling for help
Backup paper list of emergency contacts

5. Important documents

0/6

Keep copies in a waterproof bag or on an encrypted USB drive.

IDs, passports, and birth certificates
Health insurance cards and immunization records
Home and auto insurance policies
Recent bank statements and a small amount of cash
Lease, deed, or mortgage paperwork
Pet vaccination and ownership records

6. Shelter and warmth

0/5

Stay warm and dry if you have to leave home or lose heat.

Emergency mylar blankets for each person
Sleeping bags or warm blankets
Change of clothing and sturdy shoes per person
Rain ponchos
Plastic sheeting and duct tape

7. Hygiene and sanitation

0/5

Basic sanitation matters most when services are disrupted.

8. Kids and family needs

0/4

Small comforts go a long way during a stressful event.

A familiar toy, book, or stuffed animal per child
Coloring book, crayons, deck of cards
Snacks kids actually eat
Pacifiers, bottles, and a baby carrier if relevant

9. Tools and extras

0/5

A small set of tools covers most quick repairs and safety needs.

See how prepared your household really is

The free Household Resilience assessment scores your emergency preparedness alongside finance, health, housing, and social support.

Take the 5-minute assessment →

Household Emergency Kit Checklist for Families