In short: A 72-hour kit is a supply of water, food and basics to look after your household for at least three days after a disaster. Ready.gov's basic kit includes one gallon of water per person per day for several days, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio, a flashlight, first aid kit, batteries, whistle, dust mask, manual can opener, maps and phone chargers. CDC sets the water minimum at 3 days and suggests 2 weeks if possible.
Key facts
- Ready.gov's basic kit includes one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. Source
- CDC says to store at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days, and to try to store a 2-week supply if possible. Source
- CDC says unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable source of water in an emergency; water you store yourself should be replaced every 6 months. Source
- Ready.gov notes that in very hot temperatures, water needs can double. Source
- Ready.gov suggests reviewing your kit every year and updating it as your family's needs change. Source
Want this written down for your home? Household Emergency Plan — US edition — printable, $7.99.
If storms, outages or world events have you wondering whether your household could manage on its own for a few days, a 72-hour kit is the calm, practical answer. After a disaster, the water, power or stores you rely on may not be available for a while. The idea is simple: keep enough water, food and basics at home to look after everyone for at least three days. This checklist is based on Ready.gov's basic disaster supplies kit and CDC's water guidance.
What is a 72-hour kit?
"72-hour kit" isn't an official Ready.gov term — Ready.gov talks about a basic disaster supplies kit with supplies for "several days". The three-day figure comes from CDC's advice to store at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for 3 days. CDC also suggests trying to store a 2-week supply if possible, so treat 72 hours as your starting point, not the finish line.
A 72-hour kit is mainly for staying at home. If you may need to leave quickly, see our go bag checklist — many items overlap.
How much water do I need?
| Household | Minimum for 3 days (CDC) | 2 weeks if possible (CDC) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 gallons | 14 gallons |
| 2 people | 6 gallons | 28 gallons |
| 4 people | 12 gallons | 56 gallons |
| 4 people + dog | 12 gallons + extra for the dog | 56 gallons + extra for the dog |
Points from CDC and Ready.gov:
- Store more for pregnant women, people who are sick, pets, or a hot climate. Ready.gov notes that in very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
- CDC says unopened, commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency source. Check expiration dates.
- If you fill your own containers, CDC says to label them "drinking water" with the date, keep them cool and out of direct sunlight, and replace the water every 6 months.
Basic 72-hour kit checklist (Ready.gov)
These are the items on Ready.gov's basic disaster supplies kit:
- Water — one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food — at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle
- Dust mask
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
A note on the wrench: Ready.gov's evacuation advice says to shut off water, gas and electricity if there is damage to your home and you are instructed to do so. Otherwise, leave utilities alone and follow your utility's guidance.
Food ideas for three days
Ready.gov asks for non-perishable food without giving a fixed menu. Practical choices are foods your household already eats and that need little or no cooking or water:
- Canned meals, beans, vegetables and fruit
- Peanut butter or other spreads
- Crackers, cereal, granola or protein bars
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Shelf-stable milk or juice boxes
- Comfort foods and snacks, especially for children
Ready.gov suggests keeping canned food in a cool, dry place and storing boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Extras to consider for your household
Ready.gov lists these additional items to consider:
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Prescription medications, plus pain relievers, antacids and other non-prescription medicines you use
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents, saved electronically or in a waterproof container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing suitable for your climate, and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Babies and toddlers
- Infant formula and bottles
- Diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- A familiar toy or blanket and a few quiet activities
Pets
Ready.gov's pet guidance suggests:
- Several days' supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container
- Extra water for your pet
- An extra supply of any regular medicine, in a waterproof container
- Spare leash, collar and ID tag
- Favorite toys, treats or bedding
- Copies of registration and records, plus a recent photo of you with your pet
Medicines and disability needs
Ready.gov's disability guidance suggests:
- Several days' supply of prescription medicines
- A current list of medications, dosages and allergies
- Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids and batteries
- An extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical device, kept charged
- Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
- A spare mobility device such as a cane or walker, if you use one
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to keep a small spare supply of regular medicines.
How should I pack and store the kit?
Ready.gov suggests storing items in airtight plastic bags and putting the whole kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. It suggests kits in three places:
| Where | Ready.gov advice |
|---|---|
| Home | A designated place everyone in the household knows about |
| Work | Be prepared to shelter for at least 24 hours: food, water, medicines and comfortable walking shoes in a "grab and go" case |
| Car | A supply kit in case you become stranded |
How do I build a kit on a budget?
Ready.gov's low and no cost tips are to build your kit over time, start with items you may already have at home, and look for deals at garage sales and thrift stores. A realistic approach is to add a few items every grocery trip — a gallon of water, a few cans, a pack of batteries.
How often should I check my kit?
- Replace expired food, water and medicines (Ready.gov)
- Replace water you've stored yourself every 6 months (CDC)
- Test the flashlight and radio, and recharge backup batteries
- Swap clothing for the season and for growing children
- Review your needs every year and update the kit as your family changes (Ready.gov)
Your kit works best alongside a family emergency plan. If the most likely problem where you live is losing power, see our power outage guide, and visit the US preparedness hub for everything else.
Limitations
This is general information based on Ready.gov and CDC guidance, not professional advice. We haven't tested any products. In an emergency, follow instructions from local officials and call 911 if life is at risk. Risks and recommendations differ by state and region — hurricane, wildfire and winter-storm areas may need more — so check your state and local emergency management agency.
Turn this guide into a written plan
Instant PDF · fill in on screen or print · 30-day refund.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 72-hour kit?
It's a home supply of water, food and basic items to look after your household for at least three days after a disaster. CDC's water guidance uses a 3-day minimum; Ready.gov describes supplies for 'several days'.
How much water do I need for a 72-hour kit?
At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days — so 3 gallons per person — according to CDC. Store more for pregnant women, people who are sick, pets, or if you live in a hot climate.
What food should go in a 72-hour kit?
Ready.gov says at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food. Choose foods your household already eats, and pack a manual can opener.
Should I store more than 72 hours of supplies?
CDC suggests trying to store a 2-week supply of water if possible. Many households build a 72-hour kit first and add to it over time.
Where should I keep my emergency kit?
Ready.gov suggests a designated place at home that everyone knows about, a 'grab and go' case at work with enough to shelter for at least 24 hours, and a supply kit in your car.
How often should I check my kit?
Ready.gov says to replace expired items as needed and review your needs every year. CDC says to replace water you've stored yourself every 6 months.
Sources
- Ready.gov — Build a Kit
- Ready.gov — Water
- CDC — How to Create an Emergency Water Supply
- Ready.gov — Pets and Animals
- Ready.gov — People with Disabilities
- Ready.gov — Low and No Cost Preparedness
- Ready.gov — Evacuation