Why does FEMA tell us to have a 72 hour emergency kit?

Disasters can disrupt services and delay emergency response. FEMA recommends being ready to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. This is a minimum—more is better when you can.

Before building longer-term resilience, start with a 72-hour emergency kit that covers water, food, health, light, shelter, and essential tools for your household.

Here’s a quick checklist to get started (you can download the 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist PDF here):

1. Water & Hydration

• ☐ 1 gallon of water per person/pet, per day (3 days minimum, ideally 7-10)
• ☐ Water purification tablets or a portable filter
• ☐ Electrolyte packets or oral rehydration salts

2. Food

• ☐ Shelf-stable, ready-to-eat foods (bars, pouches, canned goods, nut butters)
• ☐ Manual can opener (if packing cans)
• ☐ High-calorie emergency ration bars (optional)
• ☐ Disposable utensils/bowls or a small mess kit

3. First Aid & Medications

• ☐ Basic first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, gauze, tape, gloves)
• ☐ Tourniquet (if trained)
• ☐ 3–7 day supply of prescription meds + copies of prescriptions
• ☐ Pain reliever, antihistamine, antacid/anti-nausea
• ☐ Spare glasses/contacts and solution

4. Light & Communication

• ☐ LED flashlight or headlamp (battery/hand-crank)
• ☐ Extra batteries or a solar/hand-crank charger
• ☐ Portable phone charger (power bank) + cables
• ☐ Hand-crank or battery weather radio (NOAA/All-Hazards)
• ☐ Written list of important phone numbers

5. Shelter & Warmth

• ☐ Mylar emergency blankets or sleeping bags
• ☐ Seasonal clothing (sturdy shoes, socks, gloves, hat, rain poncho)
• ☐ Compact rain poncho

6. Tools, Documents & Money

• ☐ Multi-tool/knife; duct tape; whistle
• ☐ Important documents in a waterproof pouch (IDs, insurance, prescriptions, vet records)
• ☐ Cash in small bills ($100+)

You probably own many of these items already. Build your kit gradually—each grocery trip, add a gallon of water and one or two shelf-stable foods your household actually eats. Small steps add up fast.