Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
A grab-and-go kit covers the first three days of any disruption — power outage, storm, wildfire smoke, or evacuation. Build it from things you mostly already own.
Key takeaways
- Aim for 72 hours of water, food, light, and warmth per person.
- Use a backpack or tote you can carry to the car in one trip.
- Check and refresh the kit twice a year when clocks change.
Step-by-step
- Start with water and food. Pack 4 litres of water per person per day and easy no-cook food like granola bars, canned goods with a pull tab, and peanut butter.
- Add light and power. Include a flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries, and a power bank for your phone.
- Cover warmth and shelter. Add an emergency blanket, a change of clothes, and a rain layer.
- Pack the small essentials. A basic first-aid kit, medications, copies of ID, some cash, and a hand-crank or battery radio.
✅ Printable checklist
- 4L water per person, per day (3 days)
- No-cook food for 3 days
- Flashlight + spare batteries
- Phone power bank + cable
- First-aid kit + 3 days of medications
- Emergency blanket + warm layer
- Copies of ID, cash, contact list