Updated: 2026-11-09 · Version 1.0

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist (simple, printable)

Quick answer: A 72-hour kit covers the basics for three days without services: water, no-cook food, flashlight, power bank, first aid, documents and hygiene items. Note: Ready.gov (FEMA) says several days of supplies and 1 gallon of water per person per day; many governments (e.g. Finland, Netherlands) cite 72 hours as a minimum.

Checklist by priority

Item	For 1 person, 3 days	Priority
Drinking water	3 gallons (≈11 L)	Essential
No-cook food	9 simple meals	Essential
Flashlight + batteries	1 + spare set	Essential
Charged power bank	1	Essential
First-aid kit	1	Essential
Document copies	1 waterproof bag	Essential
Battery/hand-crank radio	1 per household	Recommended
Cash in small bills	a few	Recommended

Adjust for pets, children, medical needs and climate. Review every 6 months.

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FAQ

Is 72 hours the official recommendation?

It depends on the country. Finland and the Netherlands state 72 hours as a minimum; Ready.gov in the US says several days.

How much water do I need?

Ready.gov and the CDC use 1 gallon (≈3.8 L) per person per day.

Do I need to buy everything at once?

No. Start with essentials and build gradually.

Sources

Ready.gov — Build a Kit (revised 2026-07-01) · Tier 1 (official)
CDC — emergency water (2025-06-27) · Tier 1 (official)
Government of Finland — 72tuntia.fi · Tier 1 (official)

More guides

How much water per person in an emergency?

Educational content; does not replace official guidance.