Emergency Preparedness FAQ

A 72 hour survival kit is a bag of supplies that lets one person take care of themselves for three days after a disaster. It includes water (1 gallon per person per day), no cook food, a flashlight, a radio, first aid supplies, a whistle, a multitool, warm layers, documents and cash. See our 72 hour survival kit guide.

The best kit is one sized for your household that you will actually keep ready. One person kits work for go bags, while 2 and 4 person kits cover families. Compare options on our survival kits page, then add extra water and a quality first aid kit.

A 90 day survival kit is a three month supply of food, water, power and medical gear. Most families build it in stages: long shelf life food buckets, large water storage with a filter, solar or generator power and a home medical kit. See our 90 day survival kit guide.

No. In October 2026, news reports said the Pentagon is planning for major military bases to operate for 90 days without outside support. Official household guidance from Ready.gov is at least a 3 day supply, and the Red Cross suggests two weeks for sheltering at home.

The United States, the United Kingdom (its Be Ready campaign), France, Japan, Canada, Mexico and the Netherlands are among the countries that advise households to keep at least 72 hours of supplies.

Store at least 1 gallon per person per day. That is 3 gallons per person for 72 hours and about 14 gallons per person for two weeks. Read our water storage guide.

Plan roughly 1,800 to 2,400 calories per adult per day. Start with 3 days, build to 2 weeks, and grow toward 90 days with long shelf life foods. Browse emergency food.

Freeze dried meals and sealed bulk staples can last 20 to 30 years when stored cool and dry. Ration bars usually last about 5 years. Canned goods are best eaten by their printed dates.

Water and a filter, food, shelter (tarp or emergency bivvy), fire starters, a knife or multitool, first aid, a headlamp, a radio, a map and compass, warm layers, documents and cash, all in a sturdy backpack.

A first aid kit treats injuries. A survival kit covers all basic needs for several days, including water, food, light, warmth and tools, and should include a first aid kit inside it.

A fridge, lights and phones usually need about 2,000 to 4,000 running watts. Whole home backup with central air often needs 10,000 watts or more. See our power outage guide.

Yes. Battery power stations make no fumes and are safe indoors. Fuel generators are never safe indoors or in a garage and should stay at least 20 feet from the home.

Gather in one small room, dress in layers, use cold weather sleeping bags, and only use a heater rated for indoor use with a working carbon monoxide alarm. See our winter storm guide.

A jump starter, tire inflator, first aid kit, water, snacks, a blanket, a flashlight, a phone charger, a window breaker, and in winter a shovel and traction aids. See car emergency kits.

Pack food and water for each pet, bowls, medicines, a leash or carrier, waste bags or litter, vaccination records and a recent photo. See pet emergency supplies.

At least once a year. Replace expired food, water, batteries and medicines, and update clothing and documents as your family changes.

Keep your main kit in a backpack near the door you would use to leave, a smaller kit in each car, and a get home bag at work.

You can build a basic 72 hour kit with items you already own plus a few purchases, or buy a ready made kit. Long term supplies like 90 day food and backup power cost more, so most families build up over time.