Last updated November 1, 2026 by the BasicSurvivalKit.com team
A 72 hour survival kit holds everything one person needs for three days without outside help: 1 gallon of water per day (3 gallons total), three days of no cook food, a flashlight, a battery or hand crank radio, a first aid kit, a whistle, a multitool, warm layers, copies of important documents and cash. FEMA, the Red Cross and governments in the UK, Canada, France and Japan all recommend one for every household.
Governments around the world now ask every household to be ready to take care of itself for at least 72 hours. In the United States, FEMA's Ready.gov recommends at least a three day supply of food and water. The United Kingdom, France, Japan, Canada and others give the same advice. The reason is simple: in a large disaster, it can take that long for help to reach everyone.
The good news is that a 72 hour kit is easy to build in a weekend. You can buy a ready made kit and add to it, or build your own from the list below.
1. Water
Plan for 1 gallon per person per day, so 3 gallons per person. Add a backup way to make water safe, like a Sawyer Squeeze filter and purification tablets. See our water storage guide for details.
2. Food
Pack three days of food that needs no cooking or only hot water. Ration bars are perfect for go bags. For home, a 72 hour family food kit covers four people. Do not forget a manual can opener.
3. Light and information
- A hand crank weather radio with NOAA alerts
- A headlamp for each person
- Extra batteries and a power bank
4. First aid and medicine
A full first aid kit, a week of prescription medicines, and copies of medical information. Add a tourniquet and learn how to use it.
5. Warmth and shelter
Mylar emergency blankets, rain ponchos, a change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each person.
6. Tools and safety
- A multitool and a whistle
- N95 masks for smoke and dust
- A gas and water shutoff tool
- Fire starters and stormproof matches
7. Documents and cash
Keep copies of IDs, insurance policies and medical records in a waterproof document pouch, plus cash in small bills. Card readers do not work without power.
8. Pets, kids and special needs
Pack food, water and medicine for pets in a pet go bag. Add diapers, formula and comfort items for children, and extra supplies for anyone with medical needs.
Where to keep it
Store your kit in a backpack near the door you would use to leave. Keep a smaller car kit in each vehicle and a get home bag at work. Check everything once a year and replace expired food, water, batteries and medicine.
Ready for more? Move up to Level 2: a two week home supply.
Common questions
What is a 72 hour kit?
A 72 hour kit is a bag of supplies that lets one person take care of themselves for three days after a disaster: water, food, light, first aid, warmth, tools and documents.
How much water is in a 72 hour kit?
The standard is 1 gallon per person per day, so 3 gallons per person for 72 hours.
Why 72 hours?
In large disasters, emergency services can take up to 72 hours to reach everyone. Being self sufficient for that window lets responders help the most vulnerable first.
This guide shares general preparedness information based on public guidance from Ready.gov, the American Red Cross and the CDC. It is not professional advice. Always follow local officials during an emergency.