After the 2024 Jasper wildfire in Alberta forced 25,000 residents to evacuate with just minutes of warning, emergency shelters reported that fewer than one in five arriving families had packed essential supplies. Most grabbed phones, wallets, and whatever clothing they could find. Those who had pre-assembled 72-hour kits arrived with water, medications, documents, and the ability to function independently while shelters organized. The difference between a prepared household and an unprepared one is not luck. It is a kit that costs under $150 and takes a single afternoon to assemble.
Water: The Most Critical Supply
FEMA recommends one gallon of water per person per day, covering both drinking and minimal hygiene needs. For a family of four, that means 12 gallons for a 72-hour period. In hot climates or for physically active individuals, increase this to 1.5 gallons per person per day.
Commercially bottled water in factory-sealed containers is the simplest option and remains safe for 1 to 2 years. If you fill containers with tap water, use food-grade HDPE plastic containers, sanitize them with a teaspoon of unscented bleach per quart of water, rinse, fill completely to minimize air exposure, and label with the fill date. Replace tap-water supplies every six months.
Water Purification Backup Options
- Water purification tablets (effective for 5 years unopened)
- Portable water filter (LifeStraw or Sawyer-type, filters 99.99% of bacteria)
- Unscented liquid chlorine bleach (8 drops per gallon, wait 30 minutes)
- Rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes above 6,500 feet elevation)
Food: Caloric Needs for 72 Hours
Plan for approximately 2,000 calories per person per day. Prioritize foods that require no refrigeration, minimal water for preparation, and are calorie-dense. The emergency supply kit guide provides brand-specific recommendations, but the core categories remain consistent.
Canned goods (beans, tuna, chicken, fruit, vegetables) offer solid nutrition at low cost but add weight. If your plan involves carrying the kit on foot, supplement with lightweight options: energy bars, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, and granola. Include a manual can opener. Forget this one item and half your food supply becomes inaccessible.
Food Storage and Rotation
Canned foods last 2 to 5 years. Energy bars typically last 1 to 2 years. Freeze-dried meals marketed for emergency preparedness can last 25 years or more but cost significantly more. The most practical approach is the "store what you eat" method: stock items your family actually consumes and rotate them into daily meals every six months, replacing with fresh stock. This eliminates waste and ensures your family will eat the food under stress.
First Aid and Medical Supplies
A pre-made first aid kit from the Red Cross or a reputable manufacturer covers most basic needs. Supplement it with any prescription medications your household requires. The CDC recommends keeping a 7-day supply of all prescription medications in your emergency kit, stored in original labeled containers.
First Aid Kit Essentials
- Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Sterile gauze pads (4x4 inch) and medical tape
- Elastic bandage wrap for sprains
- Antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes
- Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antihistamines
- Tweezers, scissors, and latex-free gloves
- CPR breathing barrier mask
- 7-day supply of all household prescription medications
Tools, Documents, and Communication
A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio keeps you informed when cell towers and internet fail. Pack extra batteries (lithium batteries last longer in storage than alkaline). A whistle signals rescuers when voice alone cannot carry. Flashlights with LED bulbs conserve battery life significantly compared to incandescent models.
Store copies of critical documents in a waterproof bag inside your kit: identification (driver's license, passport), insurance policies, bank account numbers, medical records, and a household inventory for insurance claims. Photograph these documents and store them on a USB drive as a backup. Review the full preparedness checklist to ensure nothing is missed.
Supplies for Special Needs
Infants and Toddlers
Pack ready-to-feed formula (powder requires clean water you may not have), diapers for at least 4 days, baby wipes, a change of clothes in the next size up, a favorite comfort item, and infant-specific medications like fever reducer. Include a receiving blanket that doubles as a swaddle, shade cover, or changing pad.
Elderly Family Members
Beyond medications, consider mobility aids (folding cane, walker tennis balls), extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries for a full week, incontinence supplies, denture care items, and a written list of all medical conditions, medications, and physician contacts. If any household member depends on electrically powered medical equipment, have a battery backup and notify your utility company for priority restoration.
Pets
Pack 3 days of pet food and water, bowls, medications, vaccination records, a current photo for identification, leash and carrier, waste bags, and a familiar toy or blanket to reduce animal stress. Cat owners should include a small bag of litter and a disposable tray.
Storage, Maintenance, and Rotation
Store your kit in a cool, dry location near an exit. Extreme temperatures in garages or attics degrade food, medications, and batteries faster. Use a durable container with wheels if the total weight exceeds 30 pounds. Label the outside with the last inspection date.
Six-Month Rotation Schedule
Set calendar reminders for March and September. At each check: replace expired food and water, test flashlights and radio, verify medications are current, update document copies if anything has changed, swap clothing for the correct season, check battery charge levels, and confirm that every family member knows where the kit is stored. The entire process takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Building a 72-hour kit is not about preparing for doomsday scenarios. It is about giving your household the ability to function independently for the 72 hours that emergency services typically need to establish organized response. One afternoon of preparation translates to three days of self-sufficiency when your family needs it most. Pair your supply kit with practical steps to prepare your home for natural disasters, including structural reinforcements and utility shut-off procedures that protect both your household and your supplies. Visit our preparedness section for additional planning resources.