# The 72-hour emergency kit checklist

> Everything in a basic 72-hour emergency kit from Ready.gov and the American Red Cross: water, food, radios, light, first aid, tools, documents, cash and family needs.

- Canonical URL: https://72hourkit.com/72-hour-kit-checklist/
- Source: [Ready.gov, build a kit](https://www.ready.gov/kit)
- Checked: 2026-10-25
- Structured data: https://72hourkit.com/data/72-hour-kit-checklist.json

This page includes a free interactive tool that runs in the browser and sends no data. The figures and rules it uses are the ones stated on this page, with their sources.

## The basic kit

Ready.gov's basic disaster supplies kit ([Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/kit)):

| Need | Items |
|---|---|
| Water | One gallon per person per day for several days |
| Food | Several days of non-perishable food; manual can opener |
| Information | Battery-powered or hand-crank radio; NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert |
| Light | Flashlight and extra batteries |
| Health | First aid kit; dust mask |
| Shelter in place | Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape |
| Sanitation | Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties |
| Tools | Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; whistle |
| Navigation and phones | Local maps; cell phone with chargers and a backup battery |

## What the Red Cross adds

The American Red Cross list ([Red Cross](https://redcross.org/kit)) covers the same ground and adds: a 7-day supply of medications and medical items, a multi-purpose tool, copies of personal documents (medication lists, proof of address, lease or deed, passports, birth certificates, insurance), family and emergency contacts, cash, an emergency blanket, and for some families two-way radios and spare car and house keys.

## Add for your household

- **Medicine:** prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine, glasses and contact lens solution.
- **Infants:** formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream.
- **Children:** books, games or activities.
- **Pets:** food, extra water, a carrier, leash and ID tag.
- **Comfort:** a sleeping bag or warm blanket per person, a change of clothes and sturdy shoes, a fire extinguisher, waterproof matches.

## Go-bag or home kit?

Pack a portable kit for 3 days in case you evacuate, and keep a larger store at home for 2 weeks, as the Red Cross suggests. The builder switches between both and recalculates water and meals.

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