# 72-hour kit questions and answers

> Short answers about 72-hour emergency kits: how much water per person, 3 days or 2 weeks, what food to pack, weather radios, kits for pets and how often to check them.

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

## Amounts

**How much water per person?**
One gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation ([Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/kit)).

**Is 72 hours enough?**
It is the minimum for a go-bag. The Red Cross suggests 2 weeks of water and food if you stay at home ([Red Cross](https://redcross.org/kit)).

**How much food?**
Several days of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food; counting three meals a day per person is a simple way to plan.

## Contents

**Do I need a special weather radio?**
Ready.gov lists both a battery or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Many emergency radios combine both.

**What documents should I pack?**
Copies of IDs, insurance policies, bank records, medication lists, proof of address and birth certificates, in a waterproof container or saved electronically.

**What about pets?**
Several days of food and water, medicine, a carrier, a leash and ID tag, records and a photo of you with your pet.

## Upkeep

**How often should I check my kit?**
Replace self-bottled water every six months ([Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/storing-water-plastic-soda-bottles)) and review the whole kit yearly ([Ready.gov](https://www.ready.gov/kit)). We also suggest checking batteries and medicine twice a year.

**Should I buy a ready-made kit?**
It can be a start, but check it against the checklist: most need water, medicine, documents and family items added.

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