emergency kit supplies sitting on a table in front of a purple backpack

72-Hour Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency, responders may be busy assisting those in immediate danger. Having a 72-hour emergency kit ensures you have supplies to support you and your family for at least three days in an emergency. 

Print Our 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

What should I pack in an emergency kit?

 
Bottled Water 
  • Store four litres of water per person per day. 
  • Tip: use smaller bottles so that they are easier to transport, and replace the water bottles every time you change your clocks. 
Food
  • Keep a minimum of three days worth of food that won't spoil and requires minimal preparation, such as canned or dried food and energy bars. 
  • Tip: If you include canned food, have a manual can opener in your kit. Check food expiry dates when you change your clocks and replace as needed. 
  • Versatile utensils such as multitools, pocket knives, and cooking supplies can also be helpful. 
Medication
  • Include prescription medication(s) you or your family members take. Ideally, you should swap the medication out regularly to ensure you always have a fresh supply. If you cannot store extra medication in your kit, make sure to take it with you in an evacuation. 
  • Tip: If you receive medical treatments from a clinic or hospital, ask your healthcare provider what to do in an emergency. 
First Aid Kit
  • First Aid kits should be easily accessible in your home and vehicle, and should generally include: 
    • gloves
    • gauze pads
    • a variety of bandages
    • antiseptic
    • scissors
    • tweezers
    • needle and thread
    • instant ice packs
    • survival blanket (if space allows) 
Flashlight and radio 
  • Keep a wind-up or battery operated flashlight and radio in your kit. There are many flashlight/radio combination models available from outdoor retailers. If you are using battery-operated devices, make sure to stock extra batteries and replace them every year. 
  • Tip: If possible, use a wind-up flashlight/radio to avoid needing additional supplies. If using a battery-operated flashlight/radio, you can use the batteries you swap out in everyday items like TV remotes or game controllers. 
External battery pack or wind-up phone charger 
  • In an emergency, you could be without power in your home for several days, or you may need to evacuate. Having a battery pack or wind-up charger ensures you can use your cell phone to call for help or to receive information. 
Dust masks and duct tape
  • These supplies can help you shelter in place if needed.
Candles and matches or lighter
  • Ensure to have a sturdy container to house the candles and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Whistle 
  • A whistle will help attract attention if needed. 
Toiletries and personal sanitation items
  • Cleaning supplies (i.e. hand sanitizer, dry shampoo, etc.).
  • Consider including moist towelettes, garbage bags, toilet paper, and dish soap.
  • Personal items like deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. 
  • Menstrual health products.
Warm clothes and blankets or sleeping bags
  • Having a change of warm clothes can make a big difference in an emergency. Blankets and sleeping bags are much warmer than survival blankets. You may want to pack both, but survival blankets do not replace real blankets. 
Important documents 
  • Have emergency contact information as part of your family emergency plan. 
  • Keep a copy of important documents such as deeds, insurance, passports, birth certificates, and banking information.
  • Consider including digital copies of important documents, music, photos, and anything else you might want to keep. Review documents periodically and make sure they are up to date.
Cash 
  • You should include cash because debit and credit cards may not work in an emergency situation if the power is out. 
  • Tip: Keep cash in small bills and coins in case you need to access services, or exact change cannot be made. For example, using a pay-phone or coin-operated laundry facilities require coins. 
Supplies for children and pets 
  • If applicable, stock your kit with baby food, diapers, formula, extra clothes, and baby wipes. For children, consider extra clothing, hand wipes, and toys. 
  • If you have a pet, have an evacuation plan for your pet, along with water, food, toys, and a spare leash (see our Pet Emergency Kit Checklist). 
Entertainment
  • Consider including non-power consuming entertainment for children and adults, such as games, cards, or toys. 

How do I store my supplies?

  • Ideally, supplies should be stored in a waterproof, wheeled suitcase or container. Your kit needs to be portable in case you have to evacuate your home. 

Tips for making a 72-hour kit on a budget

  • Store what you can today and collect other items over time. 
  • If you can, set aside an extra 5% on groceries per month to accumulate the food you need for your 72-hour-kit. 
  • Certain books and online resources can teach you how to pickle, can, and preserve food. This can be a great option for those with allergies and/or dietary restrictions.