A 72-hour kit — sometimes called a go-bag or bug-out bag — holds the essentials your family needs to stay safe and self-sufficient for three days. That window matters because it is roughly how long it takes emergency services to reach most people after a major disaster.
Water: one gallon per person per day
Water is the single most important item. Store at least one gallon (about 4 liters) per person per day — half for drinking and half for cooking and hygiene. For a family of four, that means 12 gallons for 72 hours.
- Bottled or sealed water containers, rotated every 6 months
- A water filter or purification tablets as backup
- A collapsible container to carry water if you evacuate
Food: non-perishable and no-cook
Pack three days of shelf-stable food that requires little or no cooking. Prioritize calorie-dense items your family will actually eat, and don't forget a manual can opener.
- Canned proteins, beans, and vegetables
- Energy bars, dried fruit, and nut butters
- Comfort foods and anything for special diets
- Baby formula and pet food if needed
First aid and medications
- A stocked first aid kit with bandages, gauze, and antiseptic
- A 7-day supply of prescription medications
- Pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, and any personal medical devices
Tools, light, and communication
- Flashlights and a hand-crank or battery radio
- Extra batteries and a portable phone charger
- Multi-tool, duct tape, and work gloves
- Whistle to signal for help
Documents and cash
Keep copies of critical documents in a waterproof bag: IDs, insurance policies, medical information, and emergency contacts. Include some cash in small bills, since ATMs and card readers may be down.
Keep it current
A kit is only useful if it is current. Check expiration dates twice a year, update clothing sizes for growing kids, and refresh medications. Prepit tracks these gaps for you and reminds you what needs attention before it lapses.