What to prepare in a 72-hour emergency kit

Video transcript

If your tap, power and usual shops become unavailable, what will your household use tonight? Start your seventy two hour emergency kit now. Prepare safe water, ready to eat food, essential medicines, lights and a way to hear official instructions.

The U.S. starting baseline is one gallon of water per person per day. Four people for three days need twelve gallons, about forty five litres, before extra needs. Add water for pets and other household needs. A filter is not a stored water reserve.

Write down three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners for each person, plus suitable snacks. Check the portions, allergies, opening tools and storage instructions. Choose meals that work without electricity or extra cooking water. Test the manual can opener before you need it.

Ask your pharmacist or care team about emergency medicine supplies, refrigeration and equipment backup. Add glasses, feeding supplies, hygiene items and anything a child, pet or person needing assistance uses. A generic kit cannot make these decisions for you.

Keep bulk home supplies separate from a bag you can carry. Add written contacts, identification, small bill cash, a light, charging and suitable clothing. Plan transport, assistance and a safe destination. Follow evacuation instructions without delaying to finish packing.

Inventory the supplies you already have. Buy to fill a measured gap, then practise the arrangement. Three days is a starting reserve, not a guarantee that services return at hour seventy two.

Use the free Ready and Resourceful checklist, water calculator and meal planner. Check dates, replace items after use and review when your household changes. Prepare while you have choices. Follow current local instructions during an emergency.