A 72-hour kit is the single most important thing you can do for emergency preparedness. FEMA recommends it, the Red Cross recommends it, and there's a reason: most emergencies — power outages, severe storms, water disruptions — are resolved within 72 hours. This checklist tells you exactly what to pack, how much of it, and why.
The Core Rule: 1 Gallon of Water + 2,000 Calories Per Person Per Day
That's the foundation. Everything in this guide builds from those two numbers. For three days, you need:
- Water: 3 gallons per person (minimum)
- Food: ~6,000 calories per adult (or use this: each adult needs about 4–5 pounds of varied shelf-stable food)
For a family of four (2 adults + 2 children), that's roughly 12 gallons of water and 20,000–24,000 calories of food. It sounds like a lot. It fits in two duffel bags and a plastic storage tub.
Complete Food Checklist (Per Person, 72 Hours)
| Food Item | Quantity | ~Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy/meal bars | 6–9 bars | 1,800 | No prep needed, 5-year shelf life |
| Peanut butter (single-serve packs) | 6 packs (1.15 oz each) | 1,200 | High-fat, dense calories |
| Crackers (whole grain) | 1 sleeve (~1.5 oz/day) | 600 | Pairs with PB, tuna, or beans |
| Canned fish (tuna/salmon) | 3 cans | 450 | Protein; eat straight from can |
| Trail mix / nuts | 12 oz | 1,800 | Calorie-dense, no prep |
| Canned soup / stew | 2 cans | 400 | Edible cold; comfort food |
| Dried fruit | 6 oz | 450 | Morale + sugar for energy |
| Hard candy / chocolate | small bag | 300 | Morale item; quick energy |
| Total | — | ~7,000 cal | ~2,333/day — right on target |
Water Checklist
Water is more critical than food for short emergencies. You can function for 3 days without much food; without water, you're in serious trouble within 24–48 hours.
| Item | Quantity Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stored water (bottled or jugs) | 3 gallons | Minimum; double in hot weather |
| Water purification tablets | 1 pack (50 tablets) | Backup if stored water runs out |
| Water filter (LifeStraw or similar) | 1 per household | Filters up to 1,000 gallons |
Pre-Built Kit vs. Build Your Own
Both approaches work. Here's a straight comparison to help you decide:
Pre-Built Kit: ReadyWise 72-Hour Emergency Food Supply
ReadyWise 72-Hour Emergency Food Supply Kit
Pre-portioned meals for 1 person · ~1,800 cal/day · 25-year shelf life · Easy-open pouches · No cooking skills needed
~$49.99
View ReadyWise Kit →Pros: Grab-and-go convenience. Long shelf life. Variety of meals. No assembly required.
Cons: Typically lower calorie count than advertised on label. Requires boiling water for most meals. Less flexibility for dietary restrictions.
Build Your Own: ~$45–$65 at Any Grocery Store
Using the checklist above, a 72-hour food supply for one adult costs roughly $45–$65 at a regular grocery store — comparable to a pre-built kit. The advantage is you choose every item and you know exactly what calories you're getting.
DIY 72-Hour Kit Shopping List (Amazon Staples)
Clif Bars (12-pack) · Jif peanut butter squeeze packs · Wasa crackers · Wild Planet tuna (6-pack) · Planters trail mix · Progresso soup (4-pack) · Sunsweet dried mango · Water tablets
~$55–$65 total
Build Your Kit on Amazon →Shelf Life Requirements
Your 72-hour kit is only useful if the food is still good when you need it. Set a calendar reminder to rotate your kit every 12 months. Here's what to expect from common kit foods:
- Energy bars (Clif, Kind, Datrex): 12–24 months. Check date and rotate annually.
- Peanut butter single-serve packs: 9–12 months. Buy commercial squeeze packs, not homemade.
- Crackers: 6–12 months in airtight packaging. Store in a sealed bag inside your kit.
- Canned fish/soup: 3–5 years. Longest-lasting option in the kit.
- Trail mix / nuts: 6–12 months. Oils go rancid; store cool and dark.
- Dried fruit: 12–18 months sealed.
- Water (commercial bottles): Technically indefinite if sealed, but best rotated every 1–2 years.
Special Considerations
For Infants and Toddlers
Formula-fed infants need stored formula and water. Store at least a 3-day supply of unopened formula and 3 gallons of water per infant. Breastfeeding mothers need extra calories and hydration — add 500 cal/day to their target.
For Pets
A 20-lb dog needs about 1–1.5 cups of dry food per day. A cat needs about half that. Add at least 3 days of pet food and 1 gallon of water per pet to your kit.
For Medications
Keep a 3-day supply of critical medications in your kit, rotated regularly. Check with your pharmacy about emergency supplies — many will provide them with a doctor's note.
How to Store Your 72-Hour Kit
The best kit is the one you can grab in 90 seconds or less. Recommended storage options:
- Rolling duffel bag: Easy to grab, fits in a closet, holds everything for 2–4 people
- Plastic storage tub with lid: Stackable, inexpensive, keeps food dry and pest-free
- Backpack per person: Best for evacuation scenarios — everyone carries their own
Store it somewhere accessible — not in the back of a storage unit or under heavy items. Your hallway closet, under a bed, or in your car trunk are all good options.
Once your 72-hour kit is sorted, consider expanding to a 2-week food supply. You can also use our food storage calculator to plan the exact quantities for your household size.