The Department of Homeland Security recommends that you have “your own food, water, and supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately.” While this may be the case, you should also plan for the possibility that no assistance will come from others. Your kit should be able to sustain you while you gather your thoughts, formulate a plan for the specific situation, and move a more permanent position.

These items should be gathered and stored so that they can be easily carried in the event you need to leave quickly. This is commonly referred to as a go-bag, bug-out-bag or just a 72-hour kit.

The most common container for a 72-hour kit is a backpack. It can easily be carried while leaving your hands free. Ideally you will have one backpack per person, and it will as much as possible contain what one person needs. If you have a family with children, you will want to make appropriate accommodations, perhaps distributing common items among different backpacks. While you will start with a basic kit, there is no one-size-fits-all final solution.

Here is a suggested list of some basic items that should be considered your 72-hour emergency kit contents. Keep in mind that your situation will be unique, and there will be additional items that you may wish to have.  For some, I have provided links as suggestions; always make sure emergency items are appropriate for your specific needs.

Food with protein and carbohydrates for three days
Granola bars
Trail mix
Bagged or pop-top canned tuna
Jerky

Water
4 to 6 500ml bottles
Collapsible container or bag to gather more water
Water purification tablets

Warmth and Shelter
Waterproof matches in a waterproof container
Tube tent, tarp or sheet plastic
Wool blanket
Emergency Mylar blanket
Lightweight poncho
Hand and body warmer packs

Light Source
Flashlight with batteries and extra batteries
Candles
Light sticks

Tools
Pocket knife
Duct tape and electrical tape
Multi-tool such as a Leatherman
Paracord

First Aid and Sanitation
General first aid kit with bandages, alcohol swabs, antibiotic cream
3-day supply of essential prescriptions or medications
Feminine supplies if needed
Soap, toothbrush, toothpaste
Large and medium plastic trash bags with ties
N95 respirator masks

Communications
AM/FM/NOAA weather radio, crank operated power
FMRS/GMRS two-way radio with extra batteries
Loud coaches whistle

Clothing (in addition to what you are wearing)
Heavy socks
Leather work gloves and jersey gloves
Long sleeved T-shirt

Miscellaneous Items
$20 to $50 cash, including a roll of quarters
Notepad and pencil
Small Bible or other reading material
Deck of cards
Copies of important papers – birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.

This is not an exhaustive list and is intended only to get you started. Make additions or deletions as will fit your personal situation; however do not overdo it. You need to be able to carry this with you if you are required to evacuate. Remember, this is so that you can survive for three days while you implement a longer term plan. It is not so that you can be on the run for six months. While you may eventually also plan for a more catastrophic situation, do not put off assembling your 72-hour emergency kit.

Here is a link to an inexpensive ready-made backpack kit to get you started.  You can add things to it as needed for your own personal situation.

Check your kit at least every six months. Mark this on your calendar so you do not forget. Rotate out your food, water and medications. Check your batteries and make sure everything is in good shape. If you travel more than an hour or so from home, take it with you in your vehicle. Be sure family members know where your kits are located and what they should do if you need them.