72-Hour Home Emergency Kit: A Practical Buying Guide

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Start with your household

Plan for everyone in the home, including children, older adults, pets, and anyone with accessibility or medical needs. Keep a portable kit and know where supplies are stored.

Water

A common baseline is at least one gallon of drinking and sanitation water per person per day for three days, with more for heat, pregnancy, illness, and pets. Store water safely and rotate it according to the container guidance.

Food and preparation

Choose shelf-stable foods your household will eat, including ready-to-eat options and a manual can opener. Account for dietary restrictions, infant feeding, and pets.

Light and communication

Include LED flashlights or lanterns, spare batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio, charged power banks, and charging cables.

Health and hygiene

Stock a first-aid kit, essential medications as appropriate, personal hygiene items, sanitation supplies, and copies of important medical information.

Documents, cash, and practical supplies

Keep copies of key documents in a protected container, small-denomination cash, sturdy shoes, blankets, basic tools, and a family contact plan.

What to compare before buying

Evaluate runtime, battery chemistry, capacity, safety certifications, storage life, replacement costs, warranty terms, and whether a product meets your household’s actual needs. Product picks and affiliate links will be added only after verification.

This is an educational planning resource, not a substitute for local emergency instructions, product manuals, or professional advice. Check current guidance from Ready.gov, the CDC, and local emergency officials.

Sources: CDC power outage guidance and CDC food safety guidance.