Fire Emergency 3-Day Ready-To-Go Bag Checklist

How to Prepare a 3-Day Emergency Kit (72-Hour Kit)

When disaster strikes—whether it’s a wildfire, earthquake, flood, or extended power outage—emergency services may not be immediately available. A 3-Day Emergency Kit ensures you and your loved ones can stay safe, nourished, and self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Why You Need a 72-Hour Kit

Emergencies can disrupt power, water, cell service, and road access. A 3-day kit gives you the essentials to:

  • Shelter in place
  • Evacuate quickly
  • Survive independently until help arrives

This kit goes beyond a basic Go Bag by including enough food, water, and supplies to sustain each person for three full days.

3-Day Emergency Kit Checklist

Organize your supplies in a backpack, rolling bin, or weatherproof container. Pack one kit per person, and include pet supplies if needed.

Food & Water

  • 3 days of non-perishable food (energy bars, canned meals, dried fruit, etc.)
  • 3 gallons of drinking water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Manual can opener
  • Electrolyte powders or drink mixes

Tip: Rotate food and water every 6–12 months to keep it fresh.

Shelter & Warmth

  • Emergency space blanket or sleeping bag
  • Poncho or rain jacket
  • Small tent, tarp, or plastic sheeting
  • Hand warmers
  • Change of clothes (weather-appropriate)

First Aid & Health

  • Fully stocked first-aid kit
  • Prescription medications (3-day supply)
  • Pain relievers, antihistamines, antiseptic wipes
  • Masks (N95 preferred for smoke/air quality)
  • Personal hygiene supplies (toothbrush, feminine products, wipes)

Tools & Safety Gear

  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
  • Flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
  • Duct tape
  • Whistle
  • Work gloves
  • Water purification tablets or filter straw

 

Communication & Power

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency radio
  • Portable phone charger (power bank)
  • Spare phone cable
  • Local map and evacuation routes

Documents & Cash

  • Copies of ID, insurance, medical records (in a waterproof pouch)
  • Emergency contact list
  • Cash (small bills preferred)

Comfort Items & Extras

  • Books, cards, or puzzles
  • Notepad and pen
  • Spare glasses or readers
  • Small comfort items for kids or pets

Don’t Forget Pets

  • Food and water (3-day supply)
  • Leash, collar, and ID tags
  • Waste bags and litter
  • Carrier or crate
  • Medications and vet records

 

How to Store and Maintain Your Kit

  • Store kits in a cool, dry, and accessible location (garage, front hall closet, or car trunk).
  • Label clearly for each family member.
  • Review and update every 6 months—rotate food, check batteries, update documents and medications.

Bonus: Make a Family Plan

  • Know at least two evacuation routes.
  • Designate a meeting point outside your neighborhood.
  • Practice a family emergency drill once a year.

Be Fire Safe. Be Prepared.

A 3-Day Emergency Kit is one of the most powerful tools for family safety. It’s not just about survival—it’s about peace of mind.