Skip to main content

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Complete, organized checklist with per-person quantities for water, food, first aid, documents, communication, and more.

Risk Tier A Reviewed: verified on 2026-11-01

Overview

This checklist is for a household emergency kit to cover 72 hours (3 days) of sheltering in place or early evacuation. Start with essentials (water, food, first aid, documents); add the rest as time and budget allow.

Duration: At least 3 days (72 hours) for one person. Multiply quantities by household size, or build individual go-bags for each family member.

Essential Tier (Start with these)

Water & Food

  • Water: 2 litres per person per day × 3 days = 6 litres minimum per person (e.g., 24 litres for a household of 4)
    • Format: sealed bottles or bulk containers (easier to rotate)
    • Storage: cool, dark place; check expiry annually
  • Non-perishable food: 2–3 meals per person per day
    • Examples: canned beans, soups, stews, vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken
    • Ready-to-eat: granola bars, crackers, nut butter, dried fruit
    • Ready-to-heat: canned pasta, chili (needs camping stove or boiling water)
    • Include comfort foods: chocolate, favourite snacks (critical for morale)
  • Manual can opener (no electricity required)

Light & Communication

  • Wind-up or battery-powered flashlight
    • Prefer LED (longer battery life)
    • Test monthly; replace batteries yearly
  • Wind-up or battery-powered radio
    • Can run on hand-crank power, battery, or solar
    • Receives news and emergency alerts
  • Extra batteries (AAA, AA, 9V — match your devices)
    • Store in cool, dry place
    • Replace yearly
  • Mobile phone charger (wall or car charger) + power bank
    • Keep power bank charged; charge monthly

Medical & First Aid

  • First aid kit with:
    • Adhesive bandages
    • Medical tape
    • Gauze
    • Antiseptic cleanser or wipes
    • Plastic gloves
  • Prescription medications and medical equipment appropriate for your household
  • Eyeglasses and contact lens solution (if needed)

Important Documents

  • Identification (birth certificates, passports, citizenship papers)
  • Emergency plan with contact information
  • List of all medications (name, dosage, purpose)
  • Contact information for emergency service providers
  • Medical insurance information and provincial/territorial health number
  • Other insurance information (homeowners, renters, vehicle)
  • Banking information and records
  • Next of kin contact information

Cash

  • Emergency cash in small bills and coins (equivalent to 2–4 days' expenses; aim for CAD 500+)
    • ATMs and card readers may not work
    • Store in a waterproof container
    • Keep some in your go-bag, some at home

Expanded Tier (Add as time & budget allow)

Sanitation & Hygiene

  • Toilet paper and paper towels
  • Soap and hand sanitizer (alcohol-based, minimum 60%)
  • Trash bags and ties (for waste disposal)
  • Personal hygiene items:
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste
    • Feminine hygiene products
    • Diapers (if you have infants)
    • Prescription creams or ointments
  • Tissues and facial wipes

Heating, Cooking & Light (Advanced)

  • Camping stove or portable BBQ (keep fuel stored safely, follow all safety instructions)
  • Fuel for stove (propane, butane, or white gas; store outside in well-ventilated area)
  • Waterproof matches or lighter
  • Candles with holders (fire risk; use only if absolutely necessary)
  • Hand-crank or battery-powered lantern (safer than candles)

Tools & Supplies

  • Multi-tool or pocket knife
  • Hammer and screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
  • Duct tape (wrap around a pencil to save space)
  • Rope or paracord (15–30 metres)
  • Plastic sheeting (for sealing windows in chemical/biological event)
  • Work gloves (heavy duty)
  • Whistle (for signalling; carries farther than shouting)
  • Pen and paper (for writing notes, contact info)

Health & Safety Extras

  • N95 or surgical masks (for dust/smoke protection)
  • Water purification tablets (backup to boiling/bleach if needed)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Thermometer (for monitoring fevers)
  • Scissors

See: Special Needs Kits for pet and special population items.

Print & Post Checklist

Print this checklist and post it on your refrigerator or emergency supplies storage location. Check it every spring and fall (during time changes):

  • Replace expired food and water
  • Replace expired medications
  • Update contact list and medical information
  • Test flashlight and radio
  • Replace batteries if more than 1 year old
  • Review with household members (especially children and caregivers)
  • Update documents if major life changes (marriage, new child, new address, new doctor)

Where to Store

  • Main kit: Accessible closet or basement shelf, clearly labeled. Keep in a waterproof bin or bag.
  • Go-bag copies: One in your car, one at work, one with out-of-area contact
  • Documents: Original in a safety deposit box; copies at home and with trusted person out of area
  • Medications: Store in cool place (not direct sunlight); note freezing temperatures if stored in garage/shed

When to Use

This kit is for:

  • Sheltering in place during power outages, winter storms, flooding
  • First 72 hours after evacuation (longer-term evacuation relies on emergency shelters/hotels)
  • Any emergency where you cannot access stores or services for 3+ days

It is not a replacement for professional medical treatment or emergency services. Call 911 for life-threatening situations.

See Also