72-Hour Emergency Kit

Prepare

Water: 1 gallon per person per day × 3 days. Include a portable water filter (e.g., LifeStraw) as a backup.

Food: Non-perishable, easy to prepare: canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit. Include a manual can opener.

Documents (copies in a waterproof bag):

• ID and passport
• Insurance cards
• Bank account info
• Emergency contact list (written — do not rely only on your phone)

Tools and safety:

• Flashlight + extra batteries (or hand-crank)
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust masks
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Wrench or pliers (to shut off utilities)
• Local maps (printed)

Health:

• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• First aid kit (see First Aid Kit scenario)
• Extra glasses or contacts if needed
• Baby supplies if applicable

Communication:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
• Fully charged power bank

Prevent

No scenario can prevent all emergencies — but being prepared reduces harm:

• Check and rotate your kit every 6 months — replace expired food, water, and medications. Do it when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.
• Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity at their main valves/switches.
• Keep your vehicle fuel tank above half — gas stations may not be operational after a disaster.

Respond

In a declared emergency or evacuation order:

1. Grab your kit — it should be in one bag/container you can carry.
2. Follow official evacuation routes — do not improvise routes that may be blocked or flooded.
3. Contact your out-of-area emergency contact to let them know your status and destination.
4. Go to your pre-determined meeting point if separated from family.
5. Follow instructions from emergency management officials via radio, alerts, or signage.

Resources

• FEMA Ready.gov: ready.gov/kit — official emergency kit checklist
• Local emergency management office — search "[your county] emergency management"
• Red Cross: redcross.org
• NOAA Weather Radio: weather.gov/nwr