72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist for Families
A complete, category-by-category checklist for building a 72-hour Go Bag — also called a Bug-Out Bag or emergency survival kit — for every member of your household.
When a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, or extended power outage hits, most emergency agencies agree on one thing: you need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours before help arrives. A well-built survival kit covers nine categories — water, food, first aid, lighting, communication, shelter, sanitation, tools, and important documents. Use the checklist below to assemble one bag per person, then track every item (and its expiration date) in the PanPrep app.
Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
Water is the #1 priority in any 72-hour survival kit. Plan for at least 3 gallons per person — more in hot climates or if anyone in your household is pregnant, nursing, or ill.
- Sealed bottled water (rotate every 12 months)
- Collapsible water container (5+ gallons) for refills
- Portable water filter (e.g. Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw)
- Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide)
- Unscented household bleach (8 drops per gallon to disinfect)
Non-Perishable Food (3-day supply)
Pack ready-to-eat, calorie-dense food that needs no refrigeration and minimal preparation. Aim for 1,500–2,000 calories per person per day.
- Energy / protein bars and trail mix
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Canned meat, beans, fruit, and vegetables (with pull-tab lids)
- Freeze-dried meals (just-add-water)
- Manual can opener
- Comfort food (chocolate, hard candy) to boost morale
- Pet food, infant formula, and special-diet items
First Aid & Medications
A 72-hour first aid kit covers everything from blisters to bleeding control. Replace medications before they expire.
- Assorted adhesive bandages, gauze, and medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Tourniquet and trauma shears
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Antihistamines and anti-diarrheal medication
- 7-day supply of prescription medications
- Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Nitrile gloves and a CPR face shield
- Printed first-aid manual
Lighting & Power
When the grid is down, even a single flashlight changes how safe you feel. Pack redundancy — a primary light, a backup, and a way to recharge.
- LED flashlight (one per person) with spare batteries
- Headlamp for hands-free tasks
- Hand-crank or solar lantern
- Glow sticks for kids and signaling
- Portable power bank (10,000 mAh+)
- Solar charger or hand-crank charger
- Charging cables for every device
Communication & Information
During a major emergency, cell networks often fail first. Plan to receive alerts and reach loved ones without the internet.
- NOAA weather radio (hand-crank or battery-powered)
- Two-way radios (FRS/GMRS) for the household
- Whistle for signaling rescuers
- Laminated emergency contact list
- Local paper maps of your area and evacuation routes
- Notepad and permanent marker
Shelter, Warmth & Clothing
Hypothermia is a real risk even in mild weather once you're wet or stationary. Pack layers, not single heavy items.
- Emergency mylar blankets (one per person)
- Wool or fleece blanket
- Tarp and 50 ft of paracord
- Tube tent or compact bivy
- Change of clothes (long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes)
- Rain poncho
- Work gloves and warm hat
Sanitation & Hygiene
Three days without sanitation gets ugly fast. These items prevent infection and keep morale up.
- Toilet paper and heavy-duty trash bags
- Travel-size soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bucket with snap-on toilet seat lid
- N95 masks (one per person)
- Diapers and baby wipes (if needed)
Tools & Safety
The right tool turns a crisis into an inconvenience. Pack multi-use items to save space.
- Multi-tool (Leatherman, Gerber, etc.)
- Fixed-blade knife
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Waterproof matches, lighter, and fire starter
- Compact shovel or pry bar
- Work gloves
- Pepper spray or other personal-safety tool
Important Documents & Cash
Store copies in a waterproof bag. After a disaster you may need to prove identity and access funds with no power.
- Copies of ID, passports, and insurance cards
- Medical records and prescription list
- Emergency contact and family meeting plan
- Cash in small bills ($100–$300)
- Backup USB drive with scanned documents
Track Your Kit with PanPrep
A checklist on paper goes stale the moment water bottles expire or someone borrows the flashlight. PanPrep's Bug-Out Bag feature lets you log every item in your 72-hour kit, assign it to a household member, and receive automatic alerts before food, medications, or batteries expire. Build your kit once, and the app keeps it ready year-round.
Download PanPrep on the App Store →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 72-hour survival kit?
A 72-hour survival kit (also called a Go Bag or Bug-Out Bag) is a portable bag containing the food, water, first aid, shelter, and tools one person needs to survive for three days without outside help. FEMA and the Red Cross both recommend every household keep one per person.
How much water should a 72-hour kit contain?
Plan for one gallon of water per person per day — three gallons minimum per person for 72 hours. Include water filters or purification tablets so you can safely refill from rain, streams, or unfamiliar taps.
How often should I rotate the contents?
Check the kit every 6 months. Rotate water annually, food every 12–24 months (or before the printed best-by date), and replace medications before they expire. PanPrep sends expiration alerts so you never miss a rotation.
Where should I store my survival kit?
Keep one kit near the main exit of your home, one in each vehicle, and a smaller kit at work. The bag should be grab-and-go: you should be out the door within 60 seconds.