How to Build an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit (also called a disaster supply kit, 72-hour kit, or go-bag) contains everything your household needs to survive for at least 3 days during an emergency. FEMA recommends every household have one ready at all times.
The key is creating a kit that's comprehensive enough to cover your needs, yet portable enough to grab quickly if you need to evacuate. This calculator helps you build a customized checklist based on your specific household.
The Core Categories
Every emergency kit should address these fundamental needs:
- Water: The most critical supply—you can survive weeks without food but only days without water.
- Food: Shelf-stable, ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare options that don't require refrigeration.
- Light & Communication: Flashlights, batteries, and a way to receive emergency information.
- First Aid: Medical supplies to treat injuries and manage health needs.
- Documents & Cash: Copies of important papers and emergency funds.
- Tools & Supplies: Basic items for safety, sanitation, and survival.
- Clothing & Shelter: Protection from the elements.
Building vs. Buying
You have two main options for creating an emergency kit:
Build Your Own
Pros: Customized to your needs, often cheaper, higher quality items, you know what's in it
Cons: Takes more time, requires research, easy to miss items
Buy Pre-Made
Pros: Quick and convenient, professionally assembled, good starting point
Cons: Often lower quality items, may include things you don't need, still requires customization
Our recommendation: Start with what you already have, fill in gaps gradually, and consider a pre-made kit only as a starting point that you'll supplement and customize.
Storage Locations
Consider having emergency supplies in multiple locations:
- Home kit: Your main supply in an accessible closet or garage
- Vehicle kit: Smaller kit in each car (especially important in winter)
- Work kit: Basic supplies at your workplace
- Go-bag: Portable backpack ready for evacuation
Maintenance Schedule
Check your kit every 6 months (many people do this when clocks change for daylight saving time):
- Check expiration dates on food, water, and medications
- Test flashlights and replace batteries
- Update clothing sizes for growing children
- Review and update important documents
- Replace any items that have been used
- Adjust for seasonal changes
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a 72-hour kit and a bug-out bag?
They're similar but have different purposes. A 72-hour kit is designed to keep you comfortable for 3 days, potentially including items for sheltering in place. A bug-out bag (BOB) is specifically designed for evacuation—lighter, more portable, focused on mobility. Many people have both: a larger home kit and a portable go-bag.
How heavy should an emergency kit be?
If you need to carry your kit (evacuation), aim for 15-25 lbs for adults. Heavier is fine for home storage, but keep a portable version for each family member who can carry one. Children's packs should be proportionally lighter.
Should each family member have their own kit?
Ideally, yes—at least a personal go-bag for each person who can carry one. This distributes weight and ensures everyone has essentials if separated. Shared items (tools, first aid kit) can go in one main bag, with personal items (medications, clothes) in individual bags.
What container should I use?
Options include backpacks (most portable), duffel bags, plastic bins (for home storage), or wheeled luggage. Choose based on your mobility needs. Many people use a combination: plastic bins for home storage, backpacks for evacuation. Waterproof or water-resistant is preferred.