Posted in Safety and Preparedness

72-Hour Emergency Kits: Why Your Family Needs One and How to Get Started

Author Jed Estimated read time 3 min read
boy in white shirt sitting on orange and black backpack Photo by Mathurin NAPOLY / matnapo on Unsplash

Disasters can happen anytime. A power outage, wildfire, or hurricane could leave your family without basic necessities for days. A 72-hour emergency kit ensures you have food, water, and supplies to stay safe until help arrives.

For large families like ours, a single backpack isn’t enough. We use two to distribute weight and ensure we have everything we need. In this post, we’ll explain why a 72-hour kit matters and how to start building yours today.

What Is a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?

A 72-hour emergency kit holds essential supplies to keep your family safe and comfortable for at least three days. These first 72 hours are often the most critical. Emergency services may be overwhelmed, grocery stores could be empty, and power or water might be unavailable. Having your own supplies gives you peace of mind and keeps your family secure.

Where to Start?

Start by packing these essentials:
✔ Water & food – Enough for three days per person
✔ First aid kit – Bandages, medications, and antiseptics
✔ Shelter & warmth – Blankets, extra clothing, and a tent or tarp
✔ Emergency tools – Flashlights, batteries, and a multi-tool

For a complete checklist, visit Ready.gov.

What Disasters Should You Prepare For?

Your emergency kit should match the risks in your area. Here are common situations where it becomes essential:

  • Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes
  • Power Outages: Winter storms, blackouts, and grid failures
  • Evacuations: Gas leaks, chemical spills, and civil unrest
  • Medical Emergencies: When hospitals are overwhelmed or far away

Find out what emergencies affect your region at FEMA’s Disaster Preparedness Maps.

Preparing a 72-Hour Kit for a Large Family

If you have young children, elderly family members, or pets, your kit needs extra items. Here’s how we manage it:

  • Two backpacks, not one – This keeps the load manageable and ensures redundancy.
  • Kids’ essentials – Baby formula, diapers, comfort items, and small games.
  • Medical supplies – Prescription medications, allergy treatments, and pain relievers.
  • Pet needs – Food, water, leash, and pet first aid.

For more family-friendly preparedness tips, check out The Survival Mom.

Take Action Today

You don’t have to build your kit all at once. Start small and add supplies each week. Keep your backpacks in an easy-to-grab location, and review their contents regularly.

In the next post, we’ll break down the must-have survival items for every 72-hour kit when you have a big family. What’s your biggest challenge in getting prepared? Share in the comments!

Additional Resources for Prepared Families:

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