Emergencies don’t wait for the perfect moment. Whether it’s an evacuation or a power outage, having a 72-hour emergency kit gives your family the essentials to stay safe. As a large family, we’ve fine-tuned our kit to be practical, lightweight, and efficient.
Instead of carrying gallons of water, we rely on LifeStraws for filtration. One of our backpacks has wheels, making it easier for a child to drag if needed. We also include maps and a compass—because knowing where you are matters when phones fail.
Here’s how we build a realistic, family-friendly 72-hour emergency kit.
1. Water & Food: Lightweight but Essential
Carrying a gallon of water per person isn’t realistic for us, so we use LifeStraws and portable water filters. If we find water, we can make it safe to drink.
✔ Water purification: LifeStraws and purification tablets
✔ Non-perishable food: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, and canned goods
✔ Comfort snacks: Small treats like candy can boost morale
More on food storage: Ready.gov’s emergency food guide
2. First Aid & Medications
In an emergency, medical help may be delayed. A good first aid kit is a must.
✔ Basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape
✔ Prescription meds: A 3-day supply in a waterproof bag
✔ Pain relief & allergy meds: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antihistamines
✔ Family identification: A photo of each family member and basic medical info
3. Shelter & Warmth: Staying Dry & Comfortable
Even in mild weather, exposure can be dangerous. Each family member gets an emergency blanket and poncho.
✔ Emergency blankets: Compact, lightweight, and heat-retaining
✔ Emergency tents: Each tent shelters two people
✔ Ponchos: Keep everyone dry in rain
✔ Extra socks & light jackets: Warmth and dry feet are lifesavers
4. Navigation & Communication
When cell towers fail, maps and a compass become critical tools.
✔ Local maps: We rip pages from an old phone book so each person has one
✔ Compass: Every family member learns how to use one
✔ Emergency radio: A flashlight radio with a hand crank and solar panels keeps us updated
✔ Bandanas: Each family member has one to mark gear or signal each other
How to Read a Map & Compass: REI Guide
5. Light & Fire: Multiple Backup Options
Reliable light and fire-starting tools can make all the difference in an emergency.
✔ Flashlights & headlamps: We have multiple sources, including an LED flashlight, headlamps, and a shake-to-charge flashlight
✔ Hand-crank & solar-powered radio flashlight: This gives us light and emergency updates without batteries
✔ Fire starters: We pack matches, lighters, and a flint & steel as backups
✔ Candles: Small emergency candles provide light and warmth
6. Multi-Tool & Personal Items
✔ Multi-tool: A good Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife handles most small tasks
✔ Duct tape & zip ties: Useful for repairs and securing gear
✔ Cash: ATMs may not work, so we keep small bills on hand
✔ Hygiene items: Baby wipes, soap, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products
7. Comfort & Morale Boosters
Emergencies are stressful, especially for kids. We include small items to pass the time and ease anxiety.
✔ Crayons & paper – Entertainment for younger kids
✔ Playing cards – Lightweight and great for all ages
✔ Candy – A morale booster and quick energy source
✔ Notebook & pen – To track events, take notes, or leave messages
8. Carrying Strategy: Two Backpacks for a Large Family
✔ One backpack has wheels – A younger child can drag it if needed
✔ Weight distribution matters – One bag holds shelter and food, the other carries first aid and tools
✔ Accessibility: Essentials like water filters and first aid go in outer pockets for quick access
Final Tips & Next Steps
✔ Keep your kits near the exit for fast access
✔ Do a family drill—practice grabbing your kits and using the gear
✔ Review your kit every six months and update food, meds, and maps
Want a printable checklist? Download the 72-Hour Kit Checklist from Ready.gov.
Next in the series: How We Pack Our Two-Backpack Emergency Kit for a Large Family. What’s in your kit? Share your tips in the comments!