Calculate exact supply quantities for a 72-hour emergency kit for every adult, child, and pet in your household — water, food, first aid, documents, warmth, and more.
FEMA and the Red Cross both recommend every household maintain a 72-hour emergency kit — enough supplies to survive for three days without outside help. Whether you face a hurricane, earthquake, winter storm, or power outage, the first 72 hours are when outside resources are most strained. This calculator gives you precise quantities for every person and pet, accounting for climate and medical needs.
Estimated total kit weight: . Pack in a sturdy backpack or wheeled duffel. Keep it accessible near your exit.
A 72-hour emergency kit — also called a "go bag" or "bug out bag" — is your household's first line of defense in any emergency that disrupts normal services. The 72-hour window represents the time period when emergency services are most overwhelmed and least able to reach individual households. By being self-sufficient for three days, you avoid competing for the limited resources available immediately after a disaster.
The most common mistake people make is building a kit once and forgetting about it. Emergency kits need to be maintained: batteries die, food expires, medications run out, children outgrow clothing stored in the kit, and family situations change. Set a calendar reminder every 6 months to inspect and refresh your kit.
The most overlooked element of emergency kits is communication planning. Know where your family will meet if separated. Designate an out-of-area contact person who everyone can check in with, since it's often easier to reach someone in a different city than neighbors during a local emergency. A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio provides official emergency information when phone networks are jammed.
Water is the single most critical item. Humans can survive weeks without food but only 3 days without water — and in a stressful evacuation, dehydration sets in faster. After water, prescription medications are often the most irreplaceable item. Food, first aid supplies, and documentation are all important but more substitutable. If you're starting from scratch and can only do one thing today: store three gallons of water per person in your home.
For one adult with a basic kit, plan on 30–40 liters of pack volume (a large hiking daypack or small backpack). A full family kit for 2 adults and 2 children typically requires multiple bags or a large wheeled duffel. Water is the heaviest item — 3 gallons weighs about 25 lbs — so you may want to store water separately in a vehicle rather than in the bag you'll carry. If you have mobility concerns, a wheeled bag or cart is a smart choice.
Yes, ideally. Emergencies don't wait until you're at home. A basic workplace kit should include: a pair of sturdy walking shoes (in case you need to walk home), water, energy bars, a small first aid kit, emergency cash, and a copy of important contact numbers. A vehicle kit should include: jumper cables, a blanket, water, snacks, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and road flares. The goal is to never be more than a few steps away from enough supplies to get through the first 24 hours.
Review and refresh your kit twice a year — a common recommendation is to do it when clocks change for daylight saving time. Replace food and water annually even if not expired, as quality degrades. Replace batteries in flashlights, radios, and other devices every year regardless of use. Update documents if there are any changes to IDs, insurance, or prescriptions. Replace clothing if children have grown or seasons have changed. Check medications for expiration dates every 6 months.
Pets need their own documented emergency plan. Include: 3 days of food and water, bowls, waste bags, a carrier or leash, a copy of vaccination records (many shelters and hotels require proof), and any medications. Know in advance which emergency shelters in your area accept pets — many do not, so identify pet-friendly hotels on your likely evacuation routes. If you have livestock or farm animals, plan for their care with a neighbor or farm contact who can assist if you need to evacuate suddenly.