A 72-hour “grab-and-go” kit for home
Keep in mind that if you need to evacuate you may need more than one container to carry your 72-hour emergency supplies. You might consider using a backpack for your basic emergency supplies so your hands will be free. If you need to “camp out”, a wheeled garbage can, a suitcase, a hockey bag on wheels, could be used to store your camping gear. What matters is that all of your supplies are in one location so they can be easily and quickly accessed. Select containers that provide protection from the elements and will be easy to transport. Here are some suggestions for a basic 72-hour “grab-and-go” kit.
An emergency “grab-and-go” kit should contain enough supplies to last you at least 72 hours while waiting for emergency assistance. Whether you are forced to “shelter-in-place”, camp out in your yard, or sleep in a shelter, this kit will help you survive.
Build Your Basic Emergency Preparedness Kit 72-HOUR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS KIT CHECKLIST |
Personal Kit |
Food and Water |
o At least 2 litres per person per day
o Sufficient pre-packaged snack foods to last 3 days |
Communication |
o Portable radio (and extra batteries – if needed)
o Paper and waterproof marker
o OK and HELP signs
o Whistle (3 short blasts for help) |
Lighting |
o Flashlight (and extra batteries – if needed) |
Personal Items |
o Identification, contact lists and medical records
o Photos of family members
o Spare eye glasses
o Medications
o Spare house and car keys
o Toys for children |
Cash |
o Small bills and quarters for pay phones |
Sanitation and Hygiene |
o Toilet paper, garbage bags, small bucket with lid
o Hand sanitizers or soap
o Towel or paper towels
o Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, mouth wash, deodorant |
Warmth and Clothing |
o Emergency blanket
o Waterproof poncho
o Change of clothes or cold weather clothes (in a separate bag) |
First Aid and Safety |
o First aid kit and a whistle
o Work boots, gloves, safety goggles, respirator mask (N95). |
Tools and Hardware |
o Duct tape and multi-tool
o Garbage bags (large and small)
o Candles and matches or a lighter |
Extra Clothing |
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o Sturdy shoes or boots
o Hat, socks and underwear
o Warm jacket and pants |
o Raingear
o Gloves or mittens
o Thermal underwear |
Camping Gear |
Shelter |
o Tent or large tarp
o Sleeping bag or warm blankets
o Air mattress with manual pump or thermal pad
o Ground sheet |
Cooking Supplies |
o Small cook stove or barbeque with fuel
o Pot and cooking utensils
o Paper plates, plastic cups and eating utensils |
Portable Toilet |
o For solid waste: Utility bucket, large garbage bags with twist ties, child’s toilet seat, cat litter
o For liquid waste small bucket with lid and child’s toilet seat |
Use this checklist to prepare your individual or family emergency “grab-and-go” kits.
Download checklist here »