The Ultimate List of 72 things You Need in your 72-Hour Emergency Kit

From the Fort McMurray wildfires to floods in Saskatchewan to the BC wildfires to wind storms in Manitoba; extreme weather events harm people in communities across Canada during any season of the year. When weather hits hard, it forces people to leave their homes for safety in other districts and it can also leave them stranded inside their homes with no way out.

Too often, families do not have a kit to sustain them in an emergency. We recommend you pack an emergency kit because chances are, you will need it one day.

Whether you need to flee your home at a moment’s notice or are unable to leave your home at all, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate list of 72 things you need to pack in your 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. It will serve you in most emergency situations.

Food

Make sure you have enough food for each person in your household to eat for three days. Consider any food allergies and dietary restrictions when packing your meals.

1. Canned food that can be opened and eaten without cooking
2. Dried food
3. Energy and protein bars
4. Manual can opener
5. Coffee and Tea
6. Utensils
7. Plates
8. Cups
9. Resealable plastic bags

Water

Each person requires about 4L/1Gal per person per day for drinking and washing.

10. Bottled water in large and small bottles
11. Lifestraw or other water purifying device
12. Water purifying tablets

Warmth

If the electricity is out, you will need a way to stay warm. Have at least two ways to start a fire and include warm clothes for each person.

13. Waterproof matches
14. Lighter
15. Long-burning candles
16. Disposable hand warmers
17. Blanket or sleeping bag
18. Emergency poncho
19. One extra set of clothes per person

Shelter

Evacuating a neighbourhood or town to another location might mean there are no hotels or rooms to rent.

20. Pop up tent
21. Tarp
22. 15m/50ft of rope
23. Bungee cords
24. Work gloves
25. Pocket Knife
26. Multitool
27. Multibit screwdriver
28. Wrench
29. Hammer

Safety

Be able to find your way without GPS and ensure you can signal emergency crews if necessary.

30. Wind up or battery powered flashlight for each person
31. Wind up or battery powered radio
32. Extra batteries
33. $100 cash in small bills and change
34. Whistle
35. Duct tape
36. Zip ties
37. Paper map
38. Compass
39. Road flares
40. Light stick
41. Cellphone charger

Health

Make sure you can tend to injuries and are prepared with essential medications and sanitation.

42. First aid kit
43. Extra pair of glasses or contacts
44. Record of vaccinations, surgeries, medical history
45. List of allergies for each person
46. Health insurance information
47. Prescription medications
48. Non-prescription medication such as pain relievers and antihistamines
49. Hand sanitizer
50. Moist towelette
51. Medicine dropper
52. Toiletries
53. Chap stick
54. Rubber gloves
55. Toilet paper
56. Garbage bags
57. Twist ties
58. Bucket and toilet seat
59. Disinfectant or bleach
60. Dust mask

Important Documents

Keep these documents in a waterproof bag to ensure they are not damaged in storage.

61. Copy of your family emergency plan
62. List of emergency contacts and phone numbers
63. Copy of home insurance policy
64. Insurance company claims phone number
65. Identification
66. Bank records
67. Extra keys for your car and home

Stress Relief

Distract your kids and get your mind off the emergency at hand by playing a few games.

68. Book
69. Deck of cards
70. Games
71. Puzzles
72. Pen/Pencil and notepad

Bonus Item

Pack family photos in your emergency kit. It is comforting for kids (and adults) to see the faces of friends and family in an emergency

Personalize Your Emergency Kit

Think about your unique needs and make sure that your emergency kit is sufficient for your family. Consider the elderly, people with disabilities and special needs, young children, and people with dietary restrictions. If you were stuck for 72-hours, the bag should satisfy the basic needs for each member of your household.

Put it All Together

Now that you have all the essential items for your emergency kit, you need a way to store it and a place to put it. Answers to those questions will depend on your personal preference and where you live but remember, you may need to grab the kit and leave with short notice.

Many people choose to pack their kit into backpacks or bags that are easily carried. Backpacks can also be packed heavier or lighter so each person in your family is able to carry something. An alternative is to stock your kit in plastic storage containers. They store easily, can be staked on a rolling cart, and can be waterproof.

If you live in a house, you may store your kit in an outbuilding like a shed or garage. Or store it inside your home near the front entry or hall closet. Those living in a condo have fewer options for storage. A closet, storage room or even the trunk of your car are good spots for your emergency kit.

With your emergency kit packed and stored, you and your family are ready for and emergency. Check your bag at least once a year to rotate food items and check expiry dates for important documents and medications.

Emergency Kit Names

If “Emergency Kit” doesn’t strike you as an exciting name. Feel free to use one of these. Our favourite is #3.

• Go Bag
• Bug Out Bag
• Just-in-Case Case
• Get Out Of Dodge Bag (GOOD Bag)