Wildfires, earthquakes, and floods can occur without any notice. When a disaster strikes, it is essential to keep yourself and your loved ones ready to stay comfortable for at least 72 hours. A 72-hour emergency kit includes necessary items such as water, food, a whistle, a dust mask, a first aid kit, flashlights, a manual can opener, etc. The duffle bag or other kind of backpack with the essentials is stored in a safe place that you can grab in an instant.
Disasters often restrict access to water, food, and power. That's when the need to carry a reliable emergency power supply source becomes more important. Jackery Portable Power Stations are compact and reliable solar power stations that can charge most emergency appliances, such as smartphones, lights, fans, radios, etc., to stay comfortable and receive the latest emergency-related updates. They can be packed in a bag, so you can carry them wherever you move.
Key Takeaways
- A 72-hour emergency kit should contain enough supplies so you can use essential items for at least three days after an emergency.
- You will need an emergency kit during tornadoes, floods, and earthquake evacuation.
- The 72-hour survival kit list includes non-perishable foods, water, a phone charger, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, cash, dust masks, etc.
- A reliable emergency power supply source is also important to ensure that essential appliances, such as smartphones, lights, laptops, tablets, etc., remain charged on the move.
What is the 72-Hour Emergency Kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit is a short-term version of a go-bag that aims to get you through the next three days after an emergency. Ideally, a 72-hour emergency kit should have food, water, toiletries, cash, clothing, power station, communication devices, light sources, etc. While it isn't as robust and detailed as a bug-out bag list, these emergency kits are designed for a 72-hour stay away from home with the intent of returning home.
Why Do You Need a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?
You would need the right supplies to stay safe in the event of an emergency. For example, officials might ask you to evacuate the place if a tornado, wildfire, or flash flooding occurs. In that case, you will require an emergency kit to ensure a safe three-day stay away from home. If you are unsure whether or not a 72-hour emergency kit is beneficial, here are a few reasons to check out:
Deal With Disasters
A 72-hour emergency kit helps anyone deal with disasters ranging from hurricanes to wildfires and earthquakes. With the right supplies, a 72-hour emergency kit can provide basic first aid and even prevent illness.
Include Important Items
An emergency kit ensures you can deal with illness and injury. It typically includes emergency lights, emergency water, breathing protection devices, tools, first aid supplies, and other necessities. It also provides emergency sanitation and hygiene materials for a safe and healthy stay.
Provide Peace of Mind
Investing in an emergency preparedness kit ensures you have all the necessary supplies. Once a disaster hits the area, food and water can be compromised, and electricity might not be available for days. Having the right equipment handy ensures you and your loved ones can survive until help arrives.
The 72-hour emergency kit checklist includes everything one might need to build their 72-hour emergency kit. You can download and print out the emergency checklist so you never miss a necessary item when preparing the 72-hour survival bag:
>>> Download the PDF Checklist Here
When Do You Need a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?
A 72-hour emergency or disaster supply kit is helpful during emergencies such as tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods. The emergency go bag provides supplies that will last at least 72 hours after an emergency. Here are a few scenarios where you might need a reliable 72-hour survival kit:
Tornado Evacuation
Tornadoes are a collision of warm, cold, and moist air that creates pressure when they meet. They take only seconds to cause destruction or destroy a neighborhood area. The first step to prepare for a tornado includes having a reliable 72-hour emergency kit with essential items, such as food and water, and reliable power solutions, such as Jackery Solar Generators.
Flood Evacuation
Floods can result in heavy rainfall, dam failures, and sudden snowmelt, which can impact daily living. They can leave you stranded for days without access to food and water. Often, flash floods can also lead to downed power lines and failure of electric power systems, making it hard to navigate dark areas. A 72-hour emergency kit can ensure you have the right food and water supplies to navigate the times.
Earthquake Evacuation
If there is a chance of an earthquake in your area and you're planning to evacuate, you'll need a 72-hour emergency evacuation kit. It should have a stock of emergency supplies that can be used after an earthquake and during the days that follow. You need a supply of medicines, a first aid kit, and food and water for at least three days.
72-Hour Emergency Kit List
In unexpected emergencies, a 72-hour emergency kit is not only prudent but also essential. Its purpose is to provide you with the resources needed to sustain yourself for at least three days. When preparing a 72-hour survival kit for emergencies, you need to start with basics such as food items and water to ensure the kit is easy to carry.
According to the FEMA, FLO U.S. Department of State, and Ready.gov, the essential items for a 72-hour emergency kit list are listed below.
Basic Survival Items
Emergencies such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes can create circumstances where basic supplies are unavailable. For example, ice storms can wipe out power lines, or earthquakes can block the roads, making it impossible to access basic supplies such as food, water, or power. When preparing the basic emergency supplies kit, make sure to include the following items:
- Food
- Water
- Flashlight
- First Aid Kit
- Extra Batteries
- Whistle
- Dust Mask
- Plastic Sheeting
- Duct Tape
- Moist Towelettes
- Garbage Bags
- Plastic Ties
- Manual Can Opener
- Local Maps
- Cell Phone With Chargers
- Jackery Portable Power Station
- Flares
- Lighter
- Waterproof Matches
- Pocket Knife and Rope
- Wrench or Pliers
Food & Water
Your 72-hour survival kit should include a three-day supply of food and water per person, especially in times when refrigerators or cooking are not available. For example, you will need at least one gallon of water per person for drinking and sanitation purposes. Additionally, you will need a three-day supply of non-perishable food items, such as ready-to-eat meals and high-energy foods. Here are some of the other food items and water supplies you need before the three-day evacuation:
- Water (One Gallon Per Person)
- Ready-to-Eat Meats
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Canned or Boxed Juice
- Soup
- High-Energy Foods
- Peanut Butter
- Low Sodium Crackers
- Granola Bars
- Trail Mix or Dried Fruit
- Cookies
- Hard Candy
- Cereals
- Powdered Milk
- Infant Formula
- Water Purification Tablets
Extra Clothing
When creating the 72-hour survival kit list, you should not forget the importance of including appropriate clothing gear that can meet all the scenarios. You should consist of a mix of warm-weather clothes, rain gear, and cold-weather gear. The warm-weather clothes typically include breathable and lightweight attire, such as shorts and T-shirts. The cold-weather clothes include insulated layers, such as wool socks, thermal shirts, fleece jackets, etc.
- Short and Long Sleeve Shirts
- Pants
- Socks
- Waterproof Jackets
- Sturdy Shoes Or Boots
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Raincoat/Poncho
- Undergarments
- Thermal Shirts
- Fleece Jackets
- Wool Socks
- Sandals
Toiletry
Maintaining cleanliness is not only about comfort but also helps you maintain overall health and well-being. Items like soaps, body wipes, and washcloths can keep you fresh and hygienic. Your 72-hour emergency kit should also include toilet paper and waste disposal bags. If you're in an outdoor setting, a lightweight shovel will help you dig a hole and dispose of waste in environmentally sound paper. Hand sanitizers can combat germs and bacteria to prevent illness during emergency situations.
- Washcloth
- Small Towel
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Lip Balm
- Insect Repellent
- Plastic Garbage Bags
- Feminine Supplies
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Shovel
Documents
You should also carry copies of essential documents to prove your identity, access help in unfamiliar locations, and stabilize finances after the emergency. Aside from keeping the ID documents safe, consider packing copies of tax returns, marriage certificates, insurance policies, wills, deeds, and medical records. Make sure to store the documents in a waterproof ziplock bag or container so they don’t get damaged by the floodwater or wildfires.
- Personal ID (Driver's License/Passport)
- Cash
- Extra Set of Home and Vehicle Keys
- Insurance Papers
- Immunization Records
- Emergency Contact List
- Map
- Credit Cards
- Legal Documents
Technology
One thing you need to keep in mind is that you may lose electricity or cell service in an emergency situation. You may lose phone contacts, and even GPS may be unreliable during emergencies. For this reason, it is essential to pack the technology gear in your 72-hour emergency kit. Power outages may cause stores to close for extended periods. In this case, you will need to pack emergency communication and power items in the duffle bag.
- Cell Phone
- Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlights
- Extra Batteries
- Solar Power Bank
- Headlamp
- Jackery Solar Generator
Shelter or Sleeping Arrangement
Finding shelter or a comfortable sleeping place can be difficult during an emergency. When planning to evacuate to a safe place, you need to carry essential shelter and sleeping gear to make your stay comfortable. The appropriate sleeping gear will prepare you for rest and shelter even in challenging environments.
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Sleeping Pads
- Tent
- Tarps
Remember, deciding where to keep your emergency kit is as important as putting together its content. It should be easily accessible so you can grab the kit swiftly in times of emergencies. For instance, you can keep one kit at home or another in your vehicle.
If you spend a lot of time at work, you can consider keeping an emergency kit in the work location to provide peace of mind. Wherever you store the emergency kit, make sure it stays within reach so you get the most out of its utility.
Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained
Jackery is a reputable solar brand that manufactures solar panels, portable power stations, and solar generators for power outages, outdoor events, and off-grid living. The small portable power stations fit in a backpack and can charge most small outdoor appliances for hours. They do not emit toxic fumes while operating, making them an eco-friendly choice.
There are three ways to charge the power station: wall outlets, car chargers, and foldable solar panels. The Jackery Portable Power Stations are a reliable emergency power supply that can charge most small appliances and ensure you're never left without power. They feature highly efficient and stable batteries to ensure safe appliance charging when you're outdoors.
Here are two Jackery Portable Power Stations that can fit your emergency go bag and charge small appliances on the move:
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station offers power on the go and helps you charge multiple appliances outdoors. At 8.27 lbs and with a foldable handle, the emergency power supply source can be moved to outdoor locations for hours of charging multiple small to midsize appliances. You can either pack the power station in your bag or carry it with a foldable handle for easy movement.
Appliances Running Time
- Mobile Phone (20W) = 12.2H
- Emergency Lights (5W) = 48.9H
- Radio (2W) = 122.4H
- Camera (9W) = 27.2H
- CPAP Machine (30W) = 8.1H
Customer Review
"I bought the Jackery 300 Plus after Hurricane Beryl left us without power for several hours. I found out that we need a power source to keep our routers, phones, and laptops charged, so we can stay informed about the development of any future emergency and be able to take necessary actions." — Jose L Perez-Sanchez.
Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station
If you want a mini portable power station that can be carried on business flights, you may go ahead with the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station. It weighs only 965 grams and operates in a whisper-quiet mode. Its multiple output ports can charge up to three appliances simultaneously for hours. The durable and robust battery, complemented by the BMS, adds an extra layer of protection.
Appliances Running Time
- Mobile Phone (20W) = 4.2H
- Emergency Lights (5W) = 16.8H
- Radio (2W) = 42.0H
- Camera (9W) = 9.3H
- Smartwatch (2W) = 42.0H
Customer Review
"I bought this little guy because I was tired of my two pocket chargers always needing to be charged. I travel full-time, and I can charge my earbuds, phone, lights, tablet, portable Wi-Fi, and any other small devices I have. Way to go, Jackery!" — Jp Missy Horsley.
How to Maintain a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Like other things, the 72-hour emergency kit requires some maintenance to be truly useful and effective. This is because emergency kits contain essential supplies such as food, water, batteries, clothing, and first aid supplies, which need to be restocked every six months or once a year. If you are preparing the kit for the first time, here are a few maintenance to keep the essential items safe during evacuation needs.
Store in a Cool Place
UV rays, moisture, and heat can reduce the shelf life of the perishable items in the 72-hour emergency kit. So, make sure to store the kit in a cool and dry place, away from exposure to direct sunlight.
Do Regular Checks
You should consider setting up a calendar reminder every six months to check and replenish the expired water, food, medicines, and other perishable supplies. You should also reassess the kit items and supplies once a year. Consider updating the kit and plan to address the changing family needs and inspecting the gear to ensure everything works appropriately.
Take Care of Your Kit
Since you will be taking out items from the kit, make sure to promptly replace those supplies afterward. The evacuation routes, local shelter locations, and gathering places might have changed after six months or a year. Hence, it's important to reassess and update your emergency plan to review and update the documents.
72-Hour Emergency Kit FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for an emergency?
The right size generator required for an emergency situation will depend on the wattage consumption of appliances you are planning to charge at the same time and their operating hours. For example, if you are charging a light (5W), smartphone (20W), and portable fan (50W) with the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station, the operating time can be calculated using the formula:
Running Time = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 288Wh × 0.85 ÷ 75W = 3.2H
Note: The battery capacity is multiplied by 0.85 because there will be some power loss when charging the appliances.
What should be in a 3-day emergency kit?
According to Ready.gov, your 3-day emergency kit should include water (at least one gallon per person per day), non-perishable foods, a first aid kit, cash, prescription medicines, extra batteries, flashlights, a sleeping bag or warm blanket, a whistle, a can opener, pet supplies, baby supplies, battery-powered hand-cranked radio, toothbrush, etc.
How much water should be in a 72-hour kit?
A basic 72-hour emergency kit should contain at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days of drinking and sanitation.
What are the 3 C's of emergency care?
The three basic C's of emergency care include check, call, and care. Check means checking for anything that is unsafe. If an emergency situation arises, you need to call 911 immediately. After checking the area and calling for help, you need to provide care until medical professionals arrive.
What are the 4 things every emergency kit should have?
A well-prepared emergency kit should have communication, sustenance, safety, and sanitation supplies. Sustenance supplies include one gallon of water per person daily for drinking and sanitation. Communication devices include a NOAA Weather Radio, hand-crank radio, and extra batteries. Some sanitation supplies include soap, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. A few safety supplies include a flashlight, extra batteries, rain gear, extra clothing, and a first aid kit.
Final Thoughts
Whether it is an earthquake, an emergency evacuation, or a flash flood, having a 72-hour emergency kit can help you save your life and provide you with supplies that can last 72 hours. Each family member and even the pets should have their own emergency kit with the essential items. You will also need an emergency kit every six months to ensure water, food, and medication remain fresh.
You will also need an emergency power source that can supply stable electricity to essential appliances such as lights, portable fans, smartphones, etc. Jackery Portable Power Stations are compact in design and can fit in a backpack to ensure the appliances remain charged on the go. They are lightweight and feature foldable handles to move them anywhere you go, giving you uninterrupted access to power.
What items do you carry when packing the 72-hour emergency kit, and how often do you maintain it? Please let us know in the comments below!
Leave a comment