Surv · Guides
A 72-hour emergency kit at home: the Ready.gov list, explained
What to put in a basic household emergency kit, how much water to store, what to rotate and how to keep an inventory you will actually update.
Why 72 hours
Ready.gov, the preparedness site of the United States government, recommends supplies for at least several days, because help and utilities can take time to arrive after a storm, a flood or a long power cut. Three days is a floor, not a target: plan for the household you actually have, including pets, infants and anyone who takes medication.
Water first
Ready.gov advises storing at least one gallon, about four litres, of water per person per day, for drinking and basic hygiene, with a minimum three-day supply. Commercially bottled water is the simplest option; replace it by its expiry date and keep it away from heat and sunlight. Count pets separately.
The basic kit
The Ready.gov list includes: non-perishable food for at least three days and a manual can opener; a battery or hand-crank radio; a flashlight and spare batteries; a first-aid kit; a whistle to signal for help; dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape; moist towelettes and garbage bags for sanitation; a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities; local maps; and a phone with chargers and a backup battery. Add copies of important documents, cash, prescription medicines, glasses, and supplies for infants and pets.
Rotate and review
A kit is only useful if its contents still work. Ready.gov suggests checking the kit at least once a year: replace expired food, water and medicines, refresh batteries and update documents. Store the kit where you can reach it quickly, and keep a smaller version in the car and at work if you spend long hours there.
Keeping the inventory honest
Surv keeps an inventory with expiry dates and can remind you thirty days before something expires; it works without a network connection. An app cannot tell you what you have not entered, so walk through the kit item by item when you set it up. Surv is a reference tool, not an emergency service: in an emergency, follow the instructions of local authorities.