72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist for Home and Car

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A 72-hour emergency kit should answer two different situations: what your household needs while staying home, and what you need if officials tell you to leave quickly. Keep those plans related but separate, because a heavy “grab bag” is not a substitute for a usable home supply.

Canada’s emergency-kit guidance recommends at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency and keeping supplies organized, portable, and easy to find.

Home kit checklist

• Water, shelf-stable food, a manual can opener, and needed supplies for children and pets.
• Flashlight, batteries, radio, charged power bank, and charging cables.
• First-aid supplies, copies of important information, hygiene supplies, warm layers, and cash if practical.

Grab-and-go checklist

• Identification, medication list, keys, contact information, charger, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• A small comfort item for children and a leash, carrier, food, and records for pets where relevant.

Useful add-ons only when they fit

A Midland WR120B NOAA Weather Alert Radio can help with broadcast updates when it has coverage for your area.

A INIU 10,000mAh 45W Portable Charger can help preserve phone power when it is charged and compatible.

Shelf-stable snacks such as Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey Bars, 60 count are easy to carry, but should fit dietary needs and not be the only food you plan around.

The bottom line

A good 72-hour kit is customized, light enough to use, and refreshed regularly. Local instructions always come first—especially if officials tell you to evacuate.