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Free 72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist

A simple two-page emergency kit checklist you can print or keep on your phone. Use it to build a 72 hour kit, or to check the one you already have in about five minutes.

It covers water, food, warmth, first aid, light, communication, tools and documents, based on the kit lists from Ready.gov, the American Red Cross and the CDC. Quantities are given in US units with metric in brackets, for example 1 gallon (3.8 L).

First page of the free 72-Hour Survival Kit Checklist PDF, with tick boxes for water, food, warmth and shelter, and first aid.
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PDF, 2 pages, US Letter. Free, with no sign-up needed.

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What is in the checklist

  • Water: how much to store per person, and ways to make more water safer
  • Food that is ready to eat and easy to open
  • Warmth and shelter: blankets, clothing, rain protection
  • First aid and personal medication, including a written list of doses
  • Light, radio, phone power and a simple communication plan
  • Tools, copies of important documents, cash and hygiene items

How to use your emergency kit checklist

Plan for 72 hours without power, running water or easy access to shops. Pack one bag per household that you can carry, tick off what you already have, and review it twice a year to swap out food, water and batteries.

Guides that go with the checklist

Every household is different. Adjust the list for children, health needs, pets and your local climate.