Where the list comes from
The items are the basic supplies Ready.gov recommends for a household emergency kit: water, food, a radio, flashlights, a first aid kit, a whistle, dust masks, sanitation supplies, tools to turn off utilities, paper maps and phone chargers. The second half of the list covers the things that depend on your household, such as medicines, documents, cash, clothing, baby supplies and pet supplies.
How the quantities are worked out
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days, so 3 gallons per person.
- Food: shown in person-days. A household of three needs 9 person-days of food, meaning nine days' worth of meals for one person, split however you like.
- One per person: flashlights, whistles, dust masks, a change of clothes and a sleeping bag or blanket are suggested per person, so everyone can carry their own.
- Household items: one radio, first aid kit, tool set and set of maps is usually enough for a household.
- Pets: 3 days of food per pet plus a leash or carrier and any medications.
These are suggested starting points, not official counts. Adjust them for your household, your climate and where you keep the kit.
Keep it ready
Ready.gov advises replacing expired items and rethinking your needs every year. A simple habit is to check the kit twice a year: replace self-filled water about every six months, rotate food into the pantry before its date, test flashlights and the radio, and update medicines and children's clothing sizes. The printed list is a good place to note what you used and what to replace.
Frequently asked questions
Does the checklist save my progress?
No. Nothing is stored in your browser or sent anywhere, so reloading the page clears your checks. Use Print to keep a copy.
Why 72 hours?
Ready.gov talks about having supplies for several days. Three days is a common, carryable baseline for a go-bag, and the CDC suggests building toward a 2-week water supply at home.
Should each person have their own bag?
It helps. Splitting supplies means one lost bag doesn't take everything, and each person carries their own clothes, medicine and a share of food and water.
Read the full guide
Sources
Results are estimates for planning, not professional advice. Check the official sources above for rules that apply to you.