72-Hour Kit

The Complete 72-Hour Kit Checklist, Explained

Our free 72-hour kit checklist is great — but here's why each item is on it and how to choose the right version for your household.

Emergency kit items organized by category on a table

A checklist tells you what to get. This guide tells you why each item is on it and what to look for when you're choosing.

Understanding the reasoning behind a checklist helps you make better substitutions when an exact item isn't available or doesn't fit your situation.

Next StepsUse the related guides below to keep building. Download the free checklist pack for printable reference.