Three-day home emergency kit checklist
A three-day supply kit for each person in the household during a power outage or other stay-at-home emergency. Adjust for local hazards, pets, infants, and medical needs.
What to get
Drinking and sanitation water
Store at least 1 gallon per person per day for three days; add water for pets and hot climates.
3 gal per person
Ready-to-eat shelf-stable meals
9 meals per person
High-energy snack bars
6 servings per person
Manual can opener
1
LED flashlights
2
Headlamps
1 per adult
Spare batteries
2 complete device changes
Battery or hand-crank weather radio
1
Charged power banks
1 per phone
First-aid kit
1 household kit
Prescription medications
Follow storage directions and your prescriber's refill guidance.
3-day supply when feasible
Properly fitting respirators
Include them only for people able to wear the selected respirator safely; choose the correct size and follow current public-health guidance.
2 per eligible person
Moist towelettes
20-count pouch
Heavy-duty trash bags
10 x 30 gal bags
Local maps
1 printed set
Emergency contacts and meeting plan
1 printed copy per person
Copies of identification and insurance records
1 sealed envelope
Cash in small bills
$100 if practical
Whistle
1 per person
Warm blankets
1 per person
Pet meals and water
Add medication, a carrier or leash, and current identification.
3 days per pet
Emergency supply inspection
Check water, food, batteries, medications, and power banks; replace expired or damaged supplies and recharge power banks.
Every 6 months
Who this list is for
This emergency kit checklist is for households preparing to shelter in place for up to three days during a power outage or similar emergency. It’s meant for adults, children, and anyone else living in the home. Adjust the list for pets, infants, or special medical requirements as needed.
How to use this list
Gather and store these supplies in a single, clearly marked container or area that’s easy to access during an emergency. Start by setting aside three gallons of water per person for both drinking and sanitation. Pack nine ready-to-eat shelf-stable meals and six snack bars per person. Make sure you have a manual can opener, LED flashlights, headlamps for each adult, and enough spare batteries to fully replace every device’s set twice. Add a weather radio, charged power banks for each phone, and a household first-aid kit. Cross off items you already have on hand.
What to skip
Don’t include perishable foods, candles, or anything that requires refrigeration or cooking with electricity. Avoid overpacking bulky items that don’t serve a clear purpose—space is limited. Only pack prescription medications if you have a backup supply approved by your clinician. Skip expired batteries or medications.
What is on this list
Key items include three gallons of water per person, nine ready-to-eat meals, six high-energy snack bars, a manual can opener, two LED flashlights, a headlamp for every adult, and enough batteries for two full changes per device. Also include a weather radio, one charged power bank per phone, a household first-aid kit, three-day supply of prescription meds if possible, two properly fitting respirators per eligible person, a 20-count pouch of moist towelettes, and ten heavy-duty 30-gallon trash bags. Cross off what you already own and store the rest together.
After the visit
After the emergency, check for used or expired items and replace them promptly. Recharge power banks, restock water and shelf-stable meals, and update any prescription medications. Review what worked and adjust the kit for next time. Store everything in the same place so it’s ready if you need it again.
FAQ
Who is "Three-day home emergency kit checklist" for?
This emergency kit checklist is for households preparing to shelter in place for up to three days during a power outage or similar emergency. It’s meant for adults, children, and anyone else living in the home. Adjust the list for pets, infants, or special medical requirements as needed.
How should I use "Three-day home emergency kit checklist"?
Gather and store these supplies in a single, clearly marked container or area that’s easy to access during an emergency. Start by setting aside three gallons of water per person for both drinking and sanitation. Pack nine ready-to-eat shelf-stable meals and six snack bars per person. Make sure you have a manual can opener, LED flashlights, headlamps for eac…
What should I skip or avoid with "Three-day home emergency kit checklist"?
Don’t include perishable foods, candles, or anything that requires refrigeration or cooking with electricity. Avoid overpacking bulky items that don’t serve a clear purpose—space is limited. Only pack prescription medications if you have a backup supply approved by your clinician. Skip expired batteries or medications.
What is on the "Three-day home emergency kit checklist" list?
Key items include three gallons of water per person, nine ready-to-eat meals, six high-energy snack bars, a manual can opener, two LED flashlights, a headlamp for every adult, and enough batteries for two full changes per device. Also include a weather radio, one charged power bank per phone, a household first-aid kit, three-day supply of prescription meds…
What should I do when I am done?
After the emergency, check for used or expired items and replace them promptly. Recharge power banks, restock water and shelf-stable meals, and update any prescription medications. Review what worked and adjust the kit for next time. Store everything in the same place so it’s ready if you need it again.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.