The 72-hour emergency kit checklist
This is everything a household needs to cope 72 hours on its own, as recommended by the European Commission and national civil-protection agencies. Tick what you already own, see what’s missing, and print it for the fridge door.
People in your home 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Water: 18 litres (4.8 US gal) Meals: 18 meals
Water Drinking water · 3 L (0.8 US gal) per person per day Bottled or in food-grade containers.
Water-purification tablets · 1 pack Backup if stored water runs out.
Food Long-life food · 3 days per person Food you already eat, no cooking needed.
Manual tin opener · 1 Camping stove and gas · Optional, outdoor use only For hot food.
Light and power Torch or head torch · 1 per person LED lantern · 1–2 Lights a room safely.
Spare batteries · 2 sets Power bank, charged · 20,000 mAh Portable power station · Optional, ≈ 1 kWh For Wi-Fi, fridge or medical devices.
Information Battery or crank radio · 1 Official updates without mobile data.
Paper list of key contacts · 1
National warning app installed · On every phone
Health and hygiene First-aid kit · 1 Regular medicines · 7 days
Spare glasses or contacts · 1
Hygiene supplies · 3 days Wipes, hand gel, bin bags, toilet paper.
Documents and money Copies of ID, insurance and prescriptions · 1 set, waterproof pouch Cash in small notes · €100–€200
Spare house and car keys · 1 set
Home and safety Smoke and CO alarms working · Tested Fire extinguisher · 1 Know how to shut off gas, water and power · Everyone in the home
Whistle · 1 per person Warmth Blankets or sleeping bags · 1 per person Warm layers, hats and gloves · 1 set per person
Your plan Meeting point agreed · Near home and outside the area
Grab-and-go bag by the door · 1 per person Kit check in your calendar · Twice a year
Print checklist Start again
Your ticks are saved only in this browser. Nothing is sent to us.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Brands never pay for placement. Read our disclosure .
Next steps Missing a lot? The basic 72-hour kit covers the essentials, and the budget kit shows the cheapest way to fill the gaps.
Sources European Commission: Preparedness Union Strategy, March 2025 Germany, Federal Office of Civil Protection (BBK): emergency preparedness guide Netherlands government: Denk vooruit Sweden, Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB): In case of crisis or war