Guide, United States

A 72 hour kit for a family of four

How we wrote this: researched from the public sources listed at the end of the page. General information, not medical or legal advice. Last checked 2 November 2026.

Ready.gov asks households to have supplies for several days and does not set an exact number. Three days, or 72 hours, is a common starting point and the one our kits are built around. Here are the quantities for four people.

Water: 12 gallons

Ready.gov's figure is one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation. For four people over three days that is 12 gallons. Store it in sealed containers in a cool, dark place, and add more for pets, hot weather or anyone who is nursing.

Food: three days, no cooking

Pick foods that keep, need no refrigeration and little or no water to prepare. Ready.gov's food page lists canned meats, fruit and vegetables, protein bars, dry cereal, peanut butter and the like. Include a manual can opener, and think about any food allergies and the kids' favorites.

Light, radio and charging

One headlamp or flashlight per person.
A battery or crank radio, plus NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert if you can.
A charged power bank and cables.

First aid and the rest of the Ready.gov list

A first aid kit, spare batteries, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape, moist towelettes and trash bags, a wrench or pliers for utilities, local maps, and copies of important documents.

The one box answer

The 72 hour kit for 4 packs a four person kit in a dry bag, a Guardian alert radio, four rechargeable headlamps and a 25 person first aid kit. If you may need to leave home, the Family evacuation pack adds a tent, sleeping bags and backpacks.

Make the plan

Choose a meeting place, an out of area contact and who picks up the kids. The free 72-Hour Family Plan has the blanks. Watch alerts near home and school on the Situation screen. For the item by item checklist, read the 72 hour kit list.

FAQ

How much water does a family of four need for 72 hours? 12 gallons, using Ready.gov's one gallon per person per day.

Is 72 hours enough? Ready.gov says several days and gives no fixed number. 72 hours is a starting point; add more if you can.

Should I buy a kit or build one? Either works. A kit saves time; building lets you match your family's foods and needs. Many families buy a kit and add their own extras.