How to create a family emergency plan and build a 72-hour kit
A family emergency plan and a 72-hour kit give you calm and control when unexpected events happen. This guide walks you through simple, practical actions you can complete in stages so every family member knows what to do and your household has essentials for the first three days. Start small and build over a few weekends to make the process manageable.
Step 1: Identify hazards and needs
List the most likely emergencies in your area (flood, wildfire, winter storm, earthquake) and note special needs: medications, infants, pets, mobility devices. Knowing realistic scenarios helps you choose items and meeting places that fit your family’s risks and abilities.
[Illustration: family at kitchen table with a local map and list of hazards]
Step 2: Choose meeting places
Pick two meeting spots: one right outside your home and one outside your neighborhood (1–5 miles away). Share exact addresses and two phone numbers per person; practice getting there so everyone can reach the spots within 15–30 minutes by walking or driving.
[Illustration: hand-drawn map with home and two meeting points marked]
Step 3: Assign roles and responsibilities
Give each person specific tasks: who grabs the kit, who checks on the pets, who calls out-of-area contacts, who turns off utilities. Rotate roles in drills so backup plans are ready if someone is unavailable.
[Illustration: family members wearing role labels like 'pet' and 'kit' while practicing]
Step 4: Create written contact cards
Make wallet-size cards with names, three phone numbers, two meeting addresses, and medical info. Include an out-of-area contact who can relay messages; teach children how to use the card to call or show to an adult.
[Illustration: stack of small laminated contact cards with phone numbers and addresses]
Step 5: Build the 72-hour kit
Assemble supplies for 72 hours per person: 3 liters of water per day (9 liters total), 3 days of nonperishable food, flashlight with 3 spare batteries, battery or hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, copies of ID and prescriptions, cash ($100 in small bills), multi-tool, and sanitation items. Store kits in durable bags near an exit.
[Illustration: open duffel bag showing water containers, food pouches, flashlight, first-aid kit]
Step 6: Include special items
Add needed extras: 7 days of prescription info and a 3-day supply if possible, baby formula and diapers for 72 hours, pet food and leash for 3 days, and spare glasses. Label any medication with name and dosage to speed medical care.
[Illustration: pile of special items: baby supplies, pet bowl, pill organizer labeled]
Step 7: Practice and review every 6 months
Run a short drill twice a year: time how long it takes to reach meeting spots, check kit expiration dates, and replace batteries and water. Update contact cards and roles after moves, births, or new health needs to keep the plan current.
[Illustration: family timing themselves with a stopwatch while walking out the front door]
- Store one 72-hour kit in your home and a smaller 24-hour kit in your car or at work for each adult.
- Rotate water and food every 6–12 months; mark purchase or replacement dates on containers with a permanent marker.
- Take photos of medications, medical devices, and insurance cards, and back them up to a cloud folder for quick access.
- Teach children to dial emergency numbers and how to use the out-of-area contact; rehearsals reduce panic during real events.
- Keep promissory notes for cash limits and note where spare keys are kept; consider a spare key with a trusted neighbor.
- Make a pet kit with 3 days of food, vaccination records, carrier or leash, and a recent photo to aid reunification.
- Don’t rely on only one source of communication; cell networks can fail—include a battery radio and written instructions.
- Avoid perishable foods in the main kit; refrigerated items spoil quickly without power and can increase health risks.
- Do not store large amounts of cash in obvious places; split small bills between kits and carry a modest amount on your person.
- Avoid heavy or bulky containers that are hard to carry; each person should be able to lift their kit (aim for under 20 pounds for older children and seniors).
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