What Should You Pack in a 72-Hour Emergency Bag?

If you had to leave your home in a hurry or shelter indoors without utilities, what essentials would you need for the next three days? This is the question behind the EU’s push for every household to have a 72-hour emergency bag prepared. While the exact contents may vary by family, European civil protection authorities have outlined key items that belong in any 3-day survival kit. In this guide, we provide a detailed checklist of what to put in a survival bag according to EU and national recommendations, so you can confidently prepare your own emergency kit.

The European Commission’s civil preparedness plan does not impose a rigid, one-size-fits-all inventory. Instead, it highlights basic categories of supplies that everyone should stock for an emergency​. Many EU member states’ emergency agencies have published similar lists. Drawing on these sources, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 72-hour survival kit items. Use this as a starting point and tailor it to your household’s needs.

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Essential Items for a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

1. Water (Drinkable Water Supply): Water is the top priority in any emergency. Plan for at least 2 liters of drinking water per person per day, or about 6 liters per person for 72 hours (more in hot climates or if physical activity is likely). If space allows, store extra for hygiene. EU civil protection guidelines emphasize having bottled water on hand​. Choose sealed bottles or containers and replace them periodically. In case you need to ration, do not ration water intake until absolutely necessary; staying hydrated is critical for survival.

2. Non-Perishable Food: Pack an assortment of long-lasting, ready-to-eat foods to provide sufficient calories for three days. Canned goods (vegetables, beans, tuna, etc.), energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and hard biscuits are good options​. High-energy foods like peanut butter or chocolate can boost morale and nutrition. Ensure you include a manual can-opener if any food requires it. Choose items that require no refrigeration or cooking, or that can be eaten cold. In European climates, consider food that can withstand varying temperatures. Don’t forget comfort foods for children if applicable, to maintain a sense of normalcy.

3. Medicines and First Aid Kit: If you or family members take prescription medications, include a 3-day supply of each essential medication (and copies of prescriptions). Additionally, a well-equipped first aid kit is a must. This should contain bandages, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, disinfectant or iodine, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, any necessary personal medical items, and a first aid manual. European guidelines often mention keeping necessary medicines at hand​. Over-the-counter drugs for common ailments (fever, allergies) are wise to include. If anyone in the family has a specific medical condition (e.g. asthma, diabetes), pack backup inhalers, insulin and syringes (with cold pack if needed), or other crucial supplies.

4. Lights and Tools for Power Outages: In many emergencies, electricity might fail. Pack multiple flashlights (torches) with extra batteries. LED flashlights are recommended for their efficiency. Headlamps can be useful to keep hands free. Include candles and matches or lighters as backup lighting (and store them safely to prevent fire risk), although use with caution due to fire hazard. A few light sticks (glow sticks) can also provide safe, temporary light. Additionally, include basic tools: a multipurpose knife or multi-tool (useful for cutting, opening cans, minor repairs)​, a set of pliers or a wrench (to turn off utilities if needed), and duct tape. A whistle is a small but important item – it can be used to signal for help if you are trapped or to alert others to your location​.

5. Communication Devices: Staying informed during a crisis is vital. Pack a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive news and emergency instructions if power and internet are down​. Many European countries have emergency broadcast services (often on specific FM/AM frequencies) – a radio is your gateway to these alerts. If you can obtain one, a radio that can tune into the local civil protection frequencies or weather band is useful. Also consider a fully charged power bank or portable battery charger for mobile phones, along with charging cables. Spare batteries for your devices (flashlights, radio, etc.) should be included. Some hand-crank radios come with USB ports that can charge phones in a pinch. Remember to have a list of emergency contact numbers written down (in case your phone dies or networks fail, you might need to use a landline or someone else’s phone to call) – this overlaps with your family emergency plan.

6. Important Documents (Copies): Assemble a waterproof folder or zip-lock bag containing copies of critical documents. This may include passports or national ID cards, driver’s licenses, health insurance cards, residence permits, birth certificates, and any important medical documents (like prescriptions or vaccination records). Include copies of insurance policies (home and car insurance details), property titles or lease agreements, and a list of emergency contacts. It’s also wise to have some paper money (cash) in small denominations​, as ATMs and electronic payment systems may not function during a power outage. Small bills are preferable for buying essentials if stores are operating on cash only. Also include an emergency contact list on paper (phone numbers of family, neighbors, doctors, local emergency services, etc.). Having these documents ensures that even if you evacuate quickly, you have identification and important information to speed up any assistance or claims process.

7. Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies: Maintaining basic hygiene is important for health and comfort, even in an emergency. Pack personal hygiene items: at least a supply of toilet paper, moist towelettes or baby wipes (useful when bathing is not possible), soap or hand sanitizer, toothbrushes and toothpaste, feminine hygiene products (if needed), and diapers and baby supplies for infants. Include garbage bags and plastic ties – these can be used to manage waste and also serve as rain ponchos or ground covers in a pinch​. Don’t forget a small roll of plastic bags or zip-lock bags for containing soiled items or protecting items from water. If anyone has specific sanitary needs (e.g. contact lens solution, denture adhesive), include those. A bottle of general-purpose disinfectant or bleach (small quantity, and handle carefully) can be helpful for water purification or cleaning, but note bleach must be pure (non-scented) if it’s to be used for treating water (and include a dropper and instructions in that case).

8. Clothing and Shelter: Pack a set of season-appropriate clothing for each family member. Emphasize practical, layered clothing that can keep you warm and dry: e.g. thermal underwear, sweatshirts, rain jacket or poncho, sturdy pants, socks, and comfortable walking shoes or boots. If it’s winter, include hats, gloves, and scarves; if summer, include a brimmed hat and perhaps a lighter change of clothes. It’s recommended to also pack emergency blankets or sleeping bags. Lightweight foil emergency blankets (space blankets) are compact and retain body heat effectively. A regular blanket or two can be rolled and tied to the kit if space allows, providing comfort and warmth. If you have to evacuate to a shelter, having your own blanket can be very comforting. Also consider a small tent or tarp and some cord in case you need to improvise shelter outdoors, though this might be more pertinent for those in rural or earthquake-prone areas where outdoor sheltering is possible.

9. Other Useful Supplies: There are several miscellaneous items that can greatly improve your situation:

• Iodine tablets or water purification method: In some scenarios (especially in rural areas or during flooding), having a way to purify additional water is useful. Pack iodine tablets or a small water filter if you have access to one, along with instructions.

• Dust masks (filter masks): A few N95 or FFP2/FFP3 masks can protect against dust, smoke or airborne debris (for example, after earthquakes or in fires).

• Ear plugs and eye protection: It might sound odd, but in noisy shelter environments or debris-filled areas, these can be useful.

• Entertainment or comfort items: A deck of cards, a paperback book, or a small toy for children can help pass time and keep morale up during stressful waiting periods.

• Mobile Phone and Charger: Keep your mobile phone with you; include a car adapter for charging in a vehicle if you have one.

• Maps and Navigation: A paper map of your region in case GPS is down, and a compass. Mark on the map important locations like hospitals, evacuation centers, or homes of relatives.

• Keys: A set of spare house and car keys in your kit can be a lifesaver if you lose your primary keys during an evacuation​.

• Fire extinguisher: If feasible, a small ABC-type fire extinguisher at home is recommended (not necessarily in the bag you carry, but readily accessible).

Tips for Assembling and Maintaining Your Kit

Putting together a 72-hour emergency bag is not a one-time task – you should maintain and update your kit regularly. First, choose a sturdy, waterproof backpack or duffel bag to store the items, so it can be easily carried if you must evacuate. Store your emergency bag in an easily accessible place (near the front door or in a closet known to all family members). Make sure every household member knows where it is.

Review the contents of your kit at least once a year. Check expiration dates on food, water, batteries, and medicine​. Replace any item that is expired or close to expiring. It’s helpful to mark a reminder on your calendar to do this (for example, every spring or every daylight-savings clock change). Update the kit for any changes in your family situation – for instance, if you have a new baby, add infant formula, baby food, and extra diapers; if an older child no longer needs certain items, remove or replace them. Also adjust seasonally: you might swap in warmer clothing before winter and cooler items before summer, and ensure sunscreen and insect repellent are included in summer months.

Whenever possible, follow official guidance from your country’s authorities on emergency kits. The EU’s recommendation lists core categories, but local advice may have additions tailored to specific regional risks (for example, iodine tablets in areas near nuclear plants, or specific gear for alpine regions). For more detailed checklists, you can refer to civil protection agencies or reputable organizations. For instance, the French government’s guide and the German Federal Office of Civil Protection’s checklist offer extensive item suggestions​, and the European Commission’s own civil protection webpage will likely publish harmonized advice. Additionally, resources like Directive72.eu provide ready-made kit checklists and even pre-assembled emergency kits for purchase, which can serve as a helpful reference or starting point.

Finally, remember that an emergency kit is only useful if you can get to it when needed. If you live in a house with multiple levels, consider storing smaller kits on each floor or in the basement in case you can’t access one area. Keep a mini version of the kit in your car, especially if you travel frequently or live in an area prone to sudden emergencies (like earthquakes or heavy snowfall). And if you use any item from your kit (for example, raiding the bottled water for a power outage), replenish it as soon as possible.

By packing a 72-hour emergency bag now, you’re taking a proactive step to protect yourself and your family. In a crisis, there is no time to gather all these supplies – having them prepared could prove lifesaving. This kit, combined with a solid family emergency plan (discussed in the next article), will ensure you can weather the initial phase of any disaster. Preparedness is peace of mind: knowing that you have the essentials at hand for three days will help you stay calm and safe in the face of the unexpected​.

 

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