Step-by-step guide to assembling a complete 3-day survival kit for your family.
A 72-hour emergency kit is your lifeline during the critical first 72 hours of a disaster, when emergency services are overwhelmed and infrastructure may be down. This kit contains everything your family needs to survive: water, food, first aid, shelter, communication, tools, and documents. Building one is the single most important step in disaster preparedness. This guide walks you through every item, why it matters, and how to customize it for your family's specific needs.
Step 1 of 10
Find a waterproof, portable container. A large plastic bin with a locking lid, a backpack, or a duffel bag all work well.
Pro Tip
Use a clear bin so you can see contents at a glance. Label it 'EMERGENCY KIT'.
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