What belongs in a 72-hour emergency supply?

A good emergency supply does not have to be complicated. At the beginning, one goal is enough: The household should be able to manage for at least 72 hours without normal shopping, without the usual power supply, and without immediate outside help.

72 hours does not mean everything will be over afterwards. But it is a realistic starting point. Anyone who is prepared for three days can later expand more easily to one week or ten days.

Why exactly 72 hours?

Many disruptions are short. A local power cut, a blocked road, a storm, or a technical problem can interrupt everyday life for a few hours or days. During that time, a simple supply helps more than a perfect plan that is never put into practice.

A 72-hour emergency supply should cover these areas:

Water
food
light
energy for small devices
communication
hygiene
medicine
documents
cash
basic supplies for children, older people, or pets

1. Water

Water is the most important point. Plan at least drinking water for everyone in the household. Also think about cooking, hygiene, and pets.

For a simple start:

2 litres of drinking water per person per day
additional water for pets
some utility water for hygiene and cleaning

2. Food

Food should be shelf-stable, simple, and usable without complicated preparation. Good options include:

tinned food
rice or pasta
porridge oats
crispbread
nuts
dried fruit
ready meals in jars or tins
baby food or special food if needed

Important: A manual tin opener always belongs with it.

3. Light

During a power cut, light becomes important immediately. Candles can help, but because of fire risk they are not the first choice. Better options are:

torches
head torches
LED lanterns
spare batteries
solar lights

4. Energy

Many people underestimate how dependent they are on their mobile phone. Prepare:

power banks
charging cables
USB chargers
possibly a small solar charger
charged batteries for lamps or radio

5. Communication

If internet or mobile service is limited, alternatives are needed:

battery-powered radio
wind-up radio
important phone numbers on paper
meeting point for the family
short plan for who informs whom

6. Hygiene

Hygiene quickly becomes important when water or power is missing:

toilet paper
wet wipes
soap
disinfectant
bin bags
sanitary products
nappies if needed
disposable gloves

7. Medicine

Medication should not be searched for only in an emergency:

personal long-term medication
small home first-aid kit
bandages and dressings
painkillers
thermometer
list of important diagnoses and medicines

8. Documents and cash

Keep important documents within easy reach:

copies of identification documents
insurance information
emergency contacts
medication list
some cash in small notes

Conclusion

A 72-hour emergency supply is not a luxury. It is simple protection for normal households.

Start small. Water, light, food, and communication are enough for the first step. After that, you can expand your preparedness step by step.

Related download: Basic emergency supply for 72 hours.