Free resource
The 72-Hour Household Preparedness Checklist
A practical starting point for food, water, lighting, communication, and essential household supplies.
No email needed. The full checklist is below; use your browser's Print (or Save as PDF) to keep a copy. Want a copy by email? Use the form at the bottom of the page.
Water
- Store about 1 gallon (3.8 L) of drinking water per person per day for at least 3 days; more for pets, heat or medical needs
- Use clean, food-grade containers and label them with the fill date
- Know a backup method to make water safe (for example, boiling per local guidance)
- Keep a small supply of unscented household bleach only if you know the correct treatment instructions from an official source
Food
- At least 3 days of ready-to-eat or no-cook food you actually like
- A manual can opener and basic utensils
- Food for infants, pets and special diets
- A note of dates: eat and replace the oldest items first
Light and power
- Flashlight or headlamp for each person, with spare batteries
- Charged power bank for phones
- Battery or hand-crank radio
- Know where your main breaker or shut-offs are
Communication
- Paper list of key phone numbers (family, doctor, school, work, utilities)
- An out-of-area contact everyone can reach
- A household meeting place near home and one farther away
- Local emergency alert sign-ups completed
Health and hygiene
- First-aid kit and a printed guide
- At least a week of essential prescription medicines if your clinician and pharmacy allow it
- Hand sanitiser, soap, toilet paper, basic sanitation supplies
- Masks, gloves and any specific medical supplies
Documents and money
- Paper or offline copies of ID, insurance, medical and bank details, stored securely
- Some small-denomination cash where practical
- Keys, spare glasses, and a list of important accounts (never write passwords in plain text)
People and pets
- Plan for children, older adults and anyone with disability-related needs
- Pet food, water, carrier and vaccination records
- Talk with neighbours about who may need help
Quantities are common starting points from public-safety agencies such as Ready.gov. Adjust for household size, ages, medical needs, climate, and local guidance. This checklist is educational and does not guarantee safety.
What comes next?
This checklist covers the first 72 hours. The full Blueprint goes further, with food storage planning, water treatment, power and communication, seed saving and gardening, and a 30-day plan to build lasting habits.
Explore the Blueprint