An emergency preparedness checklist ensures your household has everything needed to survive 72 hours without outside assistance — the minimum recommended by FEMA and Ready.gov. This interactive checklist scales quantities by the number of people in your household, saves your progress in the browser, and prints cleanly for your go-bag.
72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Checklist
Based on FEMA/Ready.gov recommendations — toolsfast.app
How to Use the Emergency Preparedness Checklist
An emergency preparedness checklist is one of the most valuable things your household can have ready before a disaster strikes. Whether it's a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, or extended power outage, having the right supplies organized in advance removes chaos from an already stressful situation. This checklist is based on FEMA and Ready.gov guidelines and covers every major category your 72-hour kit needs.
Step 1: Set your household size
Enter the number of people in your household at the top. Water quantities and other per-person items update automatically — for example, FEMA recommends 1 gallon of water per person per day, so a family of four needs at least 12 gallons for a 72-hour kit. The checklist notes scalable quantities directly in each item so you always know exactly what you need.
Step 2: Work through each category
The checklist is organized into eight categories: Water, Food, First Aid, Tools & Safety, Clothing & Bedding, Documents, Communication, and Sanitation. Each category can be expanded or collapsed independently. Check items off as you acquire or confirm them. Checked items are highlighted in green and struck through so you can see your progress at a glance.
Step 3: Track your progress
The progress bar at the top shows how complete your kit is across all categories. Your checked items are saved automatically in your browser — close the page and come back later and your progress will still be there. Use the "Check All" button to mark a test run, or "Uncheck All" to start fresh when building a new kit.
Step 4: Print your checklist
Click the Print button to generate a clean, print-friendly version of the checklist. The printed version removes UI controls and shows only the checklist content, making it easy to take to a store or include with your emergency kit. Checked items appear normally in print so you can use the printed version as a shopping list without filtering out what you already have.
What the categories cover
Water: Stored water containers, purification tablets, and a backup filter — the most critical resource in any emergency. Food: Non-perishable, no-cook items with enough calories for three days. First Aid: A complete first aid kit, medications, and medical supplies. Tools & Safety: Flashlights, radios, fire extinguisher, and multi-tools. Clothing & Bedding: Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, and sleeping arrangements. Documents: Copies of critical identification, insurance, and financial records. Communication: Battery or hand-crank radio, phone chargers, and written contact lists. Sanitation: Toilet alternatives, hand sanitizer, and hygiene supplies for when normal facilities are unavailable.
Review your kit twice a year — FEMA recommends using daylight saving time changes as a reminder. Replace expired food and water, update documents, and ensure medications are current. A well-maintained emergency kit checklist can be the difference between a manageable crisis and a dangerous one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this emergency preparedness checklist really free?
Yes, completely free with no account required. The checklist runs entirely in your browser and your progress is saved locally in your browser's storage — nothing is ever sent to a server.
Is my checklist data private?
Yes, all data is stored only in your browser's localStorage. It never leaves your device and is not shared with anyone. Clearing your browser data will reset your progress.
What is a 72-hour emergency kit?
A 72-hour emergency kit (also called a go-bag or bug-out bag) contains enough supplies to sustain your household for three days without outside assistance. FEMA and Ready.gov recommend every household have one ready in case of natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies that may cut off normal services.
How much water do I need in my emergency kit?
FEMA recommends storing 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water per person per day — half for drinking and half for sanitation. For a 72-hour kit, that is 3 gallons per person. This tool automatically scales the water quantities based on the number of people you enter.
What documents should be in an emergency kit?
Your kit should contain copies of identification documents (passports, driver's licenses), insurance policies, bank account records, medical records and prescription information, emergency contact lists, and property records. Store these in a waterproof container or use digital copies on an encrypted USB drive.
How often should I update my emergency kit?
Review your kit at least twice a year — many people use daylight saving time changes as a reminder. Check food and water expiration dates, rotate medications, update documents, and make sure clothing still fits your household members. Replace batteries and test electronic devices annually.
What is the difference between a go-bag and a shelter-in-place kit?
A go-bag (or bug-out bag) is a portable kit you take when evacuating quickly — it should be compact enough to carry. A shelter-in-place kit is larger and designed for staying home during an emergency — it can include more food, water, and comfort items. This checklist covers both approaches, with portable essentials listed first.
Do I need special items for infants or pets?
Yes. For infants, include formula, diapers, wipes, and medications. For pets, add food, water, medications, a leash or carrier, and vaccination records. This checklist prompts you for both when you set your household size — items are scaled and noted for special household members.