Putting together an emergency kit yourself doesn't start with buying everything new. First, see what you already have at home, calculate what your household needs for 72 hours, and then supplement only the missing components. In this guide, you will learn what belongs in an emergency kit, how much drinking water you need for 1, 2, or 4 people, and how to arrive at a suitable equipment set without decision fatigue.
What is in a 72-hour emergency kit?
According to the Dutch campaign Denk Vooruit (Think Ahead), it is wise to prepare for the first 72 hours of an emergency situation. The basics consist of items for drinking, eating, communicating, receiving information, staying warm, and providing basic first aid.
These items you always provide yourself
- stored drinking water and non-perishable food that suits your household;
- personal medication and necessary medical aids;
- hygiene products, warm clothing, and blankets;
- copies of important documents and a paper list of phone numbers;
- cash and spare keys;
- baby food, pet food, or other personal necessities.
Check this equipment at home
- a radio that works without mains power;
- a flashlight or headlamp with appropriate batteries or charging capabilities;
- a charged power bank with the correct cables;
- a complete and usable first aid kit;
- a whistle, matches or a lighter, and basic tools;
- a waterproof bag or an easily accessible place to store everything together.
How much do you need for 1, 2, or 4 people?
The guideline for drinking water is 3 liters per person per day. For three days, this amounts to:
| Household | Drinking water per day | Drinking water for 72 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 liters | 9 liters |
| 2 people | 6 liters | 18 liters |
| 4 people | 12 liters | 36 liters |
This is for stored drinking water. A water filter can be a useful addition in some situations, but it does not replace your supply of safe drinking water. You don't need to buy special emergency rations for food. Choose non-perishable products that you use normally, require little preparation, and fit any allergies or dietary requirements.
Step 1: take stock of what you already have
Many components of a good emergency kit are common household items. Therefore, walk through your home systematically before ordering anything.
Check not only if something is present, but also if it works. An empty power bank, a flashlight without suitable batteries, or an incomplete first aid kit is not yet "taken care of."
Step 2: determine what is missing for your situation
A household preparing for a power outage has different priorities than someone putting together an emergency kit for the car or an evacuation. That is why one standard list does not work for everyone.
In the personal emergency kit selector, you can choose options such as 72 hours at home, power failure, water failure, evacuation, car, and on the go or outdoors without power. You will then receive a limited selection of relevant products. You decide what to add yourself and can view comparable models where available.
Five check questions for quick clarity
| Check at home | Potentially missing item | View options |
|---|---|---|
| Can you practically store enough drinking water? | Water storage | View water storage |
| Can you receive information without internet or mains power? | Emergency radio | Compare emergency radios |
| Do you have a separate, working light source? | Flashlight or emergency lighting | View lighting |
| Can you recharge a phone and do you have the right cables? | Power bank | Compare power banks |
| Is your first aid kit complete and usable? | First aid kit | View first aid kits |
Step 3: supplement only the real gaps
Work through the basics first. Extras are only useful once drinking water, food, information, light, communication, first aid, and personal care are well-established.
Take care of this first
- sufficient stored drinking water and non-perishable food for 72 hours;
- a way to receive official information;
- working lighting;
- a charged phone and power bank with appropriate cables;
- first aid, medication, and necessary medical aids;
- warmth, hygiene, and personal necessities.
Useful afterward if it fits your situation
- spare batteries or a second light source;
- extra charging cables for important devices;
- portable water storage;
- a water filter as a supplement to stored drinking water;
- a compact supplementary kit for the car, workplace, or evacuation.
Assemble it yourself or choose a complete emergency kit?
Assembling it yourself makes sense when you already have many useful items or need to account for specific personal requirements. You avoid buying double and maintain control over every component.
A complete emergency kit can be faster when a lot of basic equipment is still missing. Even then, always check the contents. You usually have to add drinking water, food, medication, documents, clothing, and other personal items yourself.Would you like to compare different basic kits side-by-side? Compare the complete emergency kits.
Where do you store an emergency kit?
Store the items together in a dry, easily accessible place. Make sure all household members know where the kit is located. Preferably use a sturdy bag or bin that you can also take with you if you have to leave unexpectedly.
How often should you check an emergency kit?
Check your emergency kit about every six months. Pay attention to expiration dates, batteries, charged power banks, functional equipment, and clothing for the season. Also adjust the contents after moving, changes in medication, an expanding family, or the arrival of a pet.
Conclusion
A good emergency kit is personal and practical. Start with the official 72-hour basis, calculate what your household needs, and use what is already available. Then specifically supplement water storage, information, light, energy, and first aid. This prevents unnecessary purchases and helps you build an emergency kit you can actually rely on.
