# 72-Hour Emergency Preparedness Checklist
*APreparedYou.com - Your Complete Emergency Preparedness Guide*

## Water & Food Supplies
### Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- [ ] Water bottles or containers (3 gallons per person minimum)
- [ ] Water purification tablets or portable filter
- [ ] Water storage containers (if storing tap water)

### Food (3-day supply of non-perishable food)
- [ ] Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, meats, soups)
- [ ] Dried foods (rice, pasta, beans, nuts)
- [ ] Energy bars or granola bars
- [ ] Peanut butter and crackers
- [ ] Instant coffee, tea bags
- [ ] Manual can opener
- [ ] Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils
- [ ] Aluminum foil and plastic wrap

## Safety & Security
- [ ] Battery-powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio)
- [ ] Flashlights (one per person)
- [ ] Extra batteries for all devices
- [ ] Whistle for signaling help
- [ ] Local maps in waterproof container
- [ ] Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
- [ ] Smoke detector batteries (check/replace)
- [ ] Carbon monoxide detector batteries

## First Aid & Medical
- [ ] First aid kit (fully stocked)
- [ ] Prescription medications (7-day supply minimum)
- [ ] Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, antacids, etc.)
- [ ] Medical supplies (bandages, antiseptic, thermometer)
- [ ] Emergency contact information for doctors
- [ ] Medical history and insurance information
- [ ] Glasses/contact lenses (extra pair)

## Tools & Supplies
- [ ] Multi-purpose tool or Swiss Army knife
- [ ] Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- [ ] Matches in waterproof container
- [ ] Paper and pencil
- [ ] Needle and thread
- [ ] Wrench to turn off gas valve
- [ ] Plastic bags (various sizes)
- [ ] Garbage bags and ties

## Clothing & Personal Items
- [ ] Change of clothing for each person (sturdy shoes, long pants, long-sleeve shirt)
- [ ] Rain gear and warm clothing
- [ ] Blankets or sleeping bags
- [ ] Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, feminine supplies, etc.)
- [ ] Toilet paper and moist towelettes
- [ ] Hand sanitizer

## Important Documents (in waterproof container)
- [ ] Insurance policies (home, auto, health, life)
- [ ] Bank account information and credit cards
- [ ] Identification (driver's license, passport, Social Security cards)
- [ ] Emergency contact list
- [ ] Medical information and prescriptions
- [ ] Property deeds, mortgage information
- [ ] Birth certificates, marriage certificates
- [ ] Wills, power of attorney documents

## Communication & Electronics
- [ ] Cell phone with chargers (car and wall)
- [ ] Portable battery pack/power bank
- [ ] Two-way radios (if family members might be separated)
- [ ] Emergency contact numbers written down
- [ ] Out-of-state contact person information

## Cash & Credit
- [ ] Cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20)
- [ ] Credit cards
- [ ] Traveler's checks

## Special Considerations

### For Infants/Children
- [ ] Baby formula, bottles, diapers
- [ ] Baby food and baby medications
- [ ] Comfort items (stuffed animals, games, books)
- [ ] Extra clothing in larger sizes

### For Elderly/Disabled
- [ ] Wheelchair, walker, cane
- [ ] Extra batteries for hearing aids
- [ ] List of medical devices and where to obtain supplies
- [ ] Special dietary foods

### For Pets
- [ ] Pet food (3-day supply)
- [ ] Water bowls and food dishes
- [ ] Leash, collar with ID tag
- [ ] Pet medications
- [ ] Pet carrier or cage
- [ ] Vaccination records

## Vehicle Emergency Kit
- [ ] Jumper cables
- [ ] Tire repair kit and pump
- [ ] Emergency flares or reflectors
- [ ] Motor oil and other fluids
- [ ] Emergency blanket
- [ ] First aid kit
- [ ] Water and snacks
- [ ] Multi-tool
- [ ] Duct tape

## Home Preparation
- [ ] Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity
- [ ] Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- [ ] Secure heavy furniture and appliances
- [ ] Identify safe spots in each room
- [ ] Plan evacuation routes from each room
- [ ] Designate meeting places (near home and outside neighborhood)
- [ ] Practice emergency drills with family

## Emergency Plan
- [ ] Family communication plan completed
- [ ] Emergency contact information distributed to all family members
- [ ] Meeting locations identified and communicated
- [ ] Evacuation routes planned and practiced
- [ ] Important documents copied and stored separately
- [ ] Emergency kit locations known by all family members

## Maintenance Schedule
- [ ] Review and update kit every 6 months
- [ ] Replace expired food and water
- [ ] Update documents and contact information
- [ ] Test battery-powered equipment
- [ ] Replace batteries as needed
- [ ] Review family emergency plan

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**Remember:** This checklist should be customized based on your specific location, family needs, and potential local hazards. Consider additional items for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or other regional disasters.

**Emergency Numbers:**
- Police/Fire/Medical Emergency: 911
- Local Emergency Management: _______________
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
- Red Cross: 1-800-RED-CROSS

*For more emergency preparedness resources, visit APreparedYou.com*