Here are the resources I believe every family should always keep in reserve, based on common real-world emergencies (power outages, storms, floods, supply chain issues, illness, job loss, etc.).
The goal is to cover basic survival + reasonable comfort for at least 3–14 days without outside help. Start with the 3-day minimum (what FEMA, Red Cross, and most emergency agencies recommend), then build toward 1–2 weeks as you’re able.
Core Essentials (3–7 day minimum – non-negotiable)
Water
1 gallon per person per day (drinking + basic sanitation)
Minimum: 3 days (better: 7–14 days)
Store in food-grade containers, rotate every 6–12 months
Bonus: Water purification method (tablets, filter straw, portable filter, or bleach drops)
Non-perishable food
Minimum: 3 days (better: 2 weeks)
Foods your family actually eats: canned meats/fish/veggies/fruits, peanut butter, nuts, protein bars, oatmeal, rice, pasta, crackers, dried fruit, powdered milk
Manual can opener (very important)
Aim for ~2,000 calories per person/day
First-aid kit + medications
Basic kit: bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, allergy meds, tweezers, scissors
Extra critical: 2–4 week supply of prescription medications (talk to your doctor/pharmacy about this)
Glasses/contacts, hearing aid batteries, feminine hygiene products
Light and power
Flashlights (plus extra batteries)
Battery-powered or hand-crank/solar radio (NOAA weather radio is ideal)
Portable power bank or solar charger for phones
Candles + matches (in waterproof container) as backup
Warmth & shelter basics
Sleeping bags or warm blankets (one per person)
Extra complete change of clothing + sturdy shoes per person
Plastic sheeting + duct tape (for broken windows, shelter-in-place)
Sanitation & hygiene
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties (for makeshift toilet)
Hand sanitizer, soap, toilet paper
Feminine supplies, diapers/wipes if needed
Very High-Value Additions (strongly recommended)
Cash — Small bills and coins (ATMs/power can be down for days/weeks)
Important documents — Copies (not originals) of IDs, insurance, passports, medical records, deeds, etc. in a waterproof bag or cloud + USB
Whistle — To signal for help
Dust masks — For smoke, dust, or poor air quality
Multi-tool or basic tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver) — to turn off utilities or make minor repairs
Portable stove + fuel (butane, propane) — for cooking when gas/electricity is out
Pet supplies — Food, water, leash, meds, carrier for several days
Longer-Term / Family-Specific Reserves (build as you can)
More food & water — Rotate pantry to 4–12 weeks
Ways to cook without power — Camp stove, rocket stove, solar oven
Entertainment for kids — Cards, coloring books, small toys, books (stress relief matters)
Extra fuel — For car, generator, or heater if you have one
Seeds or gardening basics — if you think longer disruptions are possible
Barter items — Coffee, batteries, hygiene items, alcohol (small amounts)
Quick Prioritization Rule of Thumb
Water → you die fastest without it
Food & meds → you stay functional
Warmth/shelter/sanitation → you stay healthy
Information (radio) + light → you make better decisions
Communication & cash → you connect with help/family
Most families start with a “go-bag” (one backpack per person with 72-hour basics) and a home stockpile (the bigger reserves).
What kind of situations are you most concerned about preparing for (power outages, storms, longer disruptions, economic issues…)? That can help tailor the list even more.