What You Actually Need in an Emergency Kit (2026 Guide)

You've seen the news. Another hurricane season, more wildfires, winter storms knocking out power for days. FEMA says you should be prepared. The Red Cross agrees. But when you start looking into what you actually need, it gets overwhelming fast.

Most of what you'll find online is either way too complicated (do I really need a wire saw?) or trying to sell you a $300 pre-made kit full of junk you'll never touch.

Building an emergency kit is simpler than the internet makes it seem. And most of the stuff you need? You probably already have it at home.

Why 72 Hours?

The standard advice is to prepare for 72 hours of self-sufficiency. That's not random. It's the realistic window where you might be on your own before help arrives. Power grids take time to restore. Roads need clearing. Emergency services prioritize the most vulnerable first.

Three days is long enough to matter, but short enough that you're not stockpiling for the apocalypse. Practical preparedness, not doomsday prepping.

The Essentials

Let's cut the noise. Here's what genuinely keeps you safe, organized by what matters most.

Water

One gallon per person, per day. For a family of four, that's 12 gallons minimum for 72 hours. This covers drinking and basic sanitation.

Don't overthink storage. Sealed water bottles from any grocery store work fine. Rotate them every 6 to 12 months when you do your regular shopping.

If you want backup options for longer situations, water purification tablets can treat questionable water sources. For hurricane-prone areas where you get advance warning, a WaterBOB bathtub container turns your tub into 100 gallons of clean water storage.

Food

You don't need MREs or freeze-dried survival food for a basic kit. Start with what your family already eats:

Peanut butter and crackers. Canned goods like beans, vegetables, fruit, tuna. Granola bars and trail mix. Dried fruit and nuts. Cereal you can eat dry.

The key is non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration. And if you're going the canned route, a manual can opener is non-negotiable.

For longer-term storage or grab-and-go situations, a 3-day emergency food supply with a 30-year shelf life offers peace of mind without taking up much space.

Light and Communication

When the power goes out, two things matter immediately: seeing what you're doing and knowing what's happening outside.