Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit for Under $100

Most emergency management agencies recommend every household have a 72-hour kit — enough supplies to survive independently for three days. You don't need expensive gear or a military background. You need a clear list and about $100.

The Core Four

Every 72-hour kit starts with water, food, light, and first aid. These four categories cover the vast majority of emergencies: power outages, storms, floods, and short-term evacuations.

Water (~$25)

Store at least 1 gallon per person per day. For two people that's 6 gallons for 72 hours. Store-bought bottled water works, but a personal filter like the Sawyer Mini lets you purify water from any source — a much better long-term investment.

Food (~$30)

Skip freeze-dried meals for your starter kit — they're great for long-term storage but expensive per serving. Instead: stock 6 days of non-perishable foods you already eat (tinned beans, peanut butter, crackers, oats). Aim for 2,000 calories per person per day.

Light & Power (~$30)

A charged power bank and a reliable torch cover most situations. The Anker 26800 can charge your phone multiple times and costs under $60 — well worth splitting across two kits.

First Aid (~$15)

A basic 200-piece kit covers cuts, burns, and basic wound care. Learn to use it — a kit you don't know how to operate is just a box.

Putting It Together

Store everything in a single bag — a large backpack or a lidded plastic bin both work. Keep it somewhere accessible, not buried in a garage. Check expiry dates once a year.