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In the event of an emergency, you’ll be glad you have this free printable emergency kit checklist ready to go with your fully packed kit of emergency supplies.
No one ever wants to think about being stuck in an emergency situation. A scary situation can be made much easier by making sure you have 72-hour emergency kits packed and ready to go, with a family emergency plan in place.
72-hour kits don’t need to be complicated! It can be as simple as a duffel bag or plastic bins with a collection of basic items and important family documents easily accessible. It’s also a good idea to have enough food for several days, as well as prescription medications, a warm blanket, and a NOAA weather radio.
If you’re already feeling overwhelmed at the thought of gathering up the items for an entire disaster supplies kit, have no fear! I’ve created a printable checklist that you can easily use to create your very own disaster preparedness kit.
Emergency management is made easy when you grab the printable version of the following emergency preparedness checklist and keep it in a designated place where all family members are aware of the location.
Why do you need a Printable Emergency Kit Checklist?
Organization can be a difficult skill for anyone! Now add in the threat of ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, or other natural disasters and it can be downright impossible to to create even the most basic emergency supply kit on short notice.
When you take the time to use a checklist to build an emergency preparedness kit ahead of time, you can feel confident that your family is ready for an emergency, even if there’s not much time once disaster strikes.
A few reasons that you might need an emergency kit include:
- Severe weather
- Power outages
- Different disasters (illness, ice storms, flooding)
It’s hard to imagine an emergency happening to your family where you would need some of these items, but you will definitely sleep better at night knowing you have your disaster kit ready to go!
What should be in an Emergency Kit?
Overall, your emergency kit can be customized to fit your family’s individual needs, however it’s important to include the following recommended items if they apply to you!
Technology
- Cell phone
- Battery-powered radio
- Backup battery
- Hand crank radio
- Extra batteries
- Portable phone charger
Copies of Important Documents
- List of phone numbers
- Important personal information
- Medical forms
- Credit cards
- Traveler’s checks
- Copies of insurance policies
- First Aid checklist
- Bank account records
- Maps
Medical Supplies
- Medicine dropper
- Medical tape
- Over the counter drugs (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums)
- Band-aids and gauze
Personal Hygiene Products
- Feminine supplies
- Moist Towelettes
- Small Toiletries
- Contact Lenses
Baby Supplies
- Baby Food
- Diapers
- Infant Formula
- Wipes
- Bottles
Food & Drink
- Gallon of water
- Extra water
- Food bag with non perishable items (check expiration dates every 3 to 6 months and replace)
- Pet food
Safety
- Fire extinguisher
- Flashlight
- Matches
- Candle
- Whistle
- Face Masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Clorox wipes
Paper Products
- Toilet paper
- Paper cups
- Plastic utensils
- Paper plates
Storage
- Airtight plastic bags
- Plastic sheeting
- Duct Tape
- Carry containers (bins, backpacks)
- Garbage bags
- Gallon ziploc bag
- Plastic ties
Clothing and Warmth
- Change of clothing
- Rain gear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sturdy shoes like boots
- Warm blankets or sleeping bags
- Coats or jackets
Entertainment
- Deck of cards
- Board Games
- Puzzles
- Books
You’ll want to update these items every 3 to 6 months as your family’s needs change. Keep your free printable emergency kit checklist in a safe place to use as a quick guide to add additional items or update your 72 hour kit frequently. Find more disaster preparedness tips here.
Free Printable Emergency Kit Checklist (PDF Download)
In order to make creating your own 72 hour kit checklist as easy as possible, grab this free printable download by entering your email address in the form below!
You will receive the free printable instantly to your inbox where you can download the document, print it out, and start building your kit.
In this free printable pack, I have included 2 different colors (teal and pink) and each has a pre-filled option and a blank option in case you want to create your own list!
Supplies Needed to DIY your Emergency Kit
- Fire and water proof box or bin
- Printer with ink
- Paper
- Free Printable Emergency Kit Checklist (Fill out the form below)
Where to Store Your Emergency Kit
- Home: Once you have your emergency kit store items in a safe location in your home that all family members know how to quickly and easily access. This could be a coat closet, pantry, or shelter, preferably a room with no windows in case of severe storms or damage to your home.
- Work: You should also keep an emergency kit at your office or place of employment. It’s hard to predict when sudden disaster will strike, and it can be helpful to have a similar kit kept in a safe place where you are working. Just make sure to cater this kit to the size of your office and to your co-worker’s specific needs.
- Car: It’s also a good idea to keep a smaller version of your emergency kit in your car in case you are to become suddenly stranded! Keep a separate printable checklist in your car and check it frequently to keep it updated and current in case of emergency.
It’s true that the thought of a natural disaster or sudden emergency can be scary for your family! However, when you take the time to print out this free printable emergency kit checklist you can create a little more peace of mind.
Creating a 72 hour emergency kit is a great way to keep your family safe, and keep your anxiety levels low. I realize it can be difficult to keep organized when you already have so much going on, which is why I hope you’ll enjoy some of the hard work being done for you with this printable checklist!
I create free family printables for every occasion here on the blog, so make sure you take a look around and come back often to see what’s new! Thank you so much for stopping by and make sure you grab your free printable emergency kit checklist by filling out the form above.
hi! I'm shannon
I’m a wife, mom of three, doctor, and blogger! In 2018, I decided to turn my mom blog, into a personal finance blog so others could follow along on our journey to pay off over HALF a MILLION dollars in student loan and practice start up debt. I hope you enjoy following along, and maybe even find some inspiration along the way.
