The 3-Day Emergency Inventory: What to Stock, How to Store, and How to Keep It Ready

What if I told you most Americans don’t have enough supplies to last 3 days in an emergency?

Today we fix that. Below is a practical inventory you can assemble fast—plus how to store, organize, rotate, and actually use it when disaster strikes. Stick around for the three biggest mistakes people make (and how to avoid them).

1) Water & Food: the Non-Negotiables

Water rule of thumb: 1 gallon (3.8 L) per person per day

  • 3-day kit: 3 gallons per person (family of 4 ⇒ 12 gallons).

  • Store in sealed bottles or food-grade containers.

  • Rotate stored water about every 6 months; label with fill dates.

Food: shelf-stable you’ll actually eat

  • Canned goods, nut butters, dried fruit, jerky, oats, pasta, crackers.

  • Manual can opener (yes, manual).

  • First-in, first-out rotation; mark purchase/expiry dates.

  • Plan for special diets (infants, elderly, medical or allergen needs) first.

2) Power & Communications

Lighting:

  • 1× LED flashlight per person, 1× lantern for rooms, headlamps for hands-free tasks.

  • Stash extra batteries or a rechargeable setup.

Power:

  • High-capacity power bank (or portable power station).

  • Solar panel add-on if possible.

  • Test everything every few months (turn on/off, charge/discharge).

Comms:

  • AM/FM (or NOAA) radio for official updates (battery or hand-crank).

  • Limit phone use to conserve power.

  • Write down key phone numbers (don’t rely on dead phones).

3) First Aid & Medications

Basic kit: adhesive bandages (various sizes), sterile gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, antihistamines, thermometer, scissors, instant cold packs.

Prescriptions & devices:

  • Aim for 7–30 days of essential meds.

  • If anyone relies on powered medical equipment, arrange backup power now (ask your provider about options and programs).

4) Tools & Utilities

  • Multitool, screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, crowbar.

  • Duct tape + plastic sheeting (temporary weatherproofing).

  • Matches in waterproof container.

  • Fire extinguisher (accessible, checked).

  • Know where to shut off gas, water, and electricity.

5) Hygiene & Sanitation

  • Soap, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush/toothpaste, wipes, trash bags.

  • And yes—toilet paper. Keep more than you think you need.

6) Clothing & Shelter

  • Weather-appropriate layers; extra socks and sturdy shoes.

  • Rain gear, hat, sun protection.

  • Cold: sleeping bags, blankets.

  • Shelter add-ons: tarps, cord/rope, basic camping gear (useful at home or if you must evacuate).

7) Organize, Store, Rotate (So It Works When You Need It)

  • One place, clearly labeled: bins by category (Water, Food, Power, Meds, Tools).

  • Accessibility: keep the most critical items up front.

  • Rotation cadence: every 3–6 months—discard expired items, restock, test gear.

  • Stash smart: don’t store everything in one spot—keep mini-kits at home, car, and work.

  • Docs: copies of IDs, insurance, banking, medical info in a waterproof pouch.

Bonus: Let ReadyPlan Build the List for You

Keeping track can be annoying—that’s why we built the ReadyPlan app.

  • New AI inventory builds a tailored list in seconds (family size, location, local threats).

  • Track quantities and expirations, add notes, and share with your group.

  • Available on Apple App Store and Google Play (link in the video description). Try the 7-day free trial for AI features.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)

  1. Set-and-forget kits

    • Reality: batteries die, food expires, water goes stale.

    • Fix: put a recurring reminder every 3–6 months to rotate/test.

  2. Preparing for the wrong hazards

    • Fix: list likely threats where you live (e.g., hurricanes vs. earthquakes) and tune your kit accordingly.

  3. Not involving the family

    • Fix: everyone should know where the kit is and how to use it. Do a 10-minute walkthrough.

Your 20-Minute Starter Plan (Do This Today)

  • Buy/collect: 3 gallons per person, 1× LED flashlight + headlamp per person, lantern, manual can opener, AM/FM radio, a power bank, and a basic first aid kit.

  • Write down emergency contacts and stash with the kit.

  • Pick a rotation date (sync with changing air filters, DST, etc.).

Building an emergency kit doesn’t make you a doomsday prepper—it makes you the person your family can rely on. Start small, build steadily, and keep it current.

If this helped, drop a comment with what you added this week—and subscribe for more practical preparedness from M.A.D. Gear. And if you want help maintaining your list, try the ReadyPlan app.

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