Quick Answer (The 72-Hour Checklist)

In order: water → safe light → phone power → simple food → hygiene → first aid/meds → communication plan → documents.

How to Use This Checklist (Calm Edition)

Don’t try to “shop your way” into readiness in one day. Use this checklist like a ladder:

1. Start with systems (meeting points, rotation reminders, check-in rule).
2. Use what you already have (inventory first).
3. Fill gaps slowly (one small improvement per week).

Internal link idea: This checklist is the practical core of your 72-Hour Family Plan (No Panic) and supports your 90-Day Resilience Plan.

The One-Page 72-Hour Essentials List

Use this as your “minimum viable preparedness.”

• Water: a realistic 72-hour plan + containers you can lift + rotation reminder
• Light: safe lighting for key rooms (living area, bathroom, bedrooms, stairs/entry)
• Phone power: charging plan + priority rule + low power habits
• Food: 3 days of meals you already eat (include no-cook options)
• Hygiene: basics for 3 days (simple, practical)
• First aid: basic kit + clarity on essential meds/refills
• Communication: check-in rule + two meeting points + out-of-area contact
• Documents: key contacts/medical cards in your Family Emergency Binder

Calm rule: If you can’t maintain it, simplify it.

Water

Checklist

• Containers that fit your home and lifting ability
• A clear storage location everyone knows
• A simple rotation system (labels + calendar reminder)
• A backup access plan (how you’d get more if needed)

Internal link idea: See: Water Readiness Made Simple.

Light & Safety

Checklist

• Safe lighting for kitchen/living room
• Safe lighting for bathroom
• Safe lighting for sleeping areas
• Clear pathways (especially stairs)

Internal link idea: See: Blackout Basics.

Phone Power & Information

Checklist

• Charging priority rule (who gets power first)
• Low power habits (brightness, background apps)
• Reliable ways to get local updates (building/utility info, local alerts)
• Printed backup contact cards (phones fail)

Internal link idea: See: Family Communication Plan.

Food (No Waste)

Your 72-hour food plan should be based on meals you already eat, with at least a few no-cook options.

Checklist

• 3 days of meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) you already eat
• No-cook backup meals (reduce stress)
• Basic comfort items (small morale boost)
• Rotation plan (Use First + Replace)

Internal link idea: See: Pantry Readiness Without Waste.

Hygiene & Sanitation

Hygiene problems quickly become “stress multipliers.” A small buffer helps a lot.

Checklist

• Soap and simple hygiene basics
• Trash bags and basic cleanup plan
• Toilet plan if water pressure changes (simple, realistic)
• Hand hygiene plan (especially for kids)

First Aid & Meds

Keep it practical. Most households need basic care readiness, not extreme medical gear.

Checklist

• Basic first-aid kit
• List of essential medications and refill timing
• Allergy notes (if applicable)
• Medical contact info (printed)

Internal link idea: This fits neatly into your Family Emergency Binder.

Comfort Layer (Kids, Seniors, Pets)

Comfort is not “extra.” Comfort prevents chaos.

Checklist

• Comfort item(s) for kids (small toys, books, cards)
• Special dietary needs (if applicable)
• Senior needs and accessibility considerations
• Pet food and basic pet comfort items

Communication Plan

Checklist

• One check-in rule (who contacts who first)
• Two meeting points (near + far)
• Out-of-area relay contact
• Wallet-size contact cards

Internal link idea: See: Family Communication Plan: How to Stay Connected When Systems Fail.

Documents & Binder

Documents help recovery. Keep the binder minimal and updated monthly.

Checklist

• Printed contacts page
• Medical info cards
• Basic policy/account references (stored securely)
• Grab & Go checklist

Internal link idea: See: Your Family Emergency Binder.

The Best 30-Minute Drill

This drill turns your checklist into confidence:

1. Turn off lights in the evening for 30 minutes (safely).
2. Use your planned lighting and phone power habits.
3. Make a no-cook pantry meal.
4. Confirm meeting points and check-in rule.
5. Write down one improvement and do it next week.

Result: calm readiness that actually works.

FAQs

What’s the most important item on the list?

Water planning and safe lighting are often the biggest immediate wins. Right after that: phone power habits and a simple food plan you’ll actually use.

Do I need all of this before I’m “ready”?

No. Start with the top priorities and improve gradually. A simple plan you maintain is better than a perfect plan you abandon.

How do I keep this from becoming expensive?

Rotate pantry items, add one buffer item per shopping trip, and focus on systems rather than one-time shopping sprees.

How does this connect to financial readiness?

A stable 72-hour setup reduces spending spikes during disruptions and supports your financial shock plan.

Next Steps

To keep readiness easy, the best follow-up is a routine article that makes maintenance automatic:

• Recommended next article: Monthly Readiness Routine: 15 Minutes That Keeps You Prepared
• Then: Preparedness in Small Spaces: The One-Shelf Rule
• Then: Supply Shortage Basics: What to Do Without Panic Buying

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not replace local emergency guidance or professional advice. Always follow local authorities and safety rules.