Crisis-Ready Society
Foundations

72-hour emergency kit

A basic household kit lets your family cope for at least three days without power, water or shops. This page explains what to pack, where to keep it and how to keep it current.

Foundation for every scenario
In the UAEIn the UAE, keep the national emergency numbers in your kit list: 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 civil defence.[6]

Prepare

  • Plan to manage on your own supplies for at least 72 hours.[4]
  • Aim for a full week of supplies if you have space.[3]
  • Check your national civil protection guidance on 72-hour household self-sufficiency.[5]
  • Pack items in airtight bags inside one or two containers that are easy to carry.[1]
  • Include water, non-perishable food, a radio, torch, spare batteries and a first aid kit.[1]
  • Add a power bank, hand sanitiser, wet wipes and a manual tin opener.[2]
  • Pack spare medicines, glasses, baby supplies and pet food based on your household's needs.[1]
  • Build smaller kits for work and the car, not only for home.[1]

Use and maintain

  • Keep the kit in one agreed spot that everyone in the home knows.[1]
  • Split a heavy kit into individual backpacks so each person can carry something.[4]
  • Use a torch rather than candles for light, as torches are safer.[2]
  • Grab the kit if told to leave, but take nothing if escaping a fire.[2]

Review and restock

  • Replace expired food, water and batteries at least once a year.[4]
  • Review the whole kit yearly and update it as family needs change.[1]
  • Restock anything you used as soon as shops reopen.[1]
  • Test your plan and kit with a practice scenario to find gaps.[3]

Watch

Short how-to videos for this topic are being added to our channel.
Watch Crisis-Ready Society on YouTube

Official sources

  1. Ready.gov (FEMA): Build A Kit
  2. UK Government (Prepare): Get prepared for emergencies
  3. Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (MCF): Basics of home preparedness
  4. Get Prepared (Public Safety Canada): Your Emergency Preparedness Guide
  5. European Commission (DG ECHO): Preparedness
  6. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

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