Dad's Quick Take
Keep at least 72 hours of essentials on hand: water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries/power bank, a first-aid kit, important documents, some cash, and any medications. Store it somewhere you can grab fast.
The basics to stock
- Water — about a gallon per person per day, 3 days minimum.
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
- Flashlight, extra batteries, and a charged power bank.
- First-aid kit and any personal medications.
- Copies of important documents and some cash.
- Phone charger, a warm layer, and basic hygiene items.
Don't forget
- Know how to shut off your water, gas, and power.
- Have a simple plan for where to go and how to reach people.
- Keep a smaller version in your car.
Dad's take
You're not prepping for the apocalypse — just a bad storm or a multi-day outage. A milk crate of basics in a closet is enough to make a rough few days totally manageable.
Common questions
Where should I keep it?
Somewhere easy to grab on the way out — a closet by the door or a labeled bin. Check it twice a year and refresh water, food, and batteries.