In an emergency, essential services like gas, water, and electricity can suddenly go out. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a technical failure, or another unforeseen event, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s a checklist to help keep you and your family safe and comfortable during a 72-hour period without gas, water, or electricity.


1. Water

  • Drinking Water: Provide at least three liters of water per person per day for drinking and cooking. For a family of four, this means at least 36 liters of water for three days.
  • Water Purification: Water purification tablets or a portable water filter (such as a LifeStraw) to make water from other sources safe to drink.
  • Sanitary water: Water for hygiene, such as washing and toilet flushing. This can be stored rainwater or water from other sources.

2. Food

  • Nonperishable foods: Nonperishable foods such as canned goods, dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, rice and pasta. Stock up on enough to last three days.
  • Camping stove: A camping stove with enough fuel to cook food without gas. Don't forget a manual can opener for canned goods.
  • Ready-to-eat meals: Foods that can be eaten immediately without preparation, such as canned fruits, nuts, and prepackaged meals.

3. Lighting and Heat

  • Flashlights and Batteries: Multiple flashlights and plenty of extra batteries. Also consider a wind-up or solar powered flashlight.
  • Candles and matches: Candles, tea lights and matches or lighters as an additional light source.
  • Extra blankets and warm clothing: Make sure you have enough warm blankets, sleeping bags and layers of clothing to stay warm without heating.

4. Communication

  • Portable radio: A battery-operated or wind-up radio used to keep up to date with news and emergency instructions.
  • Charged power banks: Power banks to keep mobile phones charged. Make sure they are fully charged before the power goes out.
  • Emergency Contact List: A written list of important telephone numbers, including contact information for family, friends, and local emergency services.

5. Health and Hygiene

  • First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and personal medications.
  • Hygiene products: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and waste bags.
  • Personal medications: Sufficient supply of prescribed medications for all family members.

6. Documents and Money

  • Important Documents: Copies of ID, insurance papers, medical records and contact information in a waterproof folder.
  • Cash: A supply of cash in small denominations. Digital payments can be unreliable without electricity.

7. General Preparations

  • Pet Emergency Kits: Pet food, water, and supplies.
  • Multi-function tool: A multi-tool or pocket knife for general tasks and emergency repairs.
  • Toys and Entertainment: Books, games, or other forms of entertainment to pass the time without electronic devices.

8. Safety

  • Fire extinguisher: A small fire extinguisher for emergencies.
  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Check the batteries and functionality of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.


This checklist will help you prepare for a 72-hour emergency without gas, water, or electricity. Make sure you check and replace your supplies regularly, and practice emergency plans with your family so everyone knows what to do.

The PrepPack Emergency Packages: Always well prepared

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