Preparing for 72 Hours: Family Emergency Supplies Checklist
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A prolonged power outage, a severe storm, flooding, or another emergency can disrupt water, food, and communication supplies. Help will arrive, but not always immediately. That is why Lithuania follows a simple principle – LT72.
On the website lt72.lt, maintained by the Fire and Rescue Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania (PAGD), it is described as follows: every resident must be prepared to independently take care of themselves and their loved ones for at least 72 hours. This guide provides a family emergency checklist based on official recommendations along with practical advice.
Home Emergency Supplies vs. Emergency Grab Bag – Not the Same Thing
PAGD recommendations distinguish between two concepts, which should be planned separately:
- Home supplies – water, food, and essential items that allow you to stay at home for at least 72 hours if utility services are disrupted.
- Emergency grab bag (go bag) – pre-packed documents, medications, clothing, water, and food to take with you in case of urgent evacuation.
Keep your emergency grab bag in a location known to all family members and pack it so that it is manageable to carry. The list below covers both cases.
Water – The Most Crucial Supply
PAGD recommends keeping 2 liters of drinking water per person per day, which equals about 6 liters for 72 hours. For a family of four, that means 24 liters just for drinking.
- Store water in small bottles – this keeps it clean longer and makes weight distribution easier during evacuation.
- Plan additional water for cooking and hygiene, especially if your supplies include freeze-dried food.
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter are very useful – they are also included in the official PAGD go-bag checklist.
Food Supplies
PAGD advises maintaining food supplies for at least 72 hours and storing them in a cool, dry, and dark place. Recommended products include:
- canned meat and canned vegetables (legumes are a particularly valuable option);
- other canned goods: condensed milk, fruits;
- dry grains, cooking oil, sugar, salt, honey, tea, and spices;
- favorite comfort food items – they help maintain high spirits during stress.
Key practical recommendations from PAGD worth knowing:
- Canned fish products are not recommended for emergency storage.
- Prioritize regular, familiar foods that your family consumes daily.
- Place newly purchased items behind existing ones to rotate stock (first in, first out).
- Before heating canned food, peel off the label and open the can. Consume opened cans immediately.
- Do not consume products that have come into contact with floodwater or unhygienic surfaces.
Freeze-Dried Food and Rations
For the emergency grab bag, PAGD recommends having dry rations for three days. Freeze-dried (lyophilized) food and tactical field rations are lightweight, have a long shelf life, and take up minimal space. Preparing freeze-dried food requires hot water, so carry a portable stove, a gas canister, and extra water – items also featured on the PAGD list. You can find these in the "Food" section, which includes 72-hour emergency food rations.
First Aid and Medications
The PAGD go-bag checklist reserves a dedicated section for medical preparedness:
- a first aid kit, tourniquet, bandages, and adhesive plasters;
- respiratory protection masks, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer;
- over-the-counter and prescription medications, with a 7-day reserve of vital drugs;
- copies of medical records, essential medical devices, and spare parts.
If a family member relies on regular prescription medication, consult a doctor regarding a emergency reserve. Hemostatic agents, trauma bandages, and kits are available in the medical section.
Communication, Light, and Information
The PAGD electronics list recommends keeping:
- a mobile phone, power bank, charger, and USB cable;
- a portable radio with spare batteries;
- a flashlight and spare batteries;
- a portable two-way radio (walkie-talkie) if your family uses one.
Ensure emergency alerts are enabled on your phone. In Lithuania, these are broadcast via Cell Broadcast technology. On iPhones, this can be found under Settings → Notifications → Government Alerts / Emergency Alerts. On Android devices, search settings for Emergency Alerts or Cell Broadcast. On dual-SIM phones, alerts are only received if SIM 1 is enabled.
Documents and Cash
- identification documents, property titles, and copies (also saved on a USB drive);
- cash – card payments may fail during power or network outages;
- house and car keys;
- photos of family members – useful if searching for loved ones becomes necessary;
- a notebook and pen.
Hygiene, Clothing, and Sleep
The PAGD list includes soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and heavy-duty garbage bags. Additionally, pack a spare set of seasonal clothing, rain poncho, gloves, hat, sleeping bag (or emergency bivvy bag), and sleeping pad.
Do Not Forget Special Needs
- Infants and young children: baby food, formula, extra diapers, and a favorite toy or book.
- People with disabilities: specific guidance for individuals with special needs can be found on lt72.lt.
- Pets: PAGD recommends evacuating with pets and packing a separate emergency pet kit.
Family Emergency Plan
Gear is only half the equation. PAGD recommends that every family establish a emergency plan in advance, answering these key questions:
- Where can you take shelter in case of danger?
- How will you evacuate, and what will you do if the vehicle breaks down or roads are blocked?
- Where will you meet if disaster strikes while family members are separated?
- What items will you carry if forced to shelter or evacuate on short notice?
In an emergency, PAGD advises sending SMS text messages to relatives rather than making voice calls to reduce network congestion. Before evacuating, turn off gas, electricity, and main water valves.
How to Maintain Your Emergency Supplies
Emergency supplies are only useful if they remain valid and functional. Choose two fixed dates each year – for example, once in spring and once in autumn – to review expiration dates, water freshness, battery charge, and medication stocks. Replenish whatever has been consumed or expired.
We have gathered products essential for crisis preparedness – from field rations and first aid kits to Faraday bags – in our "Emergency Preparedness" collection.
Important: A checklist cannot replace practical preparation, such as hands-on first aid training and practicing your family emergency plan. For in-depth tactical training, visit the Locked N' Loaded training portal.
