What Should a 72-Hour Emergency Kit Contain? (Complete Guide)
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Why is it important to have an Emergency Kit?
In Portugal, situations such as:
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Floods
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Fires
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Earthquakes
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Power outages
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Supply chain disruptions
can interrupt essential services for hours or days.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority recommends that every family be prepared to ensure autonomy in the first few hours after a serious occurrence.
Internationally, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations emphasizes that the first 72 hours are critical.
What should an Emergency Kit contain?
Let's divide by functional categories.
Water and Hydration
Water is an absolute priority.
General recommendation:
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Minimum 1.5 to 3 liters per person per day
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Minimum autonomy for 72 hours
In addition to bottled water, it is highly recommended to include a purification system.
Our kits include a 4-stage portable filter capable of filtering up to 5,000 liters, removing bacteria and particles.
This ensures redundancy, which is essential in an emergency.
Lighting
Without electricity:
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No light
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No charging
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No elevators
You should include:
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Durable flashlight
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Extra batteries
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Alternative power source
Advanced kits include a portable solar panel and power bank to ensure energy autonomy.
3️⃣ Information and Communication
During an emergency:
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Internet may fail
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Mobile network may be congested
A portable battery-powered radio allows you to follow official announcements.
Entities such as the Directorate-General of Health or Civil Protection often communicate via radio in critical situations.
4️⃣ First Aid
According to the World Health Organization, small injuries not treated quickly can worsen.
The kit should include:
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Compresses
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Bandages
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Disinfectant
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Dressings
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Scissors
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Gloves
5️⃣ Thermal Protection
After earthquakes or nighttime evacuations:
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Body temperature can drop quickly
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Stress increases energy consumption
Thermal blankets are lightweight and effective.
6️⃣ Emergency Food
Food should be:
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Long-lasting
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Easy to prepare
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High caloric density
Our food kits include freeze-dried meals, available in traditional and vegan versions, designed for 72 hours.
Buy a ready-made kit or assemble it manually?
Manual assembly requires:
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Research
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Time
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Planning
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Organization
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Testing
A pre-prepared kit guarantees:
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Organization by type
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Compatibility between items
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Strategic redundancy
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Speed of response
How to choose the right kit?
If you want an essential base:
Essential Kit
If you want enhanced energy autonomy:
Advanced Kit
If you want food included:
Complete Versions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kits should I have?
Ideally one per household, designed for two people.
Where to store it?
Near the main exit.
How often should I review it?
Every 6–12 months.
Having an emergency kit is not alarmism.
It's smart planning.
The first 72 hours are crucial.
Being prepared reduces risk, stress, and impact.