Emergency supplies calculator (United States): what your household needs for 3 days
Ready.gov advises keeping at least several days of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation. It lists a first aid kit, a battery or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, a manual can opener and copies of important documents. The calorie target is our own estimate, as FEMA gives no figure.
Your household
List sized for 3 days. Household: Adults: 1.
At a glance
- Water
- 11.4 L
- Food energy
- 6,600 kcal
- Estimated cost
- $128 – $239
- $79.57 per person per day
Prices are estimates and may differ in your local shop.
- Calorie figures are an estimate, based on German federal guidance.
Your supply list
Water
- Drinking water, 1 gallon jug3 × 3.785 L$1.80 per pack$5.40
Food
Food basket suggested by us, based on the list from FEMA (Ready.gov).
- Peanut butter, 16 oz jar1 × 454 g≈ 12 months$3.50 per pack$3.50
- Canned chili with beans, 15 oz2 × 425 g≈ 30 months$2.00 per pack$4.00
- Old-fashioned rolled oats, 18 oz1 × 510 g≈ 24 months$3.80 per pack$3.80
- Saltine crackers, 16 oz1 × 454 g≈ 9 months$3.20 per pack$3.20
- Granola bars, 8-count box1 × 190 g≈ 12 months$4.50 per pack$4.50
- Canned tuna in water, 5 oz4 × 142 g≈ 36 months$1.40 per pack$5.60
- Canned fruit cups or peaches, 15 oz3 × 425 g≈ 24 months$2.00 per pack$6.00
- Raisins or dried fruit, 12 oz1 × 340 g≈ 12 months$4.00 per pack$4.00
- Canned beans, 15 oz2 × 425 g≈ 36 months$1.20 per pack$2.40
Medical & hygiene
- First aid kit1 × 1 pcs$18.00 per pack$18.00
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen), 100 tablets1 × 100 pcs$8.00 per pack$8.00
- Trash bags with ties, 13 gallon, 30 count1 × 30 pcs$6.00 per pack$6.00
- N95 dust mask, 1 piece1 × 1 pcs$1.80 per pack$1.80
- Moist towelettes / wet wipes, 80 count1 × 80 pcs$3.50 per pack$3.50
- Toilet paper, 1 roll (from a multi-pack)2 × 1 pcs$1.00 per pack$2.00
Power and light
- LED flashlight1 × 1 pcs$12.00 per pack$12.00
- Power bank, 10,000 mAh1 × 1 pcs$22.00 per pack$22.00
- Emergency candles, 12 count1 × 12 pcs$6.00 per pack$6.00
- Waterproof matches / lighter1 × 1 pcs$4.00 per pack$4.00
- Manual can opener1 × 1 pcs$9.00 per pack$9.00
- Camping stove (propane)1 × 1 pcs$40.00 per pack$40.00
- AA batteries, 8-pack1 × 8 pcs$9.00 per pack$9.00
- Propane fuel canister, 16 oz1 × 1 pcs$6.00 per pack$6.00
Communication
- Hand crank / battery NOAA weather radio1 × 1 pcs$35.00 per pack$35.00
Documents and cash
- Waterproof document pouch1 × 1 pcs$14.00 per pack$14.00
- Cash in small notes and coins
Cost by category
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Where these numbers come from: FEMA (Ready.gov)
Sources
- Build A Kit | Ready.gov (FEMA)
- Water | Ready.gov
- Food | Ready.gov
- Prepare Your Pets for Disasters | Ready.gov
Last checked: November 5, 2026
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I store?
Your authorities' figure is shown above. Most authorities recommend around 2 to 4 litres per person per day, covering drinking and basic hygiene. Children, pregnant women and people in hot weather may need more.
How long should my supplies last?
The number of days differs from country to country, so we show the figure from your national authority. Even a few days of supplies make you far more resilient than none at all.
Do I need to buy everything at once?
No. Start with water, food and any medication you rely on, then add the rest over time. Check what you already have at home and rotate food before it expires.