Emergency supplies calculator (International): what your household needs for 3 days

The EU's Preparedness Union Strategy encourages households to keep essential supplies for at least 72 hours in an emergency. It sets no detailed quantities, so this general plan assumes 3 litres of water per person per day and about 2,200 kcal of food per adult per day. Choose your country for local guidance and shops.

We don't have guidance for your country yet, so this page uses the EU's general 72-hour baseline. If your country is listed, choose it for local guidance and shops.

Your household

Days to prepare for

European Union (Preparedness Union Strategy) recommends 3 days

At a glance

Water
9 L
Food energy
6,600 kcal
Estimated cost
$122 – $215
$71.67 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

Food

Food basket suggested by us, based on the list from European Union (Preparedness Union Strategy).

Medical & hygiene

Power and light

Communication

Documents and cash

Cost by category

  • Water$4.20
  • Food$34.40
  • Medical & hygiene$34.10
  • Power and light$97.40
  • Communication$35.00
  • Documents and cash$9.90

Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where these numbers come from: European Union (Preparedness Union Strategy)

Sources

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.