The 72-hour kit covers the basics. But every home is different: a baby, a grandparent on medication or a dog completely change what you need. This is what to add depending on who lives with you.
Older people
- At least a week’s medication, with the dosage schedule written down.
- Spare glasses and hearing aids, with batteries.
- An easy-to-use light: a lantern is better than a head torch.
- A simple radio with big buttons.
- A copy of their medical report and health card.
- Someone in the family plan in charge of checking on them.
Weekly pill organiser
What for: keeping medication organised and to hand.
- Organises doses by day and time
- Prevents mistakes in the dark
- Keep it in the kit
Babies and small children
- Ready-to-feed infant formula in cartons: needs no water or heating.
- Baby food jars and cereals for 3 days.
- Plenty of nappies and wipes.
- Extra water for hygiene.
- Their favourite toy or teddy and a battery night light.
Battery or rechargeable night light
What for: so children aren’t scared in the dark.
- Soft light that doesn’t dazzle
- USB rechargeable or battery-powered
- Very calming during a night-time blackout
Pets
- Food and water for at least 3 days.
- Their medication, if they take any.
- Carrier, lead and muzzle.
- Vaccination card and a recent photo in case they get lost.
- Bags and cat litter.
Foldable pet carrier
What for: getting your pet out of the flat safely if needed.
- Foldable: takes up little space when stored
- Ventilated, with handles
- Essential for cats
People with disabilities or who depend on electrical devices
Specialist guides recommend adapting the kit to each limitation: sight, hearing, mobility, medication or breathing problems.
- Electrical medical devices (CPAP, oxygen concentrator, electric wheelchair): a portable battery with enough capacity. Check its consumption and see the battery comparison.
- Tell your electricity company and your health centre if you depend on a life-supporting device.
- Spare batteries for hearing aids, implants or wheelchairs.
- Written instructions for the equipment for whoever helps you.
Power station for medical devices
What for: keeping a CPAP or other medical device running during the cut.
- LiFePO4 battery, safe indoors
- UPS function: doesn’t cut out when the power goes
- Work out the Wh from the device’s consumption
Sources: Protecció Civil, Generalitat de Catalunya (emergency kits for pets and families); University of Colorado recommendations on kits for people with disabilities.
Keep it on paper for when there's no power or internet.