FEMA has many recommended Go-Bag suggestions for US Citizens:

When building a prep bag, many people wonder if they’re including the right items. Is your go bag over-packed with unnecessary gear, or missing critical components? FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) provides official guidelines for emergency kits that serve as an excellent baseline for your 72-hour preparations. Let’s compare your current prep bag to FEMA standards and see how it measures up.

FEMA’s Basic Emergency Kit Recommendations

FEMA recommends every American household maintain a basic emergency kit with these essential components:

Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days
Food: At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with NOAA Weather alert
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit with basic supplies
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to filter contaminated air
Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and backup battery

Surprisingly, many homemade bug out bags miss several of these fundamentals while including less essential items. Before adding specialized gear, make sure your prep bag covers these FEMA-recommended basics.

Beyond the Basics: Additional FEMA Recommendations

FEMA acknowledges that basic kits should be supplemented with additional items based on family needs:

Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula, diapers, and bottles
Pet food and extra water for pets
Important family documents in waterproof container
Cash or traveler’s checks and change
Emergency reference materials (first aid book, etc.)
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or activities for children

Many preparedness enthusiasts focus exclusively on survival gear while overlooking these quality-of-life items that can make a significant difference during emergencies.

How Your Prep Bag Might Exceed FEMA Standards

If you’ve been involved in emergency preparedness for a while, your go bag likely exceeds FEMA recommendations in several areas. This isn’t necessarily a problem – FEMA standards represent the minimum recommended preparation, not the ideal setup.

Common ways experienced preppers enhance their 72-hour kits beyond FEMA guidelines include:

More sophisticated water filtration systems
Higher calorie density foods
Multi-tools instead of basic wrenches/pliers
Enhanced first aid kits with prescription medications
Communications gear beyond basic radios
Self-defense items (where legally permitted)

These enhancements reflect the reality that FEMA standards are designed for short-term emergencies with expectation of rapid government response—something seasoned preppers may not rely on exclusively.

Where Most Prep Bags Fall Short

Despite often exceeding FEMA standards in equipment quality, many homemade prep bags still miss these critical components:

Properly stored copies of important documents – FEMA explicitly recommends waterproof storage for insurance policies, IDs, and bank records, yet many go bags lack this crucial element.
Personal sanitation items – The humble toilet paper roll and hygiene supplies are frequently overlooked but specifically included in FEMA guidelines.
Cash in small denominations – Credit cards may not work during emergencies, making cash essential.
Prescription medications – FEMA recommends at least a week’s supply of vital medications.
Simple comfort items – Games for children, basic comfort foods, and familiar items can provide psychological support during stressful situations.

Audit Your Prep Bag Today

Take 15 minutes to compare your current emergency kit against FEMA’s guidelines. Are you missing any basics? Have you inadvertently prioritized specialized gear over essential items?

For a more comprehensive approach to prep bag building, check out our complete guide to building a 72-hour emergency kit, which expands on FEMA’s recommendations while keeping your preparations practical and affordable.

Not sure exactly what your specific situation requires? Our interactive bug out bag calculator provides personalized recommendations based on your household size, region, and special needs.

Remember, the most effective emergency kit isn’t necessarily the most expensive or elaborate—it’s the one that realistically addresses your family’s specific needs while covering all the essential bases FEMA recommends.

How does your prep bag measure up against these official standards?