Note: a 5-gallon (or any other size) bucket may be a handy storage container, but if you have to carry it any distance, you will be cursing it as it hurts your hands, shoulders, and bangs constantly on your ankles and legs. On the other hand, as with all suggested lists for 72-hour kits, there are many potentially valuable suggestions here to consider for your family. My personal preference is a backpack suited for each family member.

General Supplies

• glow sticks (12 hrs)
• flashlight
• liquid candle
• matchbooks
• mylar blankets
• hand warmers
• AM/FM radio
• whistle and lanyard
• sewing kit
• blank notebook
• pencils
• extra batteries (for flashlight and radio)
• zip ties
• P-38 can opener
• trash bags
• N95 dust masks
• duct tape
• small tarp
• paracord
• safety goggles
• split leather gloves

Hygiene Supplies

• bar soap
• kleenex
• floss
• baby shampoo
• hand lotion
• sunscreen
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• feminine hygiene pads
• comb
• toilet paper
• wash cloths

First Aid Kit

• basic first-aid guide
• moist towelettes
• antiseptic towelettes
• latex gloves
• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• ibuprofen (Advil)
• aspirin
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• loperamide (Imodium A-D)
• burn cream
• sting relief towelettes
• hydrocortisone cream
• triple antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
• cough drops
• earplugs
• instant ice pack
• tweezers
• nail clippers
• scissors
• digital thermometer
• cotton balls
• waterproof adhesive tape
• gauze rolls
• gauze pads
• moleskin
• band-aids
• butterfly bandages
• ace bandage
• triangular bandage
• hand sanitizer
• Q-tips
• petroleum jelly
• RAD sticker (personal radiation dosimeter)
• potassium iodide (radiation emergency thyroid blocker)

This list came from: fivegallonideas.com/emergency-kit