Short answer. FEMA's Ready.gov does not set a fixed number of days. It recommends a basic kit that lets you survive on your own for "several days" 1. Only two items carry quantities: water, one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation, and non-perishable food, at least a several-day supply 1. Every other item on the list has no quantity attached 1.
How long should a U.S. household be self-sufficient?
Ready.gov speaks of "several days" and stops there: its kit page sets no fixed number of days 1. A household that wants a precise target has to choose it, based on its own situation: the number of people, medical needs, the local climate and how long services could be cut where it lives.
Our general guide to the 72-hour kit compares the figures other countries publish.
How much water and food does FEMA recommend?
| Item | Quantity on Ready.gov |
|---|---|
| Water, for drinking and sanitation | One gallon per person per day, for several days 1 |
| Non-perishable food | At least a several-day supply 1 |
The water figure covers both drinking and sanitation 1. For a household of four planning for several days, multiply one gallon by four people and by the number of days you choose. For storage, rotation and the figures used in other countries, see how much water to store per person and how long emergency food lasts.
What else goes in the basic kit?
Ready.gov introduces its list with: "A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:" 1. Beyond water and food, it names a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle, a dust mask, plastic sheeting with scissors and duct tape, moist towelettes with garbage bags and plastic ties, a wrench or pliers, a manual can opener, local maps, and a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery 1.
The complete list, line by line with the purpose Ready.gov gives for each item, is on our U.S. official kit list page.
Why does the list include a radio and shelter-in-place items?
Ready.gov states the purpose of several items: the dust mask helps filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape are there to shelter in place 1. The NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert is on the list too 1; NOAA Weather Radio is one of the official U.S. alert channels. The wrench or pliers are for turning off utilities 1. These items tie the kit to the official alert channels described on our U.S. alerts page and to the sheltering guidance on U.S. public shelters.
Where is the full official guide?
FEMA's in-depth guide, "Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness", is the official preparedness booklet; its current edition is FEMA P-2064 (September 2020) 2. It is available from the Ready.gov "Are You Ready?" collection 2.
Frequently asked questions
Does FEMA set a fixed number of days?
No, not on its kit page. Ready.gov says a basic kit should let you survive on your own for "several days" and gives no fixed number of days 1.
Does the gallon of water include washing?
Yes. Ready.gov lists water "for drinking and sanitation" at one gallon per person per day 1.
Does FEMA say how much food per person?
No exact amount. It recommends "at least a several-day supply" of non-perishable food 1.
Are the items on the list mandatory?
No. Ready.gov presents them as items a basic kit "could include" 1. Adapt the kit to your household; our guide on vulnerable people covers children, seniors and medication.
Sources
- FEMA / Ready.gov — Build A Kit — https://www.ready.gov/kit (accessed 2026-10-20)
- FEMA / Ready.gov — Are You Ready? Guide — https://www.ready.gov/collection/are-you-ready (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for United States, worked out for your household.
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- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- FEMA / Ready.gov · Build A Kit checked 2026-10-20
- FEMA / Ready.gov · Are You Ready? Guide checked 2026-10-20