How much water does a family of 4 need for 3 days?

12 gallons for drinking and basic hygiene (1 gallon per person per day × 4 people × 3 days). In hot weather, during illness, or if anyone is nursing or pregnant, increase this by 50%. Store in food-grade containers and replace every 6–12 months.

How much food does a family of 4 need for 3 days?

Plan for roughly 2,000 calories per adult per day, 1,500 calories per school-age child per day. For a family of 4 adults/children, that's approximately 18,000–21,000 calories total for 3 days. Focus on calorie-dense, shelf-stable foods: peanut butter, canned beans, granola bars, trail mix.

What should each child have in their own kit?

For children old enough to carry a bag: a small backpack with a water bottle, snacks, a comfort item, their emergency contact card (laminated), a whistle, and any personal medications. Practice putting it on and carrying it.

How do I find out my school's emergency reunification plan?

Ask your school's front office or principal directly. Most schools have a written emergency plan and designated reunification sites. Request the plan at the start of each school year and verify the pickup authorization list is up to date.

Should each family member have their own go-bag?

Ideally yes for adults, partially for children. Adults should carry their own go-bag. For younger children (under 8), parents carry their supplies. Older children (8+) can carry a small personal bag with their own items. This distributes the load and ensures each person has what they need if separated.

Emergency Planner

Emergency Kit for a Family of 4 — emergencyplanner.com

https://emergencyplanner.com

Printed: 3/25/2026

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Emergency Kit for a Family of 4: Complete Checklist & Calculator

Emergency Kit for a Family of 4: Complete Checklist & Calculator

A family of four has specific preparedness needs that a generic kit list doesn't cover. Two adults and two school-age children means more food, more water, separate communication plans for when the kids are at school, and child-appropriate first aid. This guide covers everything a family of four needs to be genuinely prepared.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-01 · Based on Ready.gov, FEMA guidance

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Water (Family of 4, 3 Days)

1 gallon per person per day = 12 gallons minimum.

12 gallons of stored water (minimum)(12 gallons)critical
Use food-grade containers. 1-gallon jugs or 5-gallon stackable bricks work well for families.
Ready.gov ↗
Water purification tablets (backup)(2 packs)
If stored water runs out. Each tablet treats 1 liter.

Food (Family of 4, 3 Days)

~6,000 calories per day total — more if children are active.

Non-perishable food, 3-day supply for 4 people(~18,000 calories)critical
Canned goods, peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit. Choose foods the kids will actually eat.
Manual can opener(1)critical
Child-friendly snacks (familiar foods reduce stress)
Emergencies are stressful for children. Familiar comfort foods help. Include small treats.
Formula or special dietary foods if neededcritical
For any household member with dietary restrictions or needs.

Child-Specific Supplies

Supplies that differ for families with school-age children.

Children's pain reliever / fever reducer(1 bottle)critical
Age-appropriate dose (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). Include dosing chart.
Children's antihistamine (for allergic reactions)
Comfort items for each child (stuffed animal, small toy, book)
Familiar objects help children feel safe during stressful situations.
Activities for kids (coloring books, cards, small games)optional
Distraction matters during multi-day events with no power.
Extra diapers/pull-ups if any child is still in themcritical
Child-sized emergency contact card (in backpack)critical
Name, parents' numbers, out-of-area contact. Laminate it.
Copy of children's medical records and immunizations

School Communication Plan

What happens if an emergency strikes while the kids are at school?

Know your school's emergency reunification plancritical
Schools have specific procedures for releasing children. Know the reunification site — it may NOT be the school.
Ready.gov ↗
Authorize backup adults to pick up your childrencritical
Update authorized pickup contacts at school each year.
Practice the 'where to go' plan with your childrencritical
Children should know: what to do if they can't reach you, where to go, and who their out-of-area contact is.
Know the school's communication method (app, website, text)
Sign up for all school notification systems before an emergency.

General Emergency Supplies

First aid kitcritical
Ready.gov ↗
Flashlights + batteries (one per person)critical
Battery power bank (two for a family of 4)critical
NOAA Weather Radiocritical
7-day prescription medication supplycritical
Copies of important documents (waterproof)critical
Cash in small bills ($150–$200)critical
Warm blankets (one per person)critical
Printed emergency contact listcritical

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Detailed Guidance

Talking to Children About Emergency Preparedness

Children handle emergencies better when they've practiced, not just been told. Age-appropriate approaches: - Ages 3–5: Frame it as an adventure/game. Practice a fire escape route. Read books about helpers (firefighters, police). - Ages 6–10: Explain that emergencies can happen and we prepare like we prepare for a camping trip. Let them help pack the kit. - Ages 11+: Include them in the full planning conversation. Assign them a role (grab the kit, call the contact). Key things every school-age child should know: 1. Their full name and address 2. At least one parent's phone number (memorized) 3. The name of your out-of-area contact 4. The family meeting place near home and the backup meeting place Practice the plan at least once a year. A plan they've never practiced is a plan they won't follow. Source: Ready.gov — Prepare Your Kids

If an Emergency Happens While Your Kids Are at School

This is the scenario most parents find most stressful. Here's how to prepare: 1. Know your school's reunification plan — the pickup location may not be the school building. 2. Update authorized adult pickup contacts every year at the start of school. 3. Designate a local neighbor/friend as a backup pickup person your children know. 4. Teach children what to do if they can't reach you: go to the designated school-authorized adult. 5. Sign up for every school notification system (app, text, email). 6. Keep a charged phone. Battery banks matter here.