Question 1

What is a 72-hour emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

A 72-hour kit, also known as a go-bag or emergency kit, is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. It's designed to help you be self-sufficient for at least three days when essential services like electricity or water might be unavailable.

Question 2

Why do I need an emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

In a major emergency, first responders may not be able to reach you immediately. Having a kit ensures you and your family have the essentials like food, water, first aid, and communication tools to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives or services are restored.

Question 3

How much does it cost to build a complete kit?

Accepted Answer

A basic 72-hour kit for one person typically costs $75-150, depending on the quality of items you choose. Family kits can range from $200-500. Prepwise helps you prioritize the most essential items first and suggests budget-friendly alternatives.

Question 4

How does the group feature work?

Accepted Answer

You can create or join a group with family, friends, or roommates. In a group view, you can see a combined checklist showing which essential items are covered by at least one person in the group. This helps avoid unnecessary duplication of shared items like a tent or a large first-aid kit.

Question 5

How do I plan for children and elderly family members?

Accepted Answer

Children and elderly family members have special needs. Include items like baby formula, diapers, prescription medications, comfort items, and mobility aids. Our AI recommendations consider family composition to suggest age-appropriate supplies.

Question 6

What about pets in emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Don't forget your pets! Include pet food, water, medications, carriers, leashes, and comfort items. Keep copies of vaccination records and have a plan for pet-friendly shelters or staying with friends/family.

Question 7

How often should I check my emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

Review your kit at least twice a year - when daylight saving time changes is a good reminder. Check for expired food, water, medications, and batteries. Update clothing for seasons and growing children. Replace documents as needed.

Question 8

How long do emergency supplies last?

Accepted Answer

Storage life varies: water (6 months if stored properly), canned food (2-5 years), energy bars (1-2 years), batteries (5-10 years unused), first aid supplies (check individual expiration dates). Store items in cool, dry places.

Question 9

Where should I store my emergency kit?

Accepted Answer

Keep your kit in an easily accessible location that all family members know about. Good locations include a closet near an exit, garage, or basement. Consider having smaller kits in your car and workplace too.

Question 10

Where can I find official emergency preparedness recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Our app compiles checklists from reputable sources like the CDC, Red Cross, FEMA, and local emergency management agencies. On each item's detail page, you can see which official lists include that item, with direct links to the source for further reading.

Question 11

Does Prepwise follow official emergency guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our recommendations are based on guidelines from trusted organizations including FEMA, American Red Cross, CDC, and Ready.gov. We regularly update our database to reflect the latest emergency preparedness best practices.

Question 12

How do I get location-specific emergency information?

Accepted Answer

Prepwise provides location-based risk assessments using data from NOAA, USGS, and other official sources. Enter your location to get personalized recommendations for natural disasters common in your area, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or wildfires.

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