Why 72 hours
In the first days after a disaster, emergency services help the injured and the most vulnerable first. Everyone else has to look after themselves. Within three days, help can usually be organised or the most important services restored. In Lithuania, official preparedness recommendations are published at lt72.lt.
Water and food
- Water: 2–3 litres per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. For a family of four for three days — about 24–36 litres.
- Food that needs no cooking: tinned food, dried fruit, nuts, crispbread, snack bars. Do not forget a manual tin opener.
- Babies, people with allergies and pets — keep the food they need separately.
You will also find water points on the InCaseMap map. Taps, wells and springs on it: 10,616. Whether the water is drinkable is shown on the place card.
Medicines and first aid
- A supply of your regular medicines for at least a few days, and copies of prescriptions.
- A first aid kit: bandages, plasters, disinfectant, painkillers.
- Glasses or contact lenses, hearing aid batteries — if you need them.
Light, power and communications
- A battery-powered radio — when the internet and power are out, you will hear official announcements on LRT.
- A flashlight and spare batteries. Candles — only with care.
- A power bank for your phone, always charged. A car charger.
- Important phone numbers on paper — in case your phone runs out of battery.
Money and documents
- Cash — during a power or network outage, cards and ATMs may not work. ATMs on the InCaseMap map: 11,813.
- Copies of documents: ID, birth certificates, insurance and property documents.
- Spare house and car keys.
Other essentials
- Warm clothes, a raincoat, blankets or a sleeping bag.
- Hygiene items, rubbish bags, wet wipes.
- A multi-tool, duct tape, a whistle.
Family plan
- Agree on a meeting place near your home and another one further away, in case the area is evacuated.
- Write your family's phone numbers on paper. Choose one relative in another city whom everyone tells that they are safe.
- Discuss who picks up the children from school or kindergarten and who looks after elderly relatives and pets.
- Mark the nearest shelter to home, work and school for each family member.
Home supplies and a go-bag (survival kit)
Home supplies are for staying at home. In case you need to leave quickly, also keep a bag with the essentials: documents, medicines, water, snacks, a radio, a flashlight, a power bank, cash and warm clothes. More in the guide to evacuation.
Frequently asked questions
How much water do you need for 72 hours?
Count 2–3 litres per person per day. For one person for three days that is 6–9 litres, for a family of four — about 24–36 litres.
How often should I renew my supplies?
At least once a year, check the expiry dates and replace water, food, medicines and batteries. It is handy to do this on the same day every time, for example when the clocks change.
Do I have to buy everything at once?
No. Start with water, medicines, a battery-powered radio and cash, and add the other items gradually whenever you go shopping.
How do I agree a plan with my family if the network goes down?
Agree on a meeting place and time in advance, write important numbers on paper and decide who picks up the children. In an InCaseMap family group you can mark the meeting point on the map and, in an emergency, report “I'm safe” with one tap.
Sources
- Emergency preparedness recommendations — lt72.lt lt72.lt
- Fire and Rescue Department (PAGD) pagd.lrv.lt
This text summarises official guidance and does not replace instructions from the authorities. During an emergency, follow announcements from LRT and the authorities.
You may freely use this text and its data, commercially too — just add a link: <a href="https://incasemap.com/en/72-hour-preparedness">InCaseMap</a> (more)