Family Emergency Bag: Packing List for 2 Adults + 2 Children

A family emergency kit requires different thinking than an individual bag. You have more people with different needs, children who can't carry heavy packs, and specific items that only matter when kids are involved. Here's a complete list for a family of four.

The Family System: Multiple Bags, Not One Mega-Bag

A 70-liter bag for one person carrying everything for four people is not a plan. Real family emergency preparedness means distributed systems:

Parent 1: Full individual bag (35-55L), includes all critical items Parent 2: Full individual bag (35-55L), includes all critical items Child (age 10+): Lighter bag (15-20L), age-appropriate items Child (age 5-9): Small daypack (10-15L), comfort items and snacks Child (under 5): Items distributed across parent packs

This distribution means if one family member is separated or incapacitated, the others aren't completely without resources.

Parent Bag Contents (Each)

Water

2 liters of water per person you're responsible for (parent + children's share)
Water purification tablets (50-count) — shared across family

Food (3-day supply, per person)

Adult needs: ~2,000-2,500 kcal/day Child needs: ~1,000-1,800 kcal/day (age-dependent)

Pack compact, familiar foods:

Energy bars (6 per person)
Nuts and trail mix
Crackers and peanut butter
Instant oatmeal packets
For young children: familiar comfort snacks (granola bars, raisins)

Shared Family Items (One Per Family, In One Parent Bag)

First aid kit (expanded for family)
All prescription medications + written medication list
Important documents folder
Cash (€200-300 for family)
Family photos (small prints — for identification if separated)

Child-Specific Additions

Medical and Health

Child-appropriate pain/fever medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen — child doses)
Any child-specific medications or EpiPen if allergic
Diapers/pull-ups if any child needs them (pack 20+)
Wet wipes (2 large packs — sanitation for children)
Small comfort object/toy (stuffed animal) — critical for psychological stability

Identification

Each child should have an identification card in their bag or pocket:
- Child's full name
- Parent's names and phone numbers
- Home address
- Emergency contacts
- Any medical conditions and medications

For young children: sew or iron-on a fabric label inside their clothing with this information.

Communication Plan

Children should know:

Their full name and address
At least one parent's phone number by memory
The family meeting point if separated
The "code word" that means "follow these adults" vs. "run away"

Child's Bag Contents (Age 10+)

A capable child of 10-12 can carry 5-7kg comfortably for extended distances.

Their bag includes:

Their own water (1.5 liters)
Their own snacks/energy bars (2,000 kcal)
Their own change of clothes
Emergency blanket (1x)
Small flashlight
Their ID card
Comfort item
Their own medications if applicable

Benefits: Children who have their own bag feel involved and responsible. They're less likely to be left helpless if separated from parents.

Items Often Forgotten for Family Kits

Infant/Toddler Additions

Infant formula (if formula-fed) — 5-day supply
Baby food pouches (10+)
Extra bottles and pacifiers
Baby carrier (keeps hands free while evacuating with infant)
Small thin blanket

Entertainment for Extended Wait Times

In real evacuations, families often spend hours waiting at assembly points, shelters, or stuck in traffic. For children:

Small coloring book and crayons
Deck of playing cards
1-2 small favorite toys per child
Pre-downloaded content on a phone/tablet

Family Documents

All passports (or copies) in waterproof bag
Health insurance cards (all family members)
Property/rental insurance info (if evacuation includes property claim)
School enrollment documents (needed for access to some emergency shelters)

Weight Distribution for a Family of Four

Family Member	Pack Weight
Parent 1 (70kg)	12-14 kg
Parent 2 (60kg)	10-12 kg
Child 10+	5-7 kg
Child 5-9	2-3 kg
Total family carry	~29-36 kg

This 72-hour supply for four people at a combined 29-36kg is manageable with two capable adults.

Annual Family Emergency Drill

Once a year: Run a mock evacuation. Everyone grabs their bags, walks to the family meeting point, and checks what's missing or expired. Takes 30 minutes and dramatically improves actual emergency performance.