Evacuation Kit 72h: Official List & Prices (2026)

On July 31, 2026, the Government Center for Security (RCB) sent an SMS alert to recipients across Poland with a message from the MSWiA: “be prepared” and a link to the government Safety Guide (poradnikbezpieczenstwa.gov.pl) [1]. This is a good opportunity to answer once and for all the question that more and more people have been asking since that day: what should an evacuation kit actually contain, what does it realistically cost, and is it worth assembling one yourself or buying one ready-made.

According to a survey by the IBRiS institute for „Rzeczpospolita” (February 2026), as many as 52,4% of Poles are not planning to prepare such a kit, and only 24,2% intend to do so [2]. This guide is not meant to scare you, it is meant to show you, calmly and concretely: the official government list, three ways to put it together, and real prices, so that you can make an informed decision today, not in the middle of a crisis.

In this guide you'll find: a full list recommended by government sources, a table comparing four ways to put together a kit along with real prices, a breakdown into 8 equipment categories with specific products, the most common packing mistakes, and answers to the questions that come up most often. No made-up numbers: every piece of information about our kits comes from the current helpbag.eu offer, and every government recommendation is linked to the source it comes from.

This guide was prepared by the HELP BAG team, a Polish brand that designs and assembles evacuation kits. More than 5000 HELP BAG kits have already been chosen by households, businesses and institutions. We write about what we actually know, and wherever we rely on external guidelines (e.g., government ones), we state the source and link directly.

What is an evacuation kit, and where does „72 hours” come from

An evacuation kit (backpack) is a previously prepared set of the most important items that let you function on your own during the first hours or days of a crisis (a blackout, flood, fire or a sudden need to leave home), before organized help arrives. The Voivodeship Headquarters of the State Fire Service (PSP) in Poznań, in its guide published on gov.pl, states explicitly that the backpack should sustain you for “at least 72 hours” and allow you to survive the first days (min. 3 days) [3].

This is what sets an evacuation kit apart from a survival backpack or a typical hiking (bushcraft) pack. The former responds to specific, predictable civilisational hazards and needs to be ready to grab within a matter of seconds, with nothing left to pack at the last minute. A survival backpack usually assumes a longer, more open-ended scenario and a different choice of gear.

The government portal Safety Guide uses the slogan “Your preparation matters” [4]. The point is to make decisions (what to pack, where to keep the kit, whom to notify if necessary) once, calmly, before you have to make them in a hurry and under pressure.

When an evacuation kit really comes in handy

Three of the most common, entirely everyday situations where such a kit makes a real difference:

• A prolonged blackout. The power goes out, phones run out of battery, and electric cookers and some heating systems stop working. A torch, a radio, a power bank and something warm to eat stop being a „nice extra” and become essentials.
• Flooding or a flood. Little time to decide on leaving your flat or house: documents, cash and basic equipment need to be packed already, not something to hunt for on your way out.
• Sudden evacuation of a building. An installation failure, smoke in the stairwell, a decision by the emergency services: a kit kept by the door lets you leave straight away, without hunting for things all over the flat.

None of these scenarios is about catastrophic visions, they're ordinary, fairly frequent events worth being prepared for, just like a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or a spare wheel in the car.

What should go into an evacuation kit: a list based on gov.pl

The list below consolidates guidance published on official gov.pl government websites, in the MSWiA Safety Guide and materials from regional authorities and the State Fire Service [3] [4] [5]. These are publicly available guidelines, not an official recommendation of specific products or brands, including HELP BAG.

• Documents and finances: proof of identity, birth certificates, property and insurance documents, digital copies on a flash drive, cash in various denominations.
• Water and purification: bottled water, filters or tablets for water purification.
• Food: ready-to-eat meals with a long shelf life, for at least 3 days.
• Lighting, power and connectivity: a torch, a battery or crank radio, a power bank, cables, spare batteries, a charged phone.
• First-aid kit and hygiene: medications taken regularly, basic dressings, disinfectants, soap, bags.
• Clothing and weather protection: a change of seasonal clothing, rain jacket, sleeping bag, thermal foil, mask.
• Tools: pocketknife or multitool, lighter, tape, whistle, paper map of the area.

The MON, MSWiA and RCB safety guide recommends reviewing your supplies once every few months and checking expiration dates [6]. While doing so, check the batteries and whether everything in the backpack is still easy to find.

How much does it cost: 4 ways to put together a kit

The list from the previous section can be put together in four ways. Below is an honest comparison, no rounding up and no invented figures where they simply cannot be given honestly (the cost of putting one together „from scratch” depends entirely on where you buy and what quality you choose).

An illustrative example: just these 6 individual products from our store alone: USB-C headlamp (9,49 €), multitool TITANIUM (28,49 €), rescue hammer with a light and a cutter (23,49 €), sleeping bag (49,99 €), inflatable sleeping mat (29,99 €) and Signal One dynamo radio (39,99 €), bought separately, they cost a total of 181,44 €. And that's still only 6 items out of more than 100 that make up the complete MAX PRO kit.

Criterion	On your own, from scratch	Individual HELP BAG products	HELP BAG BASIC	HELP BAG MAX PRO
Price	highly variable, depends on quality and store(s)	depends on the choice, see the example above (181,44 € for 6 items)	399,99 €	718,99 €
Kit weight	depends on the kit	depends on the choice	approx. 6.5 kg	approx. 9.5 kg (backpack with full equipment)
Number of items	You put each item together separately	You choose individual products	31 items in an organized kit	100+ in 8 modules
Organisation	you sort it out yourself	no shared packaging	backpack + EXTRA STORAGE module	8 labelled modules: FOOD & WATER, FIRST AID, ELECTRONICS, ESCAPE, SLEEP, HYGIENE, TOOLS, WEATHER
Time to readiness	several weekends of research and shopping	a few orders, the checklist is still yours	straight away	straight away
Risk of missing an item from the gov.pl list	high, it's easy to overlook something	medium	low	lowest, equipment divided into 8 modules
Delivery and returns	depends on the store(s)	delivery cost depends on the order value, 30 days to return	Free shipping across the EU, 30 days to return, 24 months warranty	Free shipping across the EU, 30 days to return, 24 months warranty
Installments	usually unavailable for small purchases	depends on the store	Klarna (in selected countries): pay now or in installments; you'll see the terms at checkout.	Klarna (in selected countries): pay now or in installments; you'll see the terms at checkout.

See the kits: HELP BAG BASIC: 399,99 € · HELP BAG MAX PRO: 718,99 €.

8 HELP BAG modules in practice: how the gov.pl list translates into a ready-made kit

The HELP BAG MAX PRO kit divides more than 100 items into 8 labeled modules made of TITAN SHIELD™ 600D material. The modules cover most of the categories on the gov.pl list, which makes it easy to see what is missing, and a single module can be taken separately if you do not need the whole kit. No kit will pack your documents, cash and personal medications for you.

FOOD & WATER: food and water

Reflects the government recommendations on water and ready-to-eat food [3] [4]. Water is heavy and takes up a lot of space, so it's worth combining a small supply with the means to purify it. Available separately in the shop: BDH 200 g energy bar, SkyWater isotonic gel and 480 ml water container.

FIRST AID: first aid kit

Basic dressings and first aid supplies from the gov.pl list [3] [5]. This is a module worth supplementing with any medication you or your household take regularly, no ready-made kit can anticipate that automatically. Available separately in the shop: tourniquet as a supplement to the first aid kit.

ELECTRONICS: electronics and power

A radio, power bank and cables, that is, what gov.pl lists in the communication and power category [3] [5]. Electronics should be checked and recharged regularly. Available separately in the store: USB-C headlamp, Signal One 5000 mAh dynamo radio.

ESCAPE: evacuation

Tools that help with the escape itself from a smoke-filled or blocked room or vehicle. Available separately in the store: rescue hammer with a light and a cutter.

SLEEP: overnight stay

Sleeping bag, mat and protection from the cold, in line with the gov.pl recommendations on clothing and protection from the weather [3] [5]. Available separately in the store: sleeping bag, emergency sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat.

HYGIENE: hygiene

Hygiene and disinfecting products for when there is no running water, one of the categories listed explicitly by gov.pl [3] [5].

TOOLS: tools

Multitool, repair tape, saw and shovel: tools for makeshift repairs and improvised shelter. The gov.pl list also mentions a multitool and tapes [3] [4]. Available separately in the store: multitool TITANIUM, wood saw, repair tape.

WEATHER: weather protection

Protection from rain and cold, in line with the gov.pl list [3] [4]. Available separately in the store: rain poncho.

The MAX PRO backpack with full equipment weighs approx. 9.5 kg and has a capacity of 35-55 liters, and the kit also includes the HELP BAG emergency box measuring 54 x 37 x 35 cm. Need more room in a specific module? Modules EXTRA STORAGE can be purchased separately.

The most common mistakes when putting together an evacuation kit

1. No regular review. Batteries discharge, food and medications have expiration dates, and without a check once every few months, a “ready” kit may not be ready at all after a year. A simple checklist in your calendar solves this problem.
2. Too heavy a backpack. A kit that cannot be lifted and carried comfortably for an extended period does not serve its purpose, especially when it is carried by a child or an older person. The weight of the whole kit is one of the first things worth checking before buying.
3. A single source of light and power. It is worth having at least two independent ones (torch + powered radio, power bank): if one fails or runs out of charge, the other still works.
4. Leaving out documents and cash. During a blackout, card terminals and cash machines may not work, and a copy of your documents on a USB stick can significantly shorten formalities later on.
5. A kit kept only at home. It is worth considering an additional, smaller kit for the car or work: we spend part of the day away from home, and danger does not always find us in our own flat.
6. Too difficult to access. A kit hidden deep in the basement or on the top shelf of a wardrobe loses its purpose: it should be within reach in a matter of seconds, as close to the exit door as possible.

HELP BAG BASIC or MAX PRO: which variant to choose

HELP BAG BASIC (399,99 €, approx. 6.5 kg) is a compact kit: a backpack with an EXTRA STORAGE module and 31 items of equipment, including, among others, an emergency sleeping bag, an FFP2/KN95 mask, a multitool, a 10 000 mAh power bank, a hand-crank radio, a headlamp and a first aid kit. It is a good choice to start with or as a second kit (car, work).

HELP BAG MAX PRO (718,99 €, approx. 9.5 kg with full equipment) comprises more than 100 items in 8 labeled modules plus a transport box, TITAN SHIELD™ 600D material, and written references from State Fire Service (PSP) headquarters and Częstochowa City Hall (see the scans). More than 5000 HELP BAG kits have already been chosen by households, businesses and institutions. Designed and assembled in Poland. It is the choice for those who want a complete kit once and done properly, without having to buy missing items later.

Both variants: free delivery throughout the European Union, 30 days to return, a 24-month warranty, and orders placed on business days by 10:00 are shipped the same day (InPost, DHL or FedEx). Klarna (in selected countries): pay now or in installments; you'll see the terms at checkout.

If you don't know where to start: BASIC works well as a first, compact kit or an additional kit for a car or office. MAX PRO makes sense when you want to settle the matter once for an entire home or family, with equipment divided into 8 modules, without buying individual items later (you add documents, cash and personal medications yourself).

Frequently asked questions

How long does the readiness provided by an evacuation kit last?

The standard figure is 72 hours: that is how long a backpack is meant to last so you can get through the first days of a crisis (gov.pl, PSP Poznań [3]). The HELP BAG MAX PRO kit is assembled specifically for this period.

How many people is one evacuation kit enough for?

It depends on water and food consumption and the specific situation: there's no fixed, universal number here. For a larger family, it's worth considering more than one kit, or buying an extra module EXTRA STORAGE or individual products from the FOOD & WATER category.

What should be included in an evacuation kit according to government guidelines?

Documents and finances, water with purification options, ready-to-eat food, lighting and power, a first aid kit and hygiene items, clothing and weather protection, plus basic tools. Full list above, source: gov.pl [3] [4] [5]. These are general guidelines, regardless of whether you put the kit together yourself or buy a ready-made one.

What's the difference between an evacuation backpack and a survival backpack?

An evacuation backpack responds to specific, predictable civilizational threats (blackout, flood, having to leave home) and is meant to be ready to grab immediately, with no packing needed. A survival backpack usually assumes a longer and more open-ended scenario.

How much does a sensible evacuation kit cost?

Ready-made HELP BAG kits start at 399,99 € (BASIC) and 718,99 € (MAX PRO). Putting one together yourself can be cheaper to start with, but it takes time and research, and increases the risk of missing something from the gov.pl list. You'll find a full comparison of all four routes (from scratch, individual products, BASIC, MAX PRO) in the table above, together with a real pricing example.

Can HELP BAG MAX PRO be bought in installments?

Klarna (in selected countries): pay now or in installments; you'll see the terms at checkout.

How quickly do you ship an order and how much does delivery cost?

Orders placed on business days by 10:00 are shipped the same day. Delivery is free throughout the European Union, shipped via InPost, DHL or FedEx.

Can I return the kit if it turns out not to suit me?

Yes, you have 30 days to return it, counted from the day you receive the package. BASIC and MAX PRO kits are covered by a 24-month warranty.

What's the difference between HELP BAG BASIC and MAX PRO?

BASIC is a compact kit (approx. 6.5 kg, 31 items, backpack + EXTRA STORAGE module) for 399,99 €. MAX PRO comprises more than 100 items in 8 labeled modules (approx. 9.5 kg) plus a transport box for 718,99 €.

Where should you store the evacuation kit?

Near the exit of your home or in the trunk of your car, so that you can grab it within a dozen or so seconds. Remember to review it once every few months; useful for this are the ready-made HELP BAG checklists in digital form.

HELP BAG kits

You don't need to put anything together from scratch. HELP BAG BASIC and HELP BAG MAX PRO are designed and assembled in Poland. Orders placed on business days by 10:00 are shipped the same day, with free delivery throughout the EU and a 30-day return period. See also the full HELP BAG store range, including individual modules and accessories, if you'd rather match the equipment to a backpack you already own.

Sources

• [1] rp.pl, „RCB alert across Poland. Services warn: be prepared” (31.07.2026): link
• [2] rp.pl / IBRiS survey, „Who is already packing an evacuation backpack?” (February 2026): link
• [3] gov.pl / Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service (PSP) in Poznań, „Evacuation / safety backpack”: link
• [4] gov.pl, MSWiA Safety Guide, „Evacuation”: link
• [5] gov.pl / Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Office, „Evacuation backpack”: link
• [6] Safety guide of the MON, MSWiA and RCB (2025), p. 20: link

Facts about HELP BAG products verified live in the helpbag.eu store.