Short answer. Iceland's emergency kit (viðlagakassi) follows the Icelandic Red Cross programme "3 dagar – Ertu klár?", which Almannavarnir refers households to 12. It covers at least three days: at least 3 litres of water per person per day, tinned and dry food, a stove, light, a radio, cash for three days, medicines, hygiene products and key documents 1.
What is on the official Icelandic list?
The list below follows the Red Cross programme page, its printable checklist and its English version 134. Quantities are given only where the source gives one.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Drinking water (also plan water for flushing the toilet); stored water keeps 1 year in sealed containers 1 | At least 3 litres per person per day |
| Tinned food 1 | For everyone in the household, people and animals, for at least 3 days |
| Dry food with a long shelf life, e.g. pasta, noodles 1 | For at least 3 days |
| Tin opener 3 | 1 |
| Camping stove, gas hob or gas barbecue 1 | Not specified |
| Gas canister 3 | Not specified |
| Torch, with batteries stored separately and replaced regularly 1 | Not specified |
| Batteries 3 | Not specified |
| Candles and matches or a lighter 1 | Not specified |
| Wind-up or battery-powered radio, with spare batteries 1 | Not specified |
| Cash (cards and ATMs may not work) 1 | Enough for at least 3 days |
| Medicines: daily medicines and painkillers 1 | Not specified |
| First-aid kit 1 | 1 |
| Hygiene products: toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, nappies, sanitary products, wet wipes, bags for personal hygiene 1 | Not specified |
| Blankets 3 | Not specified |
| Charger and a charged power bank 1 | Not specified |
| Multi-tool and strong repair (duct) tape 1 | Not specified |
| List of important phone numbers 3 | 1 |
| Passports, driving licences and other irreplaceable documents 1 | Not applicable |
| Pet food, water, carrier and any pet medication 4 | Food for 3 days |
What did the older Almannavarnir list add?
An older Almannavarnir list also names a first-aid booklet, a whistle, a USB stick with key documents and photos, kitchen roll, dust masks, a large plastic bag, spare car and house keys, clothes, and tools (hammer, crowbar, shovel) 2. Our volcanic ash guide explains when dust masks are used, with its own sources.
What goes in the car?
Almannavarnir recommends a smaller kit in the car: a blanket, water, energy bars, a first-aid kit with a seat-belt cutter, a small shovel, a torch, a whistle, and matches and candles in a tin 25. Our winter car kit explains the general principles.
How should the kit be kept?
The official guidance gives two maintenance points: store torch batteries separately and replace them regularly, and keep stored water in sealed containers, where it keeps for one year 1. For rotating food and other items, see food shelf life, first-aid kits and emergency lighting.
How much each household needs depends on its size; the Iceland supplies page explains the three-day baseline.
Turn this list into your plan
The official list above is the reference, and you can assemble everything on it yourself. The Phaenyx plan counts each line for your household, adds the risks around your home and comes with the Phaenyx Safe app. Build your Phaenyx plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a viðlagakassi?
It is the Icelandic name for a household emergency kit. Almannavarnir says every home should have one and refers people to the Red Cross "3 dagar" programme 21.
Can I print the Icelandic checklist?
Yes. The Red Cross publishes a printable checklist (PDF) and an English version of the programme 34.
Does the list include iodine tablets?
No. Iceland's health authorities said in 2022 that households have no reason to buy them; see the Iceland iodine page.
How much cash should I keep?
Enough for at least three days, because cards and ATMs may not work 1.
Sources
- Rauði krossinn á Íslandi — 3 dagar - Ertu klár? — https://www.raudikrossinn.is/verkefni/innanlandsverkefni/hamfarir-og-neydaradstod/3-dagar-ertu-klar/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Almannavarnir (Ríkislögreglustjóri) — Forvarnir og fræðsla — https://www.almannavarnir.is/forvarnir-og-fraedsla/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Rauði krossinn á Íslandi — Það er mikilvægt að öll heimili landsins geti komist af í að minnsta kosti 3 daga. (Viðlagakassi prentanlegur listi) — https://www.raudikrossinn.is/media/30fh3vkd/ertu-klar-listi.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Rauði krossinn á Íslandi (Icelandic Red Cross) — 3 days - are you prepared? — https://www.raudikrossinn.is/english/projects/domestic-projects/disaster-services-and-emergency-relief/3-days-are-you-prepared/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Almannavarnir (Ríkislögreglustjóri) — Heimilið: Forvarnir og viðbragð — https://www.almannavarnir.is/heimilid/ (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Iceland, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Rauði krossinn á Íslandi · 3 dagar - Ertu klár? checked 2026-10-20
- Almannavarnir (Ríkislögreglustjóri) · Forvarnir og fræðsla checked 2026-10-20
- Rauði krossinn á Íslandi · Það er mikilvægt að öll heimili landsins geti komist af í að minnsta kosti 3 daga. (Viðlagakassi prentanlegur listi) checked 2026-10-20
- Rauði krossinn á Íslandi (Icelandic Red Cross) · 3 days - are you prepared? checked 2026-10-20
- Almannavarnir (Ríkislögreglustjóri) · Heimilið: Forvarnir og viðbragð checked 2026-10-20