I have three big tubs and a 5 gallon bucket filled with disaster stuff.

First, the important papers (insurance, birth certificates, drivers licenses, car titles) have been scanned and burned to CDs There is a CD in each tub. We also made photocopies and sent to my mother-in-law.

Two of the tubs each have 12 MREs and two 12 packs of canned water along with cans of apple juice and cans of fruit. plus cat food and a disposable kitty litter pans. Also a deck of cards, pencils, a notebook and tolietries and one of the mega rolls of charmin. There is enough in each to last two people a week.

One tub has clothes, a blow up mattress, bedding, emergency candles, flashlight, etc.

Finally the 5 gallon bucket has an entrenching tool, toliet paper, plastic bags and chemicals to make it a chemical toliet.

When we travel we take a cooler full of frozen water bottles, jerkey, fresh fruit and some 'survival' bars. I keep toliet paper in my car trunk.

I grew up on the North on a farm that was 60 miles from the nearest town. I learned from an early age that being prepared was important.

I was once trapped in my car during a blizzard and was able to survive.

i live in a small town where people actually reach out and help each other. between the church and the volunteer fire dept and the community center, people look after each other.

i found that out a year ago when an ice storm took out the power for 72 hours and it was below zero overnight. i stayed here in the house to keep water running so the pipes wouldnt freeze, but i also walked to the fire house for warmth and light and food and i had friends who banded together and shared food and warmth. i sent my daughter to her father's--he has a wood stove. i snuggled up here with the animals. my african violets froze on the kitchen table. but i was not isolated. people are still good and do help each other in times of need, at least they do here in this tiny corner of the world.

the only thing i make sure i have is candles and matches. and i work for a candle maker.

I keep giving my neighbors choice cuts of beef. I want to fatten them up in just in case I need them. ;-)

It's the pure light of love shining from your eyes that attracts people to you, KevinR. lolol....