www.equipped.org - Equipped.org offers an extensive primary preparedness list

www.prepare.org - Red Cross has a disaster supply kit list

www.ready.gov/ - The Dept. Homeland Security also has an emergency supplies list

So, why another list? Simply put, I've tried to pull together the best things from a wide variety of good lists. More importantly, I give links to good products in the list. (I've tried to pick good products which fit within a reasonable budget.) So, I've tried to make the job of collecting items less time-consuming and more fruitful.

1. Water.

This is the most important item. Most people say you'll need 1 gallon per person per day. In my opinion, it's best to buy a lot of bottled water. It's easy to store and easy to keep track of expiration dates. For example, try this: 'Poland Spring Water, 12 Pack Of 8 fl oz Bottles, 96 fl oz'

It's also a good idea to have - and test - some water purification tablets. The best right now as far as I can tell is Katadyn's MP1 tablets: 'Katadyn Micropur MP1 Water Purification Tablets'.

2. Shelter.

This is probably second on the list. Consider getting some of these: '20ft x 25 ft Blue Tarp'.

3. Food.

'A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants : Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guides(R))'
'The Illustrated Guide to Edible Wild Plants'

4. Other Tools and Supplies.

Here's the best multi-tool around. I've got one and I love it.

'Leatherman 830012 Charge XTI Multi-Tool with Nylon Sheath'

'iOSAT Potassium Iodide Tablets, 130 mg (14 Tablets)'

It's a good idea to get an emergency radio such as the Midland WR-300 AM/FM Weather/All Hazards/Civil Emergency Alert Monitor with S.A.M.E.

The Tektite Expedition 300 is a good flashlight balancing brightness and battery life. See 'Tektite Expedition 300, 7 LED'. And as far as I can tell it's smart to use lithium non-chargeable batteries for an emergency situaiton.

'Midland WR-300 AM/FM Weather/All Hazards/Civil Emergency Alert Monitor with S.A.M.E.'

Note: this is a new list and I've got a lot more to list.