Hi Kitty,

Love your show, listen to it daily.

Finally picked up my First Aid kit today. Thanks for the encouragement to helping us get motivated to prepare for the worst.

It's hard, b/c as I was figuring out what I would need if my wife and I are alone for days; it's tempting to not want to even think about it. "Out of sight, out of mind".

Will pick things up little by little. Thanks again.

Best regards,
Jose Martinez

I think a duffle bag on wheels might be more suitable for someone like me who might have to escape by bus or train. (I'm one of those "carless" people like those in New Orleans.)

There's a lot of good lists on the Internet. One suggestion I read was to get 12 of those single-serving cans of high-protein drinks and 12 single-serving cans of V-8 or similar. (Per person) This would give you both water and nutrition. I noticed V-8 is making a high-vitamin version now that is also slightly lower in sodium. ("A-C-E Vitamin Rich")

Another thing, which I do, is have five gallon water jugs delivered to my apt., and I keep 3 of them rotating in my kitchen so in an emergency, I don't have to go out to stock up on water. The delivery company sold me a hand pump which fits on top of the jug so no heavy lifting is required other than to get them from the front door. (They can be rolled on their sides if necessary.)

The big "list of lists" is at http://www.survival-center.com/dl-list/dl1-toc.htm

I'm using an old army ammo container to store the fragile things in my emergency kit. Things like the spare eyeglasses, the first aid kit and the wind up radio. Another thing that doesn't fit in the trash can is the long steel pry bar that I got very cheaply at Home Depot. The thought of some loved one trapped in a collapsed house drove that purchase.

You asked about ideas for doing this on as little money as possible.

Aside from the obvious, like thrift stores & Big Lots, army surplus stores are often good, less expensive sources for more exotic things like water purification tablets and space blankets.

Tea light candles can be found at Ikea or Big Lots by the bagful for a couple of bucks, or the small caterers' fuel & wick canisters can be bought at Smart & Final for not much more (I doubt either of these would generate enough heat to boil water, but they would warm food and hands) -- don't forget the strike anywhere matches. A lot of experts recommend a signal/personal mirror -- I like to use an old CD because it's good enough, makes a good signal device, is unbreakable and free (put it in a baggie for protection from scratches).

I'd watch for post-holiday sales (such as after Halloween) and buy a few chemical light sticks on clearance -- they can be stored for years and are good for a few hours of light or signaling (or B&B Hardware in Culver City sells 12-hour versions for $1 each). I also like the little solar lights sold for yards -- you can find the simple ones on sale for under $10 at hardware stores - no substitute for a good flashlight, but a better longterm general light source.

Hopefully, the gas for going around to all those different sources doesn't eat up your savings!