oh thats my favorite topic.... I get paid to tell people how they should be prepared for a disastsr so yeah I consider myself very much prepared with my 72 hour emergency kit for home and car in case I have to evacuate or shelter-in-place.
Everytime I go to a new building, I look around to see the fire exits and make a mental note of them.. i am so used to it now that it has become a second nature!!
For people who mentioned candles, please dun overstock candles, rather invest in finger touch flashlights with a few extra batteries in hand.. here is a list of things that I have in my kit: 1) 3 day supply of food - non-perishable such as canned goods (with of course a manual can opener) 2) water (3 gallons) 3)Flash light - 6 in 1 (compass, thermometer, whistle, storage,magnifying glass) 4)lots of extra batteries that I replace every six months 5)First aid kit 6)Dust mask 7)Wrench/pliers/duct tape 8)personal sanitary stuff 9)extra pair of clothes/socks/shoes 10)Thermal blanket 11) water proof matches 12)copy of all my documents 13)some cash and an old cell phone (In my state, you can dial 911 from your old cell phone and it would go through even if its not activated)
I have it all in a backpack and in case I have to leave the house for an emergency.. I pick up my bag and out my door!!!
I work in emergency preparedness so I do have other comprehensive ready to go kits to set up shelters and such.. I didnt even go in those details so I highly recommend having a basic kit for your family.. if someone needs more information I can definitely help you out!
If you have older parents or grandparents, make sure you have an extra prescription medicine, extra pair of glasses, hearing aid or anything that they use on regular basis... there are legal ways to obtain prescription medicine in advance!
oh man I can go on and on about personal emergency preparedness.. point is it's IMPORTANT and considering the time we are living in, we should always be prepared for a disaster!
Not prepared at all but good post.