My kit will definitely have an emergency kitten! But seriously, this is a good idea, recent events or no.

Part 2 of this is Emergency Kit for Kittens. Most cats I know (ok, I only know like 3 cats) require more than food and carrier for comfortable survival (e.g. laser pointer).

My dad is really into bullshit like this. He's so ready for anything, he even has an inflatable raft in the trunk of his car in case he has to cross some rivers getting home when 'it goes down'.

I have something similar -- My MacGyver Emergency Preparedness Kit. It's a Ziploc bag with a Swiss Army knife and a bunch of paperclips.

I think my cat would happily chill in a cat backpack like this: http://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Sport-Wheels-…
as I trudge across the wasteland.

I don't see vodka, tonic and limes on your list!

Alison, you're advice is nifty, if you happen to be at home when it hits. But most people are away from home 8-12 hours/day. Here is a small kit you can keep with you at all times.

Water filtration "pen"
LED flashlight
1/2 dozen "Power bars"
sturdy pocket-knife
Disposable dust-mask
Disposable poncho
"Space blanket"

Weighs less than 2 pounds. Fits in the side-pocket of my knapsack, costs about $30 total, rarely more than 10 feet away, and, I think leaves me better prepared than about 90%.

Of course, getting hit with a 30-foot wall of water moving at 30 mph negates all prep. If that happens, you are fucked, you will die.

Are you suggesting my neighborhood bar will be closed in an emergency?

I think the real challenge w/ both the home kit and the to-go kit: not eating the emergency food on any normal (aka "disaster-free") day.

Also, ROM, I expected that carrier to look more Mad Max and the Thunderdome. Disappointed.

Rotate the emergency food out about every six months to a year. Those 5 gallon square water coleman water jugs are the cheapest way to go. But remember to rotate the tap water out of them every 6 months.

If you don't have an emergency kit just ask to clean out the basement of someone who once went to burningman.

McAngryPants is on the right track. And supplies aren't the only thing, you need to keep important survival information at hand as well. You may want to jot this down.

You put the lime in the coconut, drink them both up,
You put the lime in the coconut, drink them both up,
You put the lime in the coconut, drink them both up,
Put the lime in the coconut, you such a silly woman!,
Put the lime in the coconut, drink them both together,
Put the lime in the coconut, then you feel better.
Put the lime in the coconut, drink them both down
Put the lime in the coconut, and call me in the morning.

Natasha did a fantastic job with her list above. And McAngryPants and Fruit Cup aren't far from wrong -- you DO want to have at least a few items that will make you feel comfortable in your kit (think Cougar Gold canned cheese or freeze-dried ice cream) and a neighborhood coffee shop or restaurant makes for a great emergency meeting place.

Couple of other thoughts: We encourage "preparedness potlucks," where you invite a group of people to bring quantities of one preparedness kit item. You all swamp what you've brought and -- voila! -- a complete disaster kit (or at least the start of one) is formed for each guest.

We've got a ton of tips online as well. There's a free interactive preparedness class at www.oregonredcross.org/beredcrossready and there are earthquake tips at www.oregonredcross.org/earthquakes. Feel free to also check out our blog: www.oregonredcross.org/blog or follow us on Twitter @RedCrossPDX. We talk about preparedness a lot, but we really try hard to make it empowering, not intimidating!

Lise Harwin
Communications Director
Oregon Trail Chapter
American Red Cross