Coins. A friend told me that in the last power outtage in Manhattan, payphones worked when cells and persona/business landlines didn't. He said people were using their cellphones and PDAs to light the lobbies of dark businesses as they searched for payphones.

I'd also have a supply of one dollar bills. You don't want to spend five bucks on a dollar (or less) item when you can't get change from the seller whose cash register won't open.

Let me ask some questions. If you have a power outtage, what are you going to use duct tape and motrin for? Or the train stops in a tunnel, or there's a hazardous materials spill. I'm trying to connect the items to what your needs are. A particle mask I can see - lots of dust from exploding steam pipes, fires, and the like. Bandages and pads I can see because of cuts from broken glass and stuff. None of that happens when the power goes out, though, and that's probably what has happened most often. So I'd have lots of quarters, a flashlight, and dollar bills. And comfortabel shoes. I think you'll be doing a lot of walking.