>>I would be interested in seeing a list of what you carry to battle the odds. You could start a new topic since this one is more about books and it might get lost when looking for informaiton in the future.<<<br><br>Good idea, will do.<br><br>I don’t want to imply that I’m carrying this now (I’m not working in the city at the moment- that could change) or that I’ve gotten everything in the list- though I think I have almost all of it.<br><br>Keep in mind this assumes you're far from vehicle and home.<br><br>So, here’s a start:<br><br>Outside the kit:<br><br>I always carry a mobile phone. In a generalized emergency, though, you’ll probably find the “lines” jammed with callers. Keep trying, though, as they can clear up in seconds, and be jammed again seconds later. Digital phones should fall back to analog if you’re in the boonies.<br><br>It goes without saying that a multitool is even more useful in the city- but don't forget that in some cities the knife blade can cause trouble with the law. <br><br>In winter, I always carried a fleece cap and neckover in the pouch. Per ounce, insulating your head is the best deal.<br><br>I also carried a Totes pocket umbrella- very small, flat, light, more so than most rain gear, is faster, and can save getting soaked, which is worth a lot.<br><br>In the kit:<br>________________________<br>Money. Probably the most generally useful thing you can have in the city, emergency or no. I’m thinking three $20 bills, four $10 bills, and enough change for three local pay phone calls. Reserved for emergencies only. Split up the carry when you need it.<br><br>Phone card- prepaid calling card for long distance.<br><br>Pocket knife- to taste, as large as the local laws allow. In DC I believe that’s a three inch blade.<br><br>Paper printout with as many emergency numbers as you can think of, including friends and relatives, in small print. Use boths sides. Include local cab companies. Cabs will get you out (see MONEY above) when the police are too busy to respond.<br><br>Flashlight- I used to carry a Mag-Lite solitaire (single AAA), these days I have a Photon III in white, and I intend to get another in green, each to be programmed differently. Flashlights have come in handy at least twice already in the city.<br><br>Compass- it’s very easy to get disoriented in the city, especially with subways, and you often can't see the sky. I have several, but I think I’d pick the Suunto Clipper, as it’s the smallest with a wristband, so you can check it on the move without pausing. You won’t be taking bearings, you just need to be oriented.<br><br>Map of the city. One page. Doesn’t have to have a lot of detail, but must show the streets and major routes. Firehouses and police stations would be a big plus. Make sure it extends into territory you know.<br><br>Iodine tablets- see my remarks about the history of D.C. tap water.<br><br>Water bottle- I have one of the Platypus flexible bag/bottles that rolls up. In a pinch, for reserve capacity, you can crush Evian water bottles so that they’re a squat disk with a neck, blow them up and use them again a surprising number of times. <br><br>Micro-FM radio- one of the new coin-cell radios that weigh under an ounce and cost less than $10, with earbuds. They work. It could be very useful to know where the riot is, or the fire, the flooding, or whatever, and they can be worn on the move.<br><br>P38 can opener- the classic. There’s more chance of needing this in the city than anywhere.<br><br>ACR emergency whistle. As loud as some others, but much flatter. Might startle an attacker, but mostly think “trapped in the rubble”.<br><br>Mini-Bic lighter or similar. Fire is basic anywhere. I have waterproof lighters, but none are as light as these little 2.5 inch disposables.<br><br>Writing utensil- pencil or small pen. I actually carry a tiny silver ballpoint clipped in the fold of my wallet- saves ever worrying about it.<br><br>Tiny Post-it notes: can be used for taking notes, or for leaving them for others, or as bread crumbs a la Hansel & Gretel in buildings or subway.<br><br>Tiny folding reading glasses. Ok, that’s just me. But if you need them…<br><br>Leatherman Mini. For backup if you have another, but it’s legal anywhere, and very small.<br><br>Spare keys for vehicle and home. Don’t want to make it all the way back and be arrested for breaking into your own property.<br><br>Safety pins, needles and thread.<br><br>Plastic garbage bag- some rain and wind protection.<br>_______________________<br>I think that’s it. I can supply more info on each item, or my rationale.<br><br>One thing that came to mind just recently- I was checking the vehicle kit, and noticed that my chemical heating pads are near expiration (it’s been years). These are non-toxic pads that, on exposure to air, heat up to over 130 degrees and stay hot up to 20 hours, depending on the “model”. On visiting the website, I see that they have a fleece headband, double thickness over the ears, with pockets for the mini-handwarmer versions. Altogether small and light, but with this, I think you might face a night that has others in hypothermia in relative comfort.<br><br>Comments welcome.<br><br>