The recommended emergency 72 hour "Go Kit" here in DC as recommended by the local govt. does not include a knife:
http://eic.rrc.dc.gov/eic/cwp/view.asp?a=1272&q=568088&cat=3It appears that they are following the recommendations of the Dept of Homeland Security, which also does not include a blade of any type in their recommended kit:
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdfI would find a blade to be one of the essential items necessary for a emergency kit. Is this an oversight, or do they view a knife as a liability?