I don't know if I have identified specifically what I am preparing for. I do know I am not preparing for TEOTWAWKI. Too invovled for me.

I would say my primary goal is to have enough supplies and information on hand for my family to easily survive and thrive in our home for several weeks without utilities and resupply from normal commerical stores. I assume the roads will be unpassable or unreliable. I expect the weather to be severe so we keep alternate heating, cooking, lighting, and water supplies on hand. The kids and I periodically take out various supplies and test them in the backyard as a game. They learn and the equipment gets tested.

I expect there to be everyday problems as my family goes about our life. So in the vehicle I carry supplies to help us cope. My oldest playes sports and occasionally gets injured. So far he has twisted both ankles and broken his arm. The splint kit with ice pack has been used several times. The weather turns cooler than expected so I have extra wind breakers, blankets, candles and matches in the car. I keep a folding shovel to help dig us out when at the beach or if slide off the road in the winter. During the warmer months I usually have several additional water bottles in the vehicle.

As part of a Search and Rescue team I go hiking about in unfamilar terrority. Everything from suburban neighborhoods, to large farm fields and acres of timber. I carry supplies to allow me to "camp out if I get turned around and a might confused" while searching.

When my family goes on road trips, I throw an extra duffle in the vehicle with tow straps, road flares, extra tools, jackets, etc just in case something unexpected happens. I have road maps of our state and the 5 nearest states in the vehicle.

When we go to the beach or lake, I bring along life jackets for every family member. I am out of shape and practice but I completed life guard training years ago. I train swiftwater rescue techniques with the rescue squad on a regular basis which includes basic life guard skills.

A week ago I took a building collapse shoring class as part of my rescue squad training. I have about half the state required materials for building collapse for a rescue squad on hand at my house in case I need to "help out" around the neighbordhood.

I used to be an EMT. I keep a a basic first aid around most of the time and keep more indepth supplies at home. My wife took 40 hr First Responder class back in the late 80's. She is a good helper but does not remember much of the class.

As part of a technical rescue team that provides building collapse, confined space, trench, swiftwater, rope, and search response, I train constantly to keep my skills current. At the same time I want my family to be able to care for itself when I am called away to help others.

I would say that I try to live the Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared" by always having a few things available. I identify exits and stairways when entering buildings, I count doorways between my hotel room and the stairway so can find the stairs in the dark crawling on my hands in a smoke covered hallway. I choose parking spots that are under the light when using public parking. I try to always have at least $20 cash on hand to handle the unexpected. I look at the indicator dial on fire extingishers as a I walk by to see if they are still charged. I occassionally check the inspection card to see when last inspected. I carry a Leatherman everyday.