re: Compass. A compass is no substitute for familiarity with the city, and NYC makes it very, very easy to tell general directions. No idea about NJ though, but a heavy duty compass would be quite redundant in the city.

For NYU, when I was there the SOP was for the main gym to serve as the main shelter. During 9/11 students were told to go there, and they were provided with blankets, food, and water. If she ever needs to bug out, tell her to stop by there first and load up on whatever she's missing, maybe leave a message if possible (I *think* that was also the main communications center during 9/11), then head out. I had a few friends who did this, and it worked well enough for them.