"So do I sound like a paranoid doomsdayer, or is this an appropriate place to address my concerns. thanks, sorry if this was too long."<br><br>NO MAM! You are a prudent and forward thinking mother who is concerned with the welfare of her family. Plain and simple!<br><br>"1. To gather my family quickly and have supplies packed and ready to go for evacuation. (Fire,tornando, flood, gang taking over-whatever) To be able to live out of my car long enough for me to get to a safe place. I have packed a 72 hour bag."<br><br>Do you know your major evacuation routes with backup routes? Do you have at least two pre-determined destinations? Cell phone? Do you keep your gas tank full, etc.?<br><br>"2. To be able to live on what I have in my house for awhile if we can't leave or get to store. (snow/icestorms, financial ruin, anything that would force us to stay at home)"<br><br>Generally speaking you are better off staying with your home if at all possible. You do not want to be caught up in the middle or tail end of an evacuation. Home is where most of us feel comfortable and safe. Home is where friends and family are. Backpack survivalists are a rare breed. It is tough enough doing it on your own, adding kids (what ages?) would make it very difficult.<br><br>Here are some links to sites that you may be interested in:<br><br>http://ubb.plainsmanscabin.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi<br><br>http://pub16.ezboard.com/blibertyquestandfreedomboard<br><br><br><br>