Fortunately, we only have to worry about weather here in the northeast. Or terrorist attack, as we are currently under a semi-secret alert in our area.

Getting stuck in traffic for hours is no fun. I know, I just went through this today as several highways and major boulevards are closed due to flooding. But at least you have movement, even if it is measured in meters per hour instead of miles. You come to realize the wisdom of packing quart-size bottles of Gatorade, as the empty bottles are a convenient option -- at least for guys -- when the nearest rest room is too far off to contemplate. For the females in my company, though there were none today, I pack a "Freshette" female urination director, which with some care, extends the convenience of the Gatorade bottle option to those lacking exterior plumbing. A good supply of napkins and pre-moistoned wipes is a recommended accessory.

The Gatorade rests in one of my favorite Jeep accessories, a 12V/DC Engel refrigerator in the cargo area, along with bottles of spring water. 4 quarts of Gatorade and 4 half-liter bottles of water fill the 14-quart cooler nicely (how do that measure that?). Unfortunately, the fridge does not prevent things from freezing in the winter, but the bottles are tough enough to withstand multiple freeze/thaw cycles without bursting or leaking. Since I normally drink one bottle every day or two, rotating fresh stock is not a problem.

Two years ago Costco was selling First Aid Only brand survival kits. These included a 2400-calorie lifeboat ration, six 0.25L packets of water, hand warmers, mylar blanket, disposable poncho and some other baubles for $16 each. I bought two for each vehicle, added some extras and mounted them under the front driver's and passenger's seat. There's also a good FAK, LED flashlight, jumper cables, multi-tool, wrecking bar, folding snow shovel, tow strap, signal flares and triangles, and a dry bag containing a micro-fleece blanket and two sets each of insulated leather gloves, micro-fleece toques, and wool socks stowed either under the rear seat or in the trunk. These things are considered part of the vehicle, just like the jack and spare tire, so even if one of the kids goes out with no other preparation, they have some minimal survival items.

Then I have my GHB. I'd like each of the kids to have a GHB in their vehicle, but they have resisted the idea. I tried just putting GHB's together for them and putting them in their vehicles, and they shortly found their way into the garage or storage shed to make room for one thing or another. After a few cycles I gave up.

My GHB includes 2 changes of underwear/socks/liners, one complete change of clothing, a mid-weight base layer, mylar sleeping bag, thermal sleeping bag liner, inflatable mattress, tarp/poncho, non-perishable food, alcohol stove w/8oz fuel, FAK, multi-tool, flashlight, cash and other essentials to either survive in my car or on foot for 3 days.