Being the great son I am, I've decided to assemble a survival kit of sorts as a gift for my mother (and another for my aunt). As my father is a fireman, he has been at work during just about every flood, hurricane, ice storm or other natural disaster that has hit us in recent years. Thus, Mom's home alone unless I convince her to stay with us. This will not be a survival kit as defined by many of the seasoned folks on this site, but is more of a "Power Outage Emergency Kit." As such, many of the essentials will be absent. I just can't conjure up an image of my mother using brass wire to snare an animal for food, if you know what I mean. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've begun the list and the process of collecting the items, but would really appreciate any suggested additions or deletions from the collective wisdom here. I plan to keep the kits relatively small -- probably to be put into a clear Pelican 1040 box or something like that.

Anyway, here's what I have so far. For the generic stuff (e.g. folding knife) I haven't settled on a specific brand yet. Thanks for any thoughts.

FIRE

lighter
Waterproof / windproof matches
emergency candle

MEDICAL

dust mask
bandages - adhesive - 10
burn gel - 2
sting swabs - 3
antiseptic wipes - 4
antibiotic gel - 4
gauze
2x2 bandages - 4
3x3 bandages - 2
medical tape
advil
excedrin
benadryl
immodium
tweezers
safety pins
first aid card

CLOTHING/SHELTER

heat pack - 2
emergency blanket
duct tape
garbage bag
cord - 50'
rain poncho

COMMUNICATION

Bandana
Photon Freedom LED light (on outside)
Photon clip
signal mirror
PAL survival light (visible through clear lid for finding in dark)
whistle

TOOLS

note pad - waterproof
Leatherman squirt
pen - write anywhere
am/fm radio
spare AAA batteries
magnifying glass
corkscrew (don't ask) <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
folding knife
compass

WATER/FOOD

Power bar
water bags
water sterilizing tablets
ziploc bags

DOCUMENTATION

Emergency info card
survival cards
maps