Sorry, Chris, no matches under the nails today, as you're quite right. And so is Sheepdog.

You need to keep it simple and familiar, tailoring it to HER, not to you or anyone else. The likelihood of her carrying a 40# pack is probably nonexistent. Her most likely scenario is that she will be grouped with other people in a shelter or an open place like a park.

How old is she? Does she work? Is her car usually parked in a multilevel structure that could collapse? Does she have much-loved pets? What's her favorite color?

I would get a couple of nylon bags in her favorite color, that she can easily carry. She won't feel so silly if her friends see them, or if she has to carry them if they look like luggage. Can you find some that come with & without extension handle & wheels, so you can extend one & strap the second one on top?

Cover the basics: shelter (if her car isn't available, a simple tarp shelter & closed-cell foam mat?), heat (chemical hand & foot warmers?), water, food that doesn't require cooking, comfortable shoes, extra socks, warm clothes & hat, tea bags or instant coffee, her own mug & spoon, comfort food, pre-moistened hand & bath wipes, toothbrush & paste, handtowel & washcloth, dups of her favorite cosmetics, a couple of favorite paperbacks, extra regular & reading glasses if appropriate, sleep mask & soft earplugs, chemical handwarmers, first aid kit. Also simple firestarters; if she doesn't use them, she might be camped near someone who can, that will help her. Being one of the few people in a wet park at night that has firemaking equipment can make you really popular in a hurry.

One of the most important things you can do is find out from the local authorities how they intend to deal with prospective disasters. Tell them you have an elderly mother (even if she's not), & you want to educate her on what to do and where to go if a calamity occurs and you're not around. Write it down & include it in her bag, point out that it's there. Mark on a city map where likely shelters would be, or open parks where they might set up tents or safe places to park a car, etc. Drive to unfamiliar places and point them out. It is said that brushing a map with Thompson's Water Seal will waterproof it.

If she has a small pet, get a nylon carrier for it (like one of these: http://www.petco.com/Productlisting.asp?...amp;Dept_ID=524 ) --make sure it opens at the TOP at least, preferably one that has a pocket. If it doesn't have a pocket, get one that can be attached without fuss with cable ties, & add a copy of the leash & harness she uses or that fits, 1 or 2 small collapsible food/water dishes, food, fleece blanket & copies of rabies certificate. Get the pet microchipped AND have a couple of extra ID tags made with multiple-contact phone numbers (incl. her vet's). Put some on the carrier, too. And put the chip # somewhere there, too.

Now, all of you who know shelters don't take pets, don't get all whacked out of shape. A shelter in CA started taking pets last year, & if they're smart, that trend will continue. She could find someone who will take her pets. My main point is that if you plan for the pets, she is much more likely to go with your other ideas. With supplies & her pets, she could shelter in her car, if necessary.

Schwert is in the Seattle area, have you checked out his great info? Part One is at http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=171; Part Two is at http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=172 and both are full of useful information.

Sue