Given the wake-up call issued by Katrinia, I don't know how we (ETS) can discuss preparedness on any level without including longer-term preparations in the discussion. Don't think any of us would want to face the next few months in New Orleans with just an Altoids tin crammed with goodies, or even a moderately well-stocked BOB. Events of this magnitude require a different preparedness mindset.

Put in context, Katrina's devastation may well be a one-in-a-thousand event, but on the other hand, thinking like "it can never happen to us" is partly responsible for the current plight in New Orlean's and other impacted areas.

I have every confidence that participants on this forum can and would conduct themselves appropriately.