I agree, Marty, you can never have too much water, but I can also see problems with storing it, especially with the idea of taking it with you. Right now, I have two full 55 gallon drums of purified water on hand, since I was planning on 'bugging in' if the need hits. The problem is 'bugging out.'
At the time, I was thinking mainly of a big snowstorm, which we've gotten in the past, and 'what if' we get stuck here (in the house). If there's a forced evac, the barrels are staying. I got the barrels because they were cheap (actually, free) and allowed me to store the largest amount of water as quickly as possible. I know smaller containers would be easier to move (and do plan on getting a few), but right now my only car is a small 4-door sedan which will probably be loaded with people (and clothing) if and when we have to go. I am looking into buying a full-size van, thinking both of its storage capability and also being able to sleep in it (if need be). I'd like to store at least two 15-gallon water containers in it, but I have to worry about them freezing during winter (fill them only 80%??).
My 'grab-and-run kit' sits on the top of a second fridge I keep in the basement (It'll probably get moved to the van). In it are some extra clothes, a pair of old boots, hats, gloves, blankets, toothpaste, soap, etc. and my old camping tent (sleeps 5).
I keep a pretty well-stocked shelf of nonperishable food right next to the fridge. I just have to grab a few cans and run. I've got two of those heavy canvas bags on the shelf for just that - just fill'um and run.
As for guns, I keep a Ruger 10-22 in my grab bag. It's got one of those big nylon cable ties threaded through the open action. You'll have to cut it to get a mag seated and a round chambered. Everything else is locked in a gun safe and, hopefully, will stay there.
Again, though I was planning on just 'riding the storm out', the other day my neighbors (Husband, wife, daughter (10), and son (7)) and I go for a walk down on a trail near where we live, an old canal towpath, one that parallels a large railroad yard. As we're walking, we talked about how the canal system used to work and how the railroad took over for them. I'm pointing out different railroad cars to the boy, saying that's a boxcar, that ones a flat car, that ones a tank car, etc. Anyway, he asks me what the tank cars hold. I look and say "Well, that ones got propane in it, that ones propane too, that ones chlorine..." - and I stop, thinking <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> "Boy, this could be 'messy!!'" In this case, 'bugging in' wouldn't be a very good idea.
One other thing to think about - my cousin Jeff went through hurricane Andrew back when he lived in the Virgin Islands. He and his wife chose to ride it out. After it was over, he drove out to check on his business, only to get THREE flat tires in the few blocks between his house and his business. So now I'm also looking into run-flat tires for the van. I've already checked some prices and was surprised to find most tire manufacturers make them and they're not that much more expensive than a regular tire. Cool!! - Dave