Can anyone recommend either a
particular type of hard hat or some
features to look for?

Consider
1)comfort in hot and cold weather
2)weight
3)profile: too large?
4)easy attachment of lights
5)price
6)OSHA, not required but is a plus

Hike4Fun

What's it's intended purpose will affect helmut choice

What is the intended purpose of the hard hat/helmet? There are various hard hats/helmets for different applications. In some cases the differences are significant as to whether the helmet will provide the proper protection.

Pete

I'm real interested in this too, I wear a seizure-crash helmet when trapsing through rougher terrain (having epilepsy). This custom fitted helmet (I've mentioned before) is based on a hockey helmet design and has too large of a profile and gets too hot in the summer. I want one that is lighter and has the features/requirements you are looking for. This helmet of mine cost my health insurance around $400 (the company tried to bill them over $700), but I don't want to spend that much for sure.

Like the other's have asked, what is your goal with this helmet. There are many out there, but you sepcific requirements will help us direct you to the best helmet for your needs.

Good question, I'm also interested in it. What should we look for? Should it be CSA and ANSI approved, and what features to look for etc. for dealing with general disaster situations...

I'm also looking for some helmets, there's a pretty wide selection to choose from. I don't know exactly what type you have in mind, but if you want to attach lights to them, some of the helmets don't hold a headlamp very well. Maybe to look into a caving type helmet.

http://karstsports.com/helmets.html

If price is a main concern, you can find some really cheap skateboarding helmets for less than $20. They're a little heavy and hot, but they're better than nothing.

+1 on Karst. Here's the helmet I got
http://store.karstsports.com/10301.html
Best price anywhere, and my pelican headlamp fits perfect on it.

Can we get away with a $10 high density polyethylene hard hat for general home preparedness? A Petzl polycarbonate helmet means another 100 bucks investement for me although it would probably fit nicely with the Tactikka plus headlamp I'm considering.

Frankie

Since several of you have asked for helmet advice in general here are two recommendations. For a good general overall helmet (disaster/rescue/climbing/caving) one cannot go wrong with either Petzel Petzel Helmet Petzel Helmet Petzel Helmet or Pacific Helmets NZ Pacific Helmets NZ (available in the US without problems). There are many companies that sell either or both brands, check around on the Internet to find the best price. As to models, again, there is some personal choice, but both of these brands offer application specific or good general helmets.

Pete