That is something that certainly doesn't happen at home! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Your concern is very valid. Even if they do know how to strike the match it is amazing how many people don't understand the basics of making a fire. Case in point: Couple years ago I took my son to a friends house for a Birthday Party/Cookout. The dad was going to cook hotdogs & marshmellows over a fire. He had a bunch of wet wood & a good size pile of wet leaves. Also had matches & gallon of gas. He kept pouring on the gas & lighting it only to see it smoulder. Did this for almost an hour. I tried to intervene, but he was hardheaded & rude so I just sat back & chuckled. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Even if you hand the best equipment out there to some folks they still would struggle.

Showing the stubborn that what they are doing ain't going to work is one of the more difficult survival skills. The trick to it is getting the message across in a fashion that doesn't cause the "stubborn" to loose face/look stupid. Many people would prefer to be dropped dead rather that look stupid/useless/ignorant in front of their loved ones.

Michael,

Not everyone has the time or hobby motivation to put together a complete B.O.B. for themselves or family. If you go the prefab-BOB route, I would still recommend a bit of post purchase customization to fit your personal needs.

Being a good Utah boy, you are lucky to be in the same state as two excellent preparedness companies.

Emergency Essentials- http://beprepared.com/

and

Nitro-Pak http://www.nitro-pak.com/

Both companies provide pre-assembled survival kits. The 72 hour kits are a good start.

I would prefer that someone purchase a less than ideal BOB than to have nothing because they were unable to put together a BOB before a crisis.

Good luck, TR