Without getting into a huge political discussion, inappropriate on this forum, let me say I was not surprised by the important items excluded from the government's lists. Disappointed, but not surprised. <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

As you note, no firearm was included, not even as a option for those appropriately trained. Responding to some other messages in this thread, a firearm should be included not necessarily for defense against terrorists, but rather for defense against citizens who either did not prepare and decided your survival supplies should be "shared," or if lawlessness should develop. I think the defense of their properties during the L.A. riots by storekeepers who were armed provides a classic example. As is always the case with defensive use of firearms, they represent a significant responsibility, this is not a decision to be taken lightly. But, for them to be left out of these lists for obviously political reasons is, IMHO, irresponsible.

No knife or saw is included, both highly desirable for any such preparedness kit. A knife is still the number two survival tool (your brain being number one). These lists were developed in large part with the assistance of the Red Cross who have stated publicly they do not recommend any cutting tools since they might injure someone. There are a number of reasons I do not support the Red Cross, this idiotic reasoning being one of them. The good news is that most homes are well equipped with knives, if only those already in the kitchen, perfectly capable of use in an emergency. Still, IMHO it is irresponsible to not include such tools on the list.

The list includes a signal flare, without any caution statement. There are any number of plausible situations where use of a pyrotechnic by an untrained or stupid person could be catastrophic. The practical uses of pyrotechnics in an urban environment are just about nil with the exception of use as a fire starter, if a handheld flare.

Anyway, just a few points on the subject. You can find plenty of suggestions for items to include here on ETS starting with Disaster Preparedness page.