The Red Cross guide to a Family Disaster Plan was a great initiation to me on the subject. I started with their garbage can stash for basic emergency equipment and still maintain one which I keep in the garage. The research I did after that lead me to this site.<br><br>When all is said and done I'll have at least two little girls (An adoption is nearing completion). The only thing I'm really hoping is that I can get them to wear whistles. I can etch some basic information into them. I have no statistics, or even experience on the subject, but I've always felt a whistle is one of the best safety/protection devices a little kid could have. <br><br>In two recent disasters that my family has experienced, the worst frustration was not having the ability to reach people -- you just can't rely on the information in your head when you are really in a bad place. I know I panic when I think my dogs are lost, I couldn't imagine how I would feel if it was my daughter. The pamphlet also suggested out of region contact people in case of separation so we printed laminated cards for my wife and I to carry with the basic plan on it and the emergency numbers for freinds in the next state over and on the west coast to leave messages with. By folding the paper before laminating I was able to pack a ton of information such as calling card numbers and financial and insurance info inside where they are a little protected. It's somewhat of a risk, but if my wallet is stolen I don't think it would be examined enough for someone to figure out how to tear it open and mine the info to do some identity theft. Pay as you go phone cards are great, but always seem to be inferior when you need to communicate and all you have is a pay phone and you are in a hospital and can't use your cell phone. Unfortunately this has been a situation I have found myself in far too often.<br><br>