Welcome abord Suzie

Beside the gear , don't forget to practice. When the weather permits you can camp even in your backyard. Have a feel of sleeping in a tent and lighting fire by firesteel. And then add a Bic lighter in your pack.

Foodwise, try and choose the foods you do eat instead of fancy flashy name brands all over the www. that are deicated for survival and bug out bags. This is especiually important with kids. Sure you will eat anything if you are cold and hungry ( maybe including a rat that Cody illustrate in one of his books, but "normal food" help you and the kids by adding a feel of "it is OK, just like normal times" in a stressful situation.