You may be wondering why we have chosen to include items in our kits that you have not seen in others. Following is a list of these items to help you understand why they will be important to the comfort and safety of your family.

You may be wondering why we have chosen to include items in our kits that you have not seen in others. Following is a list of these items to help you understand why they will be important to the comfort and safety of your family.

Full Size Backpack: Many kits provide a smaller backpack to carry your supplies. Ours are full size to ensure that you can carry all of your essentials with you, including a change of clothes. Our backpacks are also bright colors so they will be easy to find at the bottom of the closet when you have to get out fast. The colors also make it easy to identify family members if your family is in a large crowd.

Children kits: We realize most companies do not offer kits designed for children. During an emergency the most important thing to a child is a sense of security. As a child carries their own survival kit they feel empowered and more in control of their own fate. In addition, when a child carries their own supplies, the adults are more able to carry items that will increase the safety and comfort of the entire family.

Hygiene kits: As we consider the items that will make us feel human and improve our attitudes in an emergency, we cannot imagine life without the means to care for your personal needs. Even if your emergency has you finding shelter at the home of a friend, it would be a great comfort to know you would not have to rely on someone else to provide you with basic personal needs.

Feminine hygiene products: Besides the obvious need women have for these products, Maxi pads are wonderful compresses for puncture wounds and also for draining sores and blisters.

Sun block: Why add a sun burn to the pain you are already feeling? As we watched those stranded on the bridges in New Orleans we knew this was indeed a necessity. We have not included these in the children kits because it can be dangerous if the sun block gets into their eyes. We have therefore included several in the adult kits so there will be plenty to share with your children.

Hand towels: If you are lucky enough to find a place to wash your hair or take a shower, even if it is with a bucket, a hand towel is large enough to dry off. It is more compact than a full size towel leaving more room for personal items to be added to your kit.

Lighted mirror: These are included as a tool to check your eyes for foreign particles and also for use as a signaling device.

Biohazard bags: These are designed to be used for personal sanitation needs or to contain items which might be covered with blood or discharge from sores. You can also use them to make a porta potty. Simply line a 5 gallon bucket with the bag and cover the bucket after each use.

MRE's: Meals ready to eat are much better than they were even a few years ago and taste like real food. We believe carb bars will provide needed calories but a meal of "real food" will provide comfort. MRE's have a five year shelf life unlike many other packaged foods which need to be replaced every 6-12 months

Water bottle carriers: Our kits provide, in most cases, more water than other kit suppliers. However, the amount supplied is still not enough. One gallon per person, per day is the recommended amount. By proving a water bottle carrier, each member of the family can add an extra supply for their own use. Children or the elderly can carry a 16 oz. bottle around their neck to balance out the weight from their backpack. Adults and teens can carry liter bottles.

Collapsible cup / Water Bottle: It is difficult to drink water from the foil pouches provided. A cup or bottle will help to insure that none of the water is wasted.

First Aid Kits: Our kits include three different types of pain relievers. During a crisis it is common for minor sprains and strains to occur. High levels of stress often produce headaches. We include special first aid kits in the child's pack which are fun as well as practical.

Whistle/lanyard: Whistles are not only a great signaling device, but can also be used to find a family member from whom you have been separated. Create a family signal pattern and practice blowing that signal. Your children will then know to blow that pattern to help you locate them if they are separated from you.

Battery Powered Flashlight: We have found these to be the most reliable way to get a bright beam of light. The hand crank or shaker flashlights usually do not provide enough light to lead you while walking in the dark.

Light sticks: You should never use a candle if there is any chance of a gas leak nearby. We provide light sticks as a safe alternative to candles. Following hurricane Katrina, glow sticks were hung in an evacuation center rest room to provide light, very clever.

Glow sticks for kids: This is a safety device. If there is no electricity, place one of these around your child's neck when the sun goes down so you can more easily keep track of them during the night-time hours.

Blankets: These light mylar blankets are designed to provide maximum warmth during cold weather. They are also excellent to create a lean-to if you are in an area with no shade. The blanket will reflect the sun and provide relief from the heat.

Emergency card: This can be the single most important item in your pack. It will give medical and police personnel information in the event you are injured and cannot respond to their questions. It will also enable them to contact and reunite you with other family members. During a stressful time you may not be able to remember phone numbers. Having them on your card will provide you with the important numbers you may need.

Things to add to your pack list: There are obviously things we cannot include in your kit that are specific to your own personal needs. We have provided this list to help you remember to add personal items which will increase your comfort and safety.

Important documents list: Emergencies rarely occur with advanced warning. When you add copies of these documents to your kits you are prepared to file insurance claims, access accounts, access government aid, and even claim your children when you have been separated.