Stolen from online somewhere, but good to have and good to know. Crazy world out there right now!

1    backpack – water resistant
1    canteen of water (replace periodically, to keep fresh)
1    package of water purification tablets
1    whistle
1    “Swiss Army” pocketknife
2    road flares
2    33-gallon heavy-duty plastic bags (in an emergency, these can be
used for: ground covers, makeshift shelters, waterproof storage
containers, or cut a hole in the center of one, at the bottom, for a
waterproof poncho)
6    camper food meals dated (usually these have a 7-year shelf life)
1    Johnson & Johnson Auto First Aid Kit
1    Boy Scout Handbook
1    AM/FM radio, with an extra set of long-life batteries (test
periodically)
2    candles
1    box of waterproof matches, and a “Bic” lighter
1
bottle of liquid antiseptic soap
1    toothbrush and toothpaste
100 feet of 1/4” nylon rope
1    small waterproof flashlight, with extra batteries
$50 in cash — 3 tens, 3 fives, and 5 ones
1    pad and pencil
6    “Kleenex” tissue packs, pocket size
1    compass
1    folding shovel
1    sharp hunting knife, with sheath
1    mess kit, utensils, and Sterno fuel
1    roll duct tape
1    hatchet
2    bungee cords
1    cup
1    emergency thermal blanket
1    bottle/pak potassium iodide tablets

These items are “basic” necessities. You will need to review your
families needs and add to this list.
Because the first 72 hours of any disaster are the most crucial, having
this kit in an emergency can literally save your life. Since I built my
first backpack kit back in 1992, several items have come in handy time and
again — the duct tape has been used for everything from fixing radiator
hoses to holding a makeshift splint together. I designed the kit to be
carried in the trunk of our family’s vehicle, where it can be accessed
either at home or on the road. My vehicle also has a ham radio installed
giving me access to emergency communication. You may not be a licensed ham
radio operator but you can still have emergency communications using a
Citizens Band radio — Radio Shack is a good source for CBs.
As a result of the recent nuclear disaster in Japan we have added
potassium iodide tablets to our list. Your local drug store or super
stores like Walmart may carry them or you can check online with companies
such as Amazon.com.

Most items listed below can be purchased at any sporting goods store, or
at discount stores such as Wal-Mart. The items included below are designed
for one person or for a family with the exception of the food and water,
which are sufficient for one person. You may need more than 1 backpack
depending on the size of your family and you may need to alter your own
checklist, to better fit your family’s special needs.