http://www.ready.gov/

The official web site of the Department of Homeland Security has several overviews and tips on how to be prepared for another terrorist attack. I was wondering who all here has stored up water, non perishable foods and all around emergency kits or plans? If you do, would you describe them here for those who might be interested in what they might need? And for those who don't, why not?

Do think this is paranoia at the extreme or a sound precautionary measure for the unknown future?

I am an eternal optimist. (i.e. I am not prepared at all...)

I really do not foresee anything that a terrorist group could do that would disrupt the entire country for any extended period of time.

The Blackout of 2003 took power out for 12 hours and people survived. No knee jerk reaction to that situation.

I think the US was simply "shocked and awed" by 9/11. Any subsequent attack would need to be massive to live up to that. I don't think terrorists have the capacity top 9/11.

I do have about 20 gallons of water in my basement, and a roll of duct tape. The duct tape is used for fixing household items, though, not sealing the house up...

Well, I have in the back of my pantry an army trunk. In it, I have 5 gallons of water, a weeks worth of non perishable food for two people, a medical kit, a transister radio, a flashlight, batteries and a few other odds and ends. Better safe than sorry.

I live in California, so earthquake readiness was drilled into me in junior high. We did the whole survival test in science class (they give you a list of things and you can only take 5 with you) I guess to practice that sort of thing.

I don't worry about drinking water because I have a water heater. That thing is full of plenty of water, and it's clean. Non-perishable food I always have, there are cans and cans of refried beans and soup in my pantry (Costco packs). Flashlight, batteries, radio: all those things seem like second nature to me, it's just a given that they're all in my house at any time.

Good point Billy Jean. It's something I never really thought about till now. Wouldn't be a bad idea to have the things mentioned in supply even if we never get hit by terror. Could be black outs, floods, hurricanes, tornados, fires earthquakes depending on where you live. Mother Nature is sometimes a terrorist all on her own now we just need to add Islamic extremist terrorism to the list.

That's very true SoCaliente_1. The link I provided is pretty informative for emergencies in general.

I agree with pheeler. I live in tornado valley and have seen 7 plus tornados. These items are second nature to me. I know people that went crazy to buy stuff for y2k and well that never happened and so they are still living off of the surplus. No one needs to go nuts on buying stuff because you think we are going to be attacked that is what drives the economy down, Panic.

Being reasonably prepared and going nuts are two totally different things. I agree that everyone should have the items I've listed in their home, I just have them thoughtfully put together.

It makes sense to have basics such as food, water, blankets and a shelter area available in case of the unexpected.

I'm not afraid of a terrorist attack. Natural disasters are much more likely to happen. All I want for Christmas is an emergency generator....

I have not made any special plans for a disaster. If society completely breaks down, where there is no power, gasoline, nor businesses operating, I will be in trouble. Frankly, a few gallons of water and a stack of canned goods will not be enough then. For the other short term disasters, I have enough normal resources to handle anything. Nothing special is required should I be without power for a week.

I consider terrorist disaster lists to be propaganda for the most part.

I will be at two days of training under the Homeland Security fund next week. I hope they have some good information to present to further my knowledge. I should be a good resource(fairly decent one already) for biological incidents should any arise locally.

I druther have knowledge than stored gallons of water.

I am a dead women if we get attacked. I have candles and a propane gas grill. Batteries for (not a flashlight) but for remotes for the TV remote.