Because of his radio listeners' interest in disaster planning in the wake of the recent hurricane along the Gulf, Dr. Sam has compiled this list of survival gear you should consider acquiring just in case you face a similar fate. Kits can vary for each family according to your needs and location. These suggestions are general guidelines to help you prepare.

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One week's worth of medications and any necessary medical supplies, such as asthma inhalers, or diabetic insulin syringes and glucose monitor equipment, packed in zip lock bags and well sealed. Use a Sharpie pen to write the name of the family member on the outside of the bag, what it is, and dates when it expires.

Traumeel cream - used to treat sprains, strains, bruises, pain, aching muscles, and inflammation

Arnica - tablets taken under the tongue to help strains and sprains

A spray bottle of Bach's Flower Remedy - a safe and effective way to treat anxiety; available without a prescription

A tube of 99 percent aloe vera gel for burns

• Wind-proof matches
  
  
• A small, handheld stove with fuel supply to boil water and prepare food
  
  
• At least one small pot and/or one small pan
  
  
• Plastic silverware
  
  
• Freeze-dried meals in pouches
  
  
• Powdered Gatorade or other hydration fluid
  
  
• Tiny gel packs with carbohydrates for energy
  
  
• Mini water filter and one cartridge replacement, plus water treatment tabs (two small vials)
  
  
• Hydrating backpack for each adult. This is a water pouch carried as a backpack and containing water that the wearer can sip from an attached tube. There are male and female versions.
  
  

• Waterproof plastic box to hold survival gear
  
  
• Reflector tape that can be applied to box
  
  
• First aid kit (many prepackaged ones are available)
  
  
• Headlamp for each adult and child (LEDs have little energy demand, can vary in intensity, and can blink to attract attention)
  
  
• Two battery packs (usually AAA) to replace LED and communicator batteries that fail
  
  
• Camper's towels - ultra light microfilament (one large for every two adults and every two kids)
  
  
• Camper's blankets, with solar reflector on one side - ultra light (one for each family member)
  
  
• Neck bandanas for each family member (can be moistened to assist with heat)
  
  
• Zip lock bags to store several items
  
  
• Sunglasses for all family members
  
  
• One bottle of DEET insect repellant (enough for three applications daily for each family member for one week).
  
  
• Wide-brimmed hats for each family member
  
  
• Long-sleeved shirt for each family member
  
  
• Bathing suit for each family member
  
  
• Any brand water sox for each family member, if possible
  
  
• A cheap, lightweight, and easy-to-assemble day tent for sun protection
  
  
• Two-to-three cheap face masks for each family member
  
  
• A pocket knife
  
  

• Each family member capable of using a "walkie talkie" should have one. Ideal models are headset mounted to keep hands as free as possible and above neck level. Multiple frequencies are useful, as channels will be overloaded with use.
  
  
• Always have a full tank of gas whenever possible at the close of each day in case you must leave suddenly from your home
  
  
• Three escape routes from both work and home
  
  
• A meeting point for family, if separated
  
  
• A compass - and, if you can afford it - a global positioning system (GPS) handheld tracking device
  
  
• Maps of your area that include hiking, street, and roadway routes
  
  
• A radio (small, ultra light) with emergency band and attachments for cell phone (to recharge)
  
  
• A cell phone for each family member old enough to use it, to keep in contact.
  
  
• Important emergency phone numbers -police and fire departments, Red Cross, church, TV, radio stations, family members, neighbors, federal agencies.
  
  
• If you have a truck or van and can get out of the area in time (no blocked routes), store a box of bottled water in the truck
  
  

• A sling to carry the infant
  
  
• Consider using a baby carriage for toddlers because they are usually heavier duty and can double as "rapid escape vehicles" for kids when you are moving fast.
  
  
• If you use formula instead of breast milk, pack at least two large containers of powdered formula
  
  

Depending on the size of your family, the gear on this list can cost up to $500.

One economical way to acquire these items is to slowly accumulate supplies over time, waiting for sales, for instance. The unit weight again will vary, but should come in at roughly 15 to 30 pounds for a family of four to six people (not counting water).

Check the box and renew items, if necessary, every year.