Being prepared and having a go bag is a popular movement among all sorts right now. it is an offshoot of the troubles had during recent catastrophes. it is encouraged by the government,, just look at the Awake information and compare it to what the gov. encourages. What I will carry that is not on the list is a .22 pistol.
Nobody has told what is going to happen here, we are too far away from coasts to have hurricanes, are not in earthquake country.
You can count on the family being in separate areas when whatever happens anyway. My take is we have some really good neighbors if it hits even if they don't go to meeting. As for the elders, who is going to look after these duffers?