http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/

This website lists several items that should be included in a basic emergency kit. The recommended items include water (one-gallon per person per day), food that is non-perishable, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, dust mask, moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, wrench or pliers, can opener, local maps, and a cell phone with a charger. Some additional items to consider include prescription medications, glasses, infant formula, diapers, cash, traveler's checks, blankets, extra clothing, fire extinguisher, matches, books, games, and many other items. I felt this was a pretty good list; however, I would add some sort of bright colored flag, snow shovel, tin can to melt water, candles, and some other items if stuck in a South Dakota blizzard. Overall, there are numerous items that could be placed in a disaster preparedness kit; it just sort of depends on where you live and if you have pets/infants/older people that you travel with as to how many additional items you need to include in the kit.