The US Government has issued
warnings recommending the public set up an emergency kit. Many of
the supplies you can obtain at your local grocery store. For some of
the hardware supplies you may want something that you can be sure will
work when you need it. For a flashlight, you may want to consider
getting a waterproof light. Not only will this work as a normal light,
but in the case of a storm you won't have to worry about it getting
wet and shorting out. If you're in Sarasota, see http://www.sarasotascuba.org/
for a list of local dive shops to find a good waterproof flashlight.
The government recommends several other items that can be obtained
online from drugstore.com:
First Aid Kit
You can buy a complete kit, or make up your own from the government
list of what is recommended.