essential items.

Default Essential items

There are many items that are absolutely essential to those of us who are preparing for a potential WSTF situation. I want to recommend 2 right here.
The first is a good flashlight. I have a Garrity wind up flashlight. I bought it about 6 or 7 years ago. I use it for everything. I keep one by my bedside. I have used it constantly during those years. It has never failed. I have never had to replace batteries or bulbs (it uses LED). I am amazed at its dependability. It's always there. I also keep one in each of my cars. I believe I paid less than $10 for it (might be a bit more now).
Another thing is keeping up with what is going on in the world. Whenever the power goes off it is easy to feel that you are cut off from everything. No TV or radio. It's a strange feeling. So, I recommend a crank radio for those times.
One of the best for the buck that I have seen is the MIDLAND ER102. This is a little gem! It receives AM and FM. It also gets 7 NOAA Weather Channels. This is neat if there is an emergency situation such as a Hurricane, tornado, flooding, tsunami or blizzard, etc occurs. I admit that for those of us in the Northwest, some of those situations may not occur but some will eventually. NOAA comes in loud and clear in this area. The radio can be set to alert you to a declared emergency situation with voice or, with a visual flash with the built in 3 LED flashlight. It comes with a thermometer with a freeze alert. It has a clock with alarm (voice or buzzer). It uses digital tuning.
It has several methods of power. It has a crank power generator to charge the Ni-MH battery pack. It also uses 3 AA batteries. It comes with an AC adapter to use for listening or recharging the battery pack. It has a USB port to recharge cell phones. I could say a lot more about this radio but you should check it out yourself. It is available right now for less than $40.
I want to state that I have NO financial interest in the sale of these items. My recommendation is because I feel that these are tools that everybody should have. I have enough confidence in them that I bought one of each for all of my 6 adult children.
I purchased these items at Bi-Mart. But, I have also seen similar products at Radio Shack. CCrane.com also has comparable items.

Dario,
I am currently working on an episode that focuses on some of the things you've mentioned. We have several of the Garrity wind-up lights and just picked up two new handcrank flashlight/radio combos of a different brand. I figure since it is dark quite a lot of each day that a good lighting set-up is indispensable. As for the NOAA-capable radios we have found several times where they are useful during bad storms and the tsunami alert last year. I consider them one of our most important pieces of equipment if the big Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake ever hits.
Chip

Mr Dario is spot on... the wind up combo device (NOAA, AM/FM, flashlight, USB charger) device should be on the top of everyone's list. The one we have also has a mini solar panel on it so it can self charge during the day.

I'd also add a few additional items to the must haves.

1) a multi tool. A knife, pliers, couple types of screwdrivers and whatever else it has provides a lot in a tiny package.
2) gas shut off tool. For those with gas, this is a non metallic tool, i.e. it won't spark against metal, that fits the natural gas on/off lever. Allows you to turn it off in an emergency and if that emergency is a gas leak, it won't cause a spark when you try to turn it off.
3) emergency cash. At least $250, more is better. Assorted bills. This is kept in each of our cars as an emergency fund for tow/cab/battery/locksmith, etc. basically any situation where some extra money can mean safely getting home vs a less desirable alternative
4) a first aid course with CPR - should be self explanatory.

I could add lots more, but with those basics (including the flashlight/radio) you have a number of minor SHTF situations covered.

I agree with your idea of a multi-tool. I have several. My favorite is the Leatherman Wave. It seems to have all I need. And, it is tough. I don't have gas, so I don't need that tool, but, for those who do, nothing else will work as well. I've been hanging onto all the dollar coins and half-dollars that come my way. I'm not collecting, just saving. If push comes to shove, I will spend them. I have several hundred dollars worth. And, as soon as I retire (April 28, 2012) I will contact the Red Cross about their CPR/First Aid class. I think that is absolutely essential.