I have been paying close attention to the survuval items as well. So far, I have taken note of the following being of use for the people in New Orleans:
Life Jacket, Helmet, Plastic bags for human waste, axe for chopping out of an attic, handgun for looters and rats (oxymoron), bottled water, (hurricane lamps work good for light), and that is about it for now.
Yea and one of those new flashlights they advertise that don't need batteries, you just shake it
correction: survival