With the holidays fast approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office encourages everyone to consider giving gifts that will help protect their family members and friends during a future emergency.
“A gift to help prepare for emergencies could be life-saving for friends and family,” said Janet Odeshoo, FEMA Region V regional administrator. “These gift ideas provide a great starting point for being prepared for an emergency or disaster.”
Supplies for an emergency preparedness kit can make unique — and potentially life-saving —holiday gifts, such as:
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio with tone alert
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- Solar-powered cell phone charger
- Smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detectors
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher and fire escape ladder
- Enrollment in a CPR or first aid class
- Books, coloring books, crayons and board games for the kids in case the power goes out
- Personal hygiene comfort kit, including shampoo, body wash, washcloth, hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant
- A waterproof pouch or backpack containing any of the above items, or with such things as a rain poncho, moist towelettes, work gloves, batteries, duct tape, whistle, food bars, etc.
Holiday shoppers might also consider giving a winter car kit, equipped with a shovel, ice scraper, emergency flares, fluorescent distress flags and jumper cables. For animal lovers, a pet disaster kit with emergency food, bottled water, toys and a leash is also a good gift.
The gift of preparedness might just save the life of a friend or family member. For more information, preparedness tips or other gift ideas, visit www.Ready.gov.
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