Give The Gift Of Preparedness This Holiday Season
It takes only one disaster to disrupt your daily life, but by taking
a few steps before one strikes, you can lessen its impact. This holiday
season, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) is offering gift ideas to help keep you, your
family and friends prepared.
“Disasters can happen at any time and the holiday season is a great
opportunity to take simple steps to make sure that you and your loved
ones are prepared,” said Janet M. Odeshoo, acting regional
administrator for FEMA Region V. “The public is the most important
member of our nation’s emergency response team and the more we all do
to be prepared, the more successful this team will be."
Individual can take a few minutes to discuss with their family,
friends and loved ones what they will do in the case of an emergency or
disaster. This includes creating an emergency supply kit, developing a
simple family communications plan, and staying informed about
emergencies in the area.
Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts for friends, family or co-workers this holiday season include:
- Disaster kits for the home and office (first aid kits, food, water
and prescription medications for 72 hours, extra clothing, blankets,
and flashlights)
- NOAA weather radios with extra batteries
- Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class
- Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers (for kitchen, garage, car, etc.)
- Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire
- Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags)
- Pet disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate)
- Battery powered lamps
More information and preparedness tips can be found online at www.ready.gov and www.fema.gov.