Decking the Halls with Preparedness
"These gift ideas provide a great starting point for being prepared for an emergency or disaster," said FEMA Region V Acting Regional Administrator Janet Odeshoo.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region V office has issued holiday gift recommendations that will help recipients protect their family members and friends during an emergency. "A gift to help prepare for emergencies could be life-saving for friends and family," said FEMA Region V Acting Regional Administrator Janet Odeshoo. "These gift ideas provide a great starting point for being prepared for an emergency or disaster."
Supplies for an emergency preparedness kit include:
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- 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 children, in case the power goes out
- Personal hygiene comfort kit, including shampoo, body wash, wash cloth, 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 makes a good gift, according to the agency.
For more information, preparedness tips, or other gift ideas, visit www.Ready.gov.