SPFD: This holiday season give the gift of Emergency Preparedness
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: December 23, 2011
Need a special last minute gift for that person who seems to have everything?
How about giving them the gift of Emergency Preparedness this holiday season? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has plenty of gift ideas that would be greatly appreciated, said Santa Paula Fire Captain Steve Lazenby.
“This holiday season, one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones is the gift of disaster preparedness,” Lazenby said. “Giving emergency supplies to help build a disaster supply kit and having an emergency communications plan can go a long way to ensure that your family is prepared for any emergency.”
Lazenby said FEMA has issued a list of possible gifts that may assist in disasters, including disaster kits for homes, offices and cars (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights). Other good gifts are NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radios with extra batteries and even an enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
Of course smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are dandy stocking stuffers. In fact you can gift a loved one with a fire extinguisher (or more than one, for each room in the house and car) and wrap it to look like a holiday stocking.
Foldable ladders are great presents for those who might have a second-story they have to escape from in a fire, and car lovers would appreciate kits including emergency flares, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags and jumper cables. Don’t forget Fido or Kitty: pet disaster kits can be made to hold food, water, leashes, dishes, toys, and a carrying case or crate.
Battery powered lamps are great to have on hand, as well as extra batteries. Hand-cranked powered flashlights and radio combinations are also a nifty gift.
“Emergency supplies are important,” but Lazenby said it is “also essential to discuss what your family will do in case of an emergency. This year, consider at least one of these gift ideas... you just may save the life of a friend or family member.”
For more information and preparedness tips, please visit Ready.gov and FEMA.gov.
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