Give the Gift of Safety

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued holiday gift recommendations to help

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recipients protect family and friends during emergencies. 

"A gift to help prepare for emergencies could be life-saving for friends and family," says Janet Odeshoo, FEMA Region V acting regional administrator. "These gift ideas provide a great starting point for being prepared for an emergency or disaster."

FEMA’s recommended 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 kids, in case of power loss;
• personal hygiene comfort kit, including shampoo, body wash, wash cloth, hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant;
• waterproof pouch or backpack containing any the listed items, or with such things as a rain poncho, moist towelettes, work gloves, batteries, duct tape, whistle or food bars.

Holiday shoppers might also consider gifting a winter car kit, equipped with a shovel, ice scraper, emergency flares, fluorescent distress flags and jumper cables.

The gift of preparedness might save the life of a friend or family member. For more information, preparedness tips or more gift ideas, visit www.Ready.gov.