By Leischen Stelter, editor of In Public Safety
‘Tis the season for giving. As the last weekend before Christmas approaches, there are likely people on your list that you don’t know what to get. Consider this the perfect opportunity to show how much you care by purchasing items that could help keep them safe during an emergency. Even expected events, like snowstorms in the Northeast, can quickly escalate to an emergency if people aren’t prepared.
Purchase or Make a Car Disaster Kit
Make sure your loved one has essential emergency supplies for the car. Put items in a small, clear plastic bin so they stay organized and protected in a vehicle:
- Emergency flares
- Jumper cables
- Shovel and traction aids (kitty litter, sand)
- Ice scraper
- First aid kit
- NOAA radio
- Flashlight and batteries (hand-crank flashlights don’t require batteries)
- A hand-crank cell phone charger
- Food options: MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) are inexpensive and have a long shelf life, find them at camping stores. You can also buy high-energy foods like granola bars or canned nuts
- Water
- A multi-tool
- A space blanket (look for ones in bright colors)
- Rain poncho
- Trash bags
- Hand and foot warmers for emergency heat
- Signal mirror
- Whistle
- Glow sticks (not the toy kind) can be used for signaling, marking locations, or as non-powered lights
To further encourage preparedness, include a checklist with other suggested items that should be kept in the car. Of course, this list varies depending on where the person lives and the season, but suggestions include:
- Sturdy shoes or warm boots
- A waterproof and/or warm jacket
- Gloves, hat, scarf
- A change of clothes, warm clothes
Other Holiday Preparedness Gift Ideas
If you don’t want to go all out with the vehicle emergency kit, there are a few relatively inexpensive items that are crucial, but most people don’t own:
- NOAA Weather Radio
- A multi-tool
- Cell phone charger (preferably with a hand-crank option)
Don’t Forget About Your Pets
When it comes to disaster planning, very few families take the time to consider what will happen to their pets during a disaster. A pet emergency kit should include:
- Emergency contact information for you and your vet
- Copies of shot records
- A current photo
- Microchip numbers
- Medication and vitamins
- A medical first aid kit
- Instructions if your pet requires special care
- Food for three days
- Leashes/harnesses
- Water bowls
- Litter pans
- Toys
- Bedding
Keep all these items stored in a waterproof container. Such emergency kits should be able to travel with the pet in case they’re being handed off to a volunteer or a shelter. Ensure that the pet’s tags have up-to-date information, in case the pet gets spooked and escapes in transition.
During this holiday season, make sure your loved ones (people and pets) are prepared for an emergency. It’s the best gift you could give.
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