A Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea

There are only a few more shopping days left before Christmas morning and millions of Americans have no idea what to get a certain someone. The solution: give the gift of preparedness. Making a disaster preparedness kit is easy and can be very affordable. One can choose to make a full kit or a starter one to get the gift-receiver thinking about their emergency disaster plans and needs.

It only takes one disaster to ruin a good day, week, month, or even year. A few steps, however, can help lessen at least the initial impact for someone you care. The following are item ideas one can use to include in an emergency preparedness kit for a family member or friend:

• A backpack or bucket to store emergency items.
• An emergency disaster worksheet to be completed by the individual. This in depth workbook, which created by FEMA, can be downloaded and printed in a back-to-back format at home or local copy store.
• First aid kit
• NOAA weather radio
• Batteries
• Non-perishable food
• Can opener
• Mini phone book to store emergency numbers (include some yourself if you happen to know this information)
• Water
• Water purification tablets
• CPR and first aid guide
• Fire extinguisher
• Flashlights
• Pet supplies
• Distress flags
• Solar blanket
• Diversion items for children
• Trash bags

Any family or friend who receives the gift of preparedness will know you care about how their survival and the impact a disaster may have on them. This is a great way to get them started on being more fully prepared.

Learn more about emergency disaster preparedness.