Candy Canes, Mistletoe and Disaster Preparedness?

Resolving to be ready in 2011—important gifts for important people.

From winter storms to floods even to pandemic contagion, all disasters have one thing in common: They remind us of the importance of pre-disaster preparedness. But good intentions need to turn into tangible deeds. There’s no time like the holidays to start—by resolving to be ready before disaster strikes.

“The holiday season is a great time to give important, inexpensive gifts that say: ‘I want you to be safe!’ and reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones,” says FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy. “Gifts that can save lives are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2011. The dialogue and the mindset that goes along with it may mean even more than the gift itself.”

The Resolve to be Ready in 2011 initiative is led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and CitizenCorps.gov.

Emergency and preparedness items that might make great gifts this holiday season include:

  • Portable, battery-powered radio with NOAA weather radio channels and extra batteries
  • Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class
  • GPS units for vehicles
  • Emergency generators
  • Emergency cell phones
  • Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Appropriate fire extinguishers (kitchen, garage, car)
  • Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, eyeglasses, extra clothing, blankets, flashlights, spare batteries, heavy-duty work gloves and a sturdy pair of shoes)
  • Emergency escape ladders for second-story exit in a fire
  • Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags)
  • Pet disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate)
  • A camp stove with extra fuel
  • The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes
  • Flood insurance
  • Earthquake Insurance

IBA West offers members preferred pricing on saftey supplies. In addition, members have access to excellent insurance coverage programs for your clients. Click the links for more information on flood insurance and earthquake coverage.
 

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