If you need to buy a last-minute Christmas gift, consider getting someone an item that could help save their life.
The Michigan State Police has released its annual list of emergency preparedness gift ideas. Think practical items that could come in handy in the event of an emergency.
Gift Idea No. 1: Emergency Preparedness Kits for Home and Vehicle
In an emergency, electricity, gas and water may be cut off for days—even weeks. An individual may be stuck in his or her home or evacuated at a moment's notice.
This is why it's important to have a fully-stocked emergency preparedness kit. At the minimum, every household should have a kit containing food, water, first aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, extra clothing and a blanket.
It's also great to have an emergency preparedness kit in a vehicle in case an emergency occurs while traveling. An emergency kit in your vehicle with nonperishable, high-energy foods—such as granola bars, canned nuts and trail mix—could save your life and the lives of your passengers.
A kit can be made or purchased online for as little as $30.
Gift Idea No. 2: Light-Emitting Diode Emergency Hand-Crank Lantern
A Light-Emitting Diode (LED) emergency hand-crank lantern can illuminate a large area during a dark, powerless night.
This lantern can provide a lighting source within 60 seconds of cranking to lessen the burden of a power outage. Many units also have battery or solar power options.
Prices begin at $15.
Gift Idea No. 3: Mobile Phone Battery Charger Almost everyone has a mobile phone these days.
When the power goes out, a mobile phone has no place to charge. A mobile phone battery charger allows you to stay connected with loved ones and emergency service agencies during an emergency or disaster by providing a charging source that is not dependent on electricity.
Some chargers have the capability to charge multiple electronic devices and are combined with an emergency flashlight.
Prices range from $5 to $80.
Gift Idea No. 4: Water Filtration Bottle
The usefulness of a water filtration bottle isn’t limited to hiking or camping. By removing dangerous particles and bacteria, these bottles can provide clean drinking water in emergency situations.
Prices begin at $30 at outdoor recreation stores.
Gift Idea No. 5: Emergency Preparedness Activity Book for Kids
An emergency preparedness activity book can teach children about preparing for emergencies or disasters at home or school.
These activity books teach kids how to make a plan, create an emergency supply kit and what to do in emergency situations, such as power outages or dangerous weather.
The MSP/EMHSD provides a FREE downloadable preparedness activity book on its website. Other types of preparedness books can be purchased online from $5 to $30.
