12/19/13 Looking for that last minute gift for someone who’s hard to buy for? The Indiana Department of Homeland Security encourages citizens to consider giving the gift of preparedness. All-hazards weather radios, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and vehicle preparedness kits are all gifts that every Hoosier could use.
Indiana State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson says home safety gifts, such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers, are thoughtful presents that are proven to save lives.
“If you know someone who doesn’t have a working smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector in their home, these items should be at the top of your gift list,” said Greeson. “Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are both proven life-savers, and what could be a better gift than something that protects the lives of the ones you love?”
Another gift that could save a loved one’s life is an all-hazards alert radio. The radios can be purchased for about $30 or $40 at many retail outlets or online. It disseminates more than 60 emergency alerts such as hazardous weather and other local area warnings, including up-to-date weather information broadcast directly from the National Weather Service.
“The advanced knowledge all-hazards alert radios provide about coming tornadoes, floods, winter storms and other dangerous weather conditions give residents warning to seek shelter before a storm,” said IDHS Senior Public Information Office John Erickson.
Considering the recent winter storms, items for a vehicle preparedness kit could make a great gift. Some items to consider include:
· A cell phone charger for your vehicle.
· Tire repair kit and pump.
· Flashlight
· First-aid kit
· Booster cables
· Heat packs or hand warmers.
For more information about safety this holiday season, visit GetPrepared.in.gov
