Give the Gift of Preparedness this Holiday Season

This holiday season, one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones is the gift of disaster preparedness. Giving emergency supplies to help build a disaster supply kit and having an emergency communications plan can go a long way to ensure that your family is prepared for any emergency.

A list of possible gifts that may assist in disasters includes:
• Disaster kits for homes, offices and cars (first aid kits; food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights)
• NOAA weather radios with extra batteries
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguishers (for the kitchen, garage, car, etc.)
• Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire
• Winter car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags, jumper cables)
• Pet disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes, toys, and carrying case or crate)
• Battery powered lamps

Emergency supplies are important, but it is also essential to discuss what your family will do in case of an emergency. This year, consider at least one of these gift ideas. You just may save the life of a friend or family member. For more information and preparedness tips, please visit Ready.gov and FEMA.gov

Make a Plan for your Pets

September is National Preparedness Month, which is a great time to get your family and your family pet ready. This year, Oregon Emergency Management is focusing on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness from negative to positive.

Just because you plan ahead to be able to take care of yourself during a disaster doesn't mean you are thinking negatively. On the contrary, preparedness is a very positive step. For you pet's sake, preparing means getting an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet-care buddy system.

Your pet kit should include the basics such as food, water, leash, collar, medicines, bedding, sanitary items, first aid kit, treats and toys. A good place to keep the kit is inside your pet carrier.

At www.ready.gov or by calling (800) BEREADY, pet owners can receive free emergency preparedness information. In addition, an instructional video is available at www.ready.gov/america/about/instructional.html that demonstrates how to make a plan for your pets.