“All I want for Christmas is…” Emergency Preparedness Supplies

November 18, 2009 | Posted by Joan Crain

Stumped for Christmas gifts this year? Forgive me for being so practical, but who couldn’t use a boost to their emergency preparedness supplies? Try these suggestions for your friends and family:

Just married son or daughter. Just guessing, but I’ll bet they live in a rather small apartment. Gather the basics of a 72-hour kit, such as some protein or granola bars, water bottles, juice packets, foil packets of tuna or chicken, hard candy or dried fruit, a couple of light-weight rain ponchos, flashlight and extra batteries. Put all the items, along with a complete list of items they can add later, into an inexpensive back pack. Tie with a bow or wrap if you like.

Your favorite neighbors with several children. With family incomes stretched thin, what better gift for this family than a starter pack of freeze-dried food. Another idea that everyone loves: put together the ingredients for brownies, chocolate chip cookies or a master mix (used like Bisquick). For a decorative brownie mix, alternate layers of flour, cocoa, sugar, etc., in a large glass canister with a tight fitting lid; top with chocolate chips. Create a Christmas lid cover and give with love.

Your Parents. Maybe your parents like to travel, now that they’re retired. Buy an inexpensive duffel bag and equip an auto emergency kit. Throw in some bottled water, ponchos, jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, reflectors and flares, maps, facial tissue and paper towels. Maybe they would appreciate some snack bars, trail mix, dried fruit or hard candy too.

Scan your Christmas-giving list and check off those who would benefit from a practical addition to their emergency preparedness. Maybe even your husband could use a well-equipped auto emergency kit. Check . . . check . . . check . . .

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Joan has created the web site, Family Survival Planning, to help families prepare for the inevitable crises that come with certainty throughout our lives. She believes in planning ahead – yet keeping things simple. Planning ensures results and less work . . . which leaves more time to shop for Christmas.

Categories: emergency preparedness | Tags: Christmas gifts, emergency preparedness, self reliance | No Comments »