Author: Elizabeth Jarrett, Program Analyst

I love the holiday season. Peace on earth, goodwill to all and 50% off on Black Friday. But every year, I have hard to shop for people on my list. I want to get them something that shows I really care, but what? A new crock pot for mom? Nope. She already has three. Maybe a set of weights for my brother? He probably won’t use them. Chocolates for my best friend? She’s on a diet, so that seems kind of cruel.

Believe it or not, there is something that you can get for the people on your list that they probably don’t already have, likely will use at some point and will never make them fat. That’s right: items for their preparedness kits. Most Americans don’t have a preparedness kit, but we all could use one. Many disasters strike with little or no notice, like tornadoes, wildfires, and earthquakes, and being prepared can help people weather the storm. That hand-crank radio may not be the most sparkly gift your loved one receives this year, but they will be thinking of you fondly when it helps them stay informed during an emergency.

So far this year, FEMA has declared 45 major disasters and 16 emergencies. People from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between have faced disasters. If you give your loved ones an item or two for their preparedness kit, they will probably need it at some point and it could help keep them safe and protect their health. Isn’t that what we really want for our loved ones?

Take a few minutes to think about the person you’re buying for. For example, I know that my dad is getting older and now he has to hold onto the railing when he goes up and down the stairs. When the power goes out, he can only see where he’s going if he has a flashlight, but he would have trouble holding onto a flashlight and the railing at the same time. No problem. I got him a head lamp. That way, he doesn’t have to use his hands to hold the flashlight and he can still see where he’s going. And he really does use it. He even called to thank me after the derecho knocked out the power to his house earlier this year. The light helped him stay safe on the stairs and enabled him to read after the sun went down. Mom was just jealous that I hadn’t gotten one for her - so I know what I’m getting her this year!

There are lots of ways that you can show that you care and help your loved ones prepare for emergencies this holiday season. You don’t even have to buy anything - just start a conversation. If the whole family is together, take a few minutes to talk about preparedness and ways that they can stay safe and healthy during a disaster, especially how everyone will get in touch after a storm.

Whether you’re thinking of buying something for a loved one’s preparedness kit or just talking with them about how they could be better prepared, check out some tips from CDC and the Red Cross that will help you stock a preparedness kit, make a plan and stay informed. Or check out the bReddi and other preparedness apps on Facebook.

Have other thoughts on how you can make preparedness a part of this season? Share them with us in a comment to the blog.