Illinois Emergency Management Agency, State Fire Marshal Offer Holiday Gift Ideas

SPRINGFIELD - As shoppers flock to stores to find the perfect holiday gifts, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today offered gift ideas that will keep loved ones and friends safe during emergencies.

Gifts such as NOAA Weather Alert radios, flashlights and first-aid kits can help friends and family prepare for disasters, while smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers will make their homes safer.

"Preparedness items make great gifts or stocking stuffers," said IEMA Interim Director Joe Klinger.  "Family and friends will appreciate gifts that show your concern for their safety."

Klinger said other preparedness gift ideas include items for a vehicle safety kit, such as jumper cables, blankets, crank radio, tool kit, ice scraper and a small shovel.

"The best holiday gift is one with the potential to save lives," said Illinois State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. 

Matkaitis said other fire safety and prevention gift ideas include foldable ladders for second-story emergency escapes and flameless scented candles.

Most preparedness and safety gift items can be found in hardware and department stores. For additional information on emergency preparedness, visit the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.  The OSFM website, www.sfm.illinois.gov, offers more information about fire safety.