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

SPRINGFIELD – If you’re still searching for the perfect holiday gifts for friends and loved ones, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today offered ideas for presents that could save lives 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.

“During the February blizzard, many people found themselves stranded in their cars for hours,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken.  “Being stranded in the snow and cold is more than inconvenient, it can be dangerous.  A vehicle preparedness kit makes a great gift for friends and loved ones and could be a real lifesaver during our next big winter storm.”

Monken said a vehicle preparedness kit is easy to assemble.  A backpack or rubber tub can be stocked with items such as a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets, jumper cables, first aid kit, windshield scraper, small shovel, water bottles and some non-perishable snack foods.

State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis said fire safety and prevention gift ideas, such as foldable ladders for second-story emergency escapes and flameless scented candles, are also great gift ideas.

“These are important, affordable holiday gifts and stocking stuffers that could one day save a life,” said Matkaitis. 

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.