HARRISBURG, PA — While you’re scouring shelves for the perfect holiday gifts, consider one that truly keeps on giving—preparedness. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) are urging shoppers to prioritize safety by choosing presents that help loved ones prepare for emergencies in 2025 and beyond.
According to PEMA Director Randy Padfield, the holiday season isn’t just about sharing joy—it’s an opportunity to share security and peace of mind. “The holidays are a time for celebration and fellowship with those near and dear to us,” said Padfield. “Purchasing preparedness gifts like flashlights, weather radios, and first aid kits are great options to add to the list, which will help your family or friends be ready for emergencies over the holidays and for months to come.”
Forget the generic gifts that gather dust. This year, think practical. A single useful item could be the first step toward equipping a home or car with a comprehensive emergency kit. With natural disasters becoming more frequent and unpredictable, these thoughtful gifts could save lives.
Smart Gifts That Protect
The essentials of an emergency kit are more than just objects—they’re lifelines when disaster strikes. PEMA recommends starting with basics such as water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), nonperishable food, flashlights with extra batteries, and a first aid kit. These items ensure that loved ones can handle the unexpected, whether it’s a snowstorm, power outage, or even a home evacuation.
Other essential items include extra clothing, blankets, hygiene products, a whistle to signal for help, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated when power lines go down. For those who love road trips or live in regions prone to harsh winter weather, a car emergency kit with jumper cables, an ice scraper, a shovel, and a bag of kitty litter for added traction on icy roads could be a lifesaver.
Such gifts are more than thoughtful—they’re empowering. By giving a flashlight or a weather radio, you’re not just handing over a tool; you’re giving the gift of security and readiness.
Preparedness Isn’t Just a Gift—it’s a Mindset
The holidays offer an ideal opportunity to encourage a culture of preparedness in families and communities. While kits and gadgets provide the “what,” it’s equally critical to focus on the “how.” Preparedness requires planning, communication, and practice.
Start by encouraging recipients to build on the items you’ve given. A flashlight could be the first step in assembling a full emergency kit. Help loved ones think through their unique needs—do they have young children? Pets? Medical conditions that require specific supplies or medications? Additionally, sitting down together to create and practice an emergency plan can make everyone feel calmer and more capable when the unexpected happens.
Protection for What Matters Most
Disasters and emergencies show no regard for the calendar. They can strike during peak holiday celebrations or a quiet weekend at home. Yet when communities prioritize safety, they build resilience. Gifts that enhance preparedness—whether it’s a simple first-aid kit or an advanced weather radio—demonstrate care and foresight.
Beyond the individual level, preparedness supports entire communities. When more households have emergency plans and supplies on hand, the pressure on emergency responders and public services decreases. This means quicker recovery and less loss when disaster strikes. By giving preparedness-focused gifts, you’re contributing to a safer, more resilient community.
PEMA’s call to “Resolve to be Ready” encourages families to see preparedness as a gesture of love and responsibility. What better time to share that message than during the season of giving? Padfield’s advice reminds us that true gifts—the ones that matter most—are rooted in care, security, and a commitment to keeping each other safe.
This holiday season, make a difference. Think beyond the fleeting gifts of today, and give your loved ones the resilience to face whatever tomorrow may bring. Preparedness isn’t just practical; it’s priceless.
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