8/12/2019 Five Great Gifts for Father's Day

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Five Great Gifts for Father's Day

Contact: Mr. Ron Leix, MSP/EMHSD Public Information Officer (517) 336-6464 Agency: State Police

With Fathers Day less than a week away, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management andHomeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) has created a list of five great gift ideas for dad.

Preparedness items make ideal gifts by providing a peace of mind knowing loved ones are ready foran emergency, such as losing power for days or needing supplies or tools when time counts. Inaddition, preparedness gifts serve as a reminder to make preparedness a priority.

"Trying to figure out the perfect Fathers Day gift c an be difficult," said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske,Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of theMSP/EMHSD. "Preparedness gifts show you care for your fathers safety and welfare. They alsomake all-around great gifts for addressing all types of emergencies and disasters."

Fathers Day Gift Idea No. 1: Emergency Preparedness Kits for Home, Car and Office

An emergency preparedness kit is probably the best thing a person can give.

In an emergency, electricity, gas and water may be cut off for days even weeks. An individual maybe stuck in his or her home or evacuated at a moment's notice.

That's why it's important to have a fully-stocked emergency preparedness kit. At the minimum, everyhousehold should have a kit containing food, water, first aid kit, flashlight and batteries, extraclothing and a blanket.

It's also great to have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle in case an emergency occurswhile traveling. An emergency kit in your vehicle with nonperishable, high-energy foods such as

granola bars, canned nuts and trail mix could save your life and the lives of your passengers. A kit can be made or purchased online for as little as $30.

8/12/2019 Five Great Gifts for Father's Day

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Fathers Day Gift Idea No. 2: NOAA Weather Radio

A NOAA weather radio is like having your own emergency siren in your home.

It's one of the best ways to protect your family in case of a disaster. Emergency radios are a 24-hoursource of weather forecasts, watches, warnings and other emergency information.

If there is no emergency, the radio goes into a silent stand-by mode. When there is an emergency, itsets off an alarm alerting you to the danger.

Prices hover around $30 at most electronic, hardware and neighborhood drug stores.

Fathers Day Gift Idea N o. 3: Generator

Power outages can happen at any time of year summer or winter.

If used correctly, a generator can safely provide electricity to warm a home or keep a refrigeratorcool, providing comfort during any blackout. Generators vary in size and output, so carefully thinkabout use and application before purchasing.

Prices begin at $200.

Fathers Day Gift Idea No. 4: Multi -Tool

A multi-tool provides a strong pair of pliers, knife, small saw, metal file and screwdriver in a singlepackage.

During an emergency or disaster, this type of tool can be used in almost any type of situation. Themore features the multi-tool possesses, the higher the cost.

Fathers Day Gift Idea No. 5: Hand -Crank Cell Phone Charger

Almost everyone has a cell phone these days.

When the power goes out, a cell phone has no place to charge. A hand-crank cell phone chargerprovides a little peace of mind by providing a power source to briefly charge a battery tocommunicate during an emergency or disaster.

The American Red Cross has a charger available for $15. There are some that are combined withradios and flashlights available for more than $30.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency, visit theMSP/EMHSD on the Web a twww.michigan.gov/beprepared or Twitterat www.twitter.com/MichEMHS .

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsiblefor coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and reliefactivities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland securityinitiatives and various federal grants.

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