Norwalk Fire Department Gives Some Holiday Gift Ideas

The following is a message from the Norwalk Fire Department:

This year, the Norwalk Fire Department has assembled a list of gift ideas for the holidays to help keep your family and friends prepared. The past few years have seen a number of severe strorms, such as Sandy and Irene. Emergencies can happen at any moment; these gifts can serve as a great starting point to ensure that your friends and family have an emergency communications plan, a disaster supply kit, and stay informed about emergencies in their area.

“Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere and the holiday season provides a great opportunity to ensure that you and your loved ones are taking simple steps to be prepared,” said Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy. “As families gather this holiday season, I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and discuss what you would do in case of an emergency or disaster. The community is the most important member of our nation’s emergency response team and the more the residents are prepared, the more successful this team will be.”

The most important thing any individual can do is take a few minutes to discuss with their family, friends and loved ones what they will do in the case of an emergency or disaster. This includes developing a simple family communications plan and identifying how you would get in touch with loved ones and where you might meet if you are separated when an emergency or disaster takes place.

Additionally, there are simple supplies that can go a long way in the case of an emergency or disaster that would make great gifts this holiday season.

• Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits; food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours; i.e., extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights).
• NOAA weather radios with extra batteries. The Fire Department has 2 models of multipurpose am/fm/noaa radios, with flashlight and cell phone charger. Contact 203-854-0238 or email mdeluca@norwalkct.org to learn more.
• Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Fire extinguishers (for kitchen, garage, car, etc.)
• Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire.
• Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
• Flashlights

This year, consider at least one of these ideas. You just may save the life of a friend or family member. To help ensure a safe 2012 holiday season, visit www.norwalkct.org and click on the "Holiday Safety" link.