Christmas Gifts: Flashlight and Batteries

The beauty of flashlights is that someone is always asking for one.  It's an easy gift, and with so many ultra-modern tweaks on the old-fashioned flashlight, you are sure to be able to suit everyone on your list.

• Children love flashlights!  And many companies are making child safe versions (unbreakable, locked battery compartments).
• For the office gift exchange, buy a flashlight someone could leave in their desk or use on the job.

Everyday Providence's Twelve Days of Christmas

We believe that preparation for disasters, emergencies, and other rough spots in life is an everyday affair. Small purchases, daily choices, and a tiny bit of planning can help you to be ready when the inevitable strikes. And as gift giving is a traditional element in celebrating the Christmas season, the next twelve posts during the month of December each emphasize an item that you might purchase for someone special on your list, and maybe put on your wish list as well.

Everyday Providence's Twelve Days of Christmas
Day 1 - Flashlights and Batteries
Day 2 - Water
Day 3 - Pocketknife
Day 4 - Smoke Detectors 
Day 5 - Generator
Day 6 - Backpack

Three Meats and a Thermometer

Using a food thermometer and knowing safe temperature ranges will keep your family healthy and may improve your culinary skills.  Good everyday kitchen habits will also serve you well during disasters and emergencies.

Any store with a kitchen department will likely carry a variety food thermometers.  Know what you're cooking and how you plan to cook it.  Pick a thermometer (or two) that suits your needs.

Understand the food danger zone.  Bacteria is all around us, in the air, in the soil and on surfaces.  When bacteria grow in food before we consume it, we can become quite ill.  Not only will some bacteria make us ill, but some bacteria produce toxins that remain even after cooking! 

Do you need to replace your smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors wear out! Like any electronic device, there are parts that can break, corrode, fatigue or malfunction. And with the advances in technology, you'll want the best protection for your family. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 5-10 years. I bought my house 10 years ago. As I replaced the smoke detector batteries last week, I realized, "It's time!" Thankfully, most basic smoke detectors cost less than $15. So... this week-end (before we turn on the furnace and cook the turkey) I'll be running to the hardware store for four new life-saving alert devices.

Big Test! With these tips you'll pass!

This FEMA video explains the upcoming national test of the Emergency Alert System.

Next Wednesday, November 9, 2012 at 2:00 pm Eastern, we will be conducting our first nationwide test of the emergency alert system. You know the one, where that annoying tone buzzes, the screen goes striped and a voice says, "This is a test of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a test." Except this time, the test will be live and nationwide.