WeHa: Give The Gift Of Emergency Preparedness

Town of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's emergency management office isn't a likely source for holiday gift advice.

But folks heading the advice of the West Hartford Emergency Management Office will not only be able to tick off names on their holiday gift-buy list, they just might save their lives too.

According to an announcement from the Town of West Hartford's emergency offices, folks just might want give "the gift of preparedness."

"With the holiday season comes the increased risk of fire from holiday decorations, candles, and holiday meal preparation," wrote the town. "The winter also brings the promise of winter storms.

"Giving someone you care about a gift that can help them prevent a disaster or get them through a winter storm event may be the best gift idea of the season."

Among the town's emergency department's items on their suggested gift list are:

• First Aid kit for home, office, or car.
• Gift card for a winter weather automobile mechanic’s checkup.
• Battery-operated lantern (avoid candles).
• Flashlights.
• Fire Extinguishers.
• Hand-cranked or operated radios.
• Jumper cables.
• Multi-tool (such as a Leatherman multi-tool or a Swiss Army knife).
• Road flares or reflective warning triangles.
• Battery backup for cell phones or computers.
• Smoke and CO2 detectors (remember to check battery power).
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for when the power goes out.
• Camp stove/camping equipment.
• Collapsible shovel for the car.
• Solar charges.
• Small tool kits.

''According to the National Fire Protection Agency, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the second and third days with the most house fires followed by New Year’s Day. People also tend to forget to make sure their smoke detector batteries are fresh. It is also important to ensure your car is properly tuned up for the cold weather so you don’t get stuck on the way to grandma’s house," said West Hartford Emergency Management Specialist Michael Perruccio in a statement.

People are also reminded to prepare by stocking up on non-perishable food and water in case of a power outage, as well as preparing an emergency kit for their home and vehicle.

They should also keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

If the power were to go out for more than 24 hours, it may also be beneficial to have a generator running to power your home. Go to https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/use-generators-safely-home for more information on the safe use of home generators.

There is still time to prepare for the upcoming winter weather and more information on preparing this winter is at www.ready.gov/winter. FEMA also has a great video on preparedness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=YQHK7Dd1g_8

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for local and state alerts.

In West Hartford, residents can join this by signing up at, West Hartford Community Alerts and Connecticut Emergency Alerting and Notification System.

If further assistance is necessary, residents can contact the West Hartford Office of Emergency Management at 860-561-8922. For non-emergency situations, call the West Hartford Fire Department at 860-561-8300 and the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203. For all emergencies, call 911