Give the Holiday Gift of Safety and Security

Most of us have at least one person on our holiday gift list that makes shopping for him or her almost impossible. Rather than just giving another tie, a pair of slippers or a gift certificate this year, consider the gift of safety and home security.

Here are a few holiday safety gifts ideas that you might want to consider as we near the end of the holiday shopping season.

• Smoke alarms should be in all homes with one placed outside every bedroom and on each level. About 70 percent of home fire fatalities occur in homes without smoke alarms or where the alarms aren’t working. And remember, alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Also consider giving carbon monoxide detectors to protect against what is known as the “silent killer.” This story out of Colorado shows how working carbon monoxide detectors can and do save lives.

• Long matches are helpful to protect against burns while starting a fire in the fireplace or wood-burning stove.

• Flashlights can help prevent fires when used in place of candles during power outages.

• Fire extinguishers can stop a fire before it grows. Be sure to choose a multi-purpose, dry-chemical extinguisher that is best for most types of home fires.

• Fire escape ladders, which hang from windows, allow people to safely escape from second-floor bedrooms in case of a fire.

• Solar-powered outdoor security lights can illuminate a target area for several minutes when motion is detected. These are great for placement in yards and on garages and can help deter burglars.

A few more ideas include batteries for smoke alarms and flashlights; fire-proof oven mitts to help prevent burns around the stove or barbecue; and large home address numbers that can help first responders locate a home more quickly during an emergency.

You might also consider giving the holiday safety gift of your time by helping an elderly or disabled friend or relative clean up clutter that might start a fire in attics, basements, garages or yards.

Another great holiday safety gift for a senior citizen on your list is a personal emergency response system that includes a base station and a pendant with a button that seniors can push in case of an emergency to be immediately connected to a trained home security professional.

Most of these items are very affordable and can provide peace of mind knowing that you have helped someone close to you start off 2010 a little more safe and secure.
 

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