Emergency suggestions for Xmas gifts

CAPE TOWN - Still unable to decide on a Christmas present for a loved one?

How about some handy emergency flares, a shovel to keep in the car, or a neat foldable ladder for escaping from a second-storey blaze?

These are some of the useful last-minute shopping suggestions the City of Cape Town’s disaster management centre made on Tuesday.

“There are simple items that can go a long way in the case of an emergency or disaster that would make great gifts this festive season,” the centre said in a statement.

They included smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and battery-powered lamps and radios.

Shoppers, it said, should also consider disaster kits containing food, water, medication, clothing, blankets and flashlights; car emergency kits including shovels; and pet disaster kits, with food, water, leashes, dishes and a carrying case.

“This year, consider at least one of these ideas as a gift -- they cost very little, but you may save the life of a friend or family member.”

The centre also encouraged families, as they gathered over the holiday season, to take a few minutes to plan what they would do in an emergency or disaster.

-Sapa