Nailing It Down
By Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty
Who is that impossible person on your Christmas shopping list? Or perhaps you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for an upcoming gift exchange.
We here at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor are the experts in most things housing — not necessarily in gift-giving. However, we do have some gift ideas that fit right in with our goal to encourage homeownership and safe, affordable housing for all.
Last week we talked about how many folks derail their budgets at Christmastime, and we gave some tips on how to avoid that. The following gift suggestions vary in price and are mostly in the “practical but thoughtful” category.
Perhaps you don’t have a hard-to-buy-for person, but you are that person. Maybe you can add one of the following to your wish list:
Gifts that encourage safety
We think these gifts express that you want your loved ones safe, warm and well in the New Year!
An All Hazards Weather Radio. They can be purchased at local hardware stores, box stores and online and have a price tag between $20 and $50.
An “emergency kit.” You can make one yourself putting items into a backpack or a small travel bag. The kit can contain things such as energy bars, water, a radio, flashlight and light sticks and a first-aid kit. These kits can be kept in your car and home.
A box containing an emergency three-day supply of food and water. Pack enough for the pets, too!
A first-aid kit for either home or vehicle.
A good-quality fire box or fire safe to protect important financial and personal documents. Standard fire boxes run about $25. They also make some now that protect against water.
Battery-operated décor candles so that a loved one can obtain the ambience of candlelight without the risk of fire.
A carbon monoxide detector. These are helpful for any home that has some type of fossil fuel heating device such as a woodstove, fireplace, gas or oil furnace or kerosene space heater. They are true life-savers.
A “second floor” escape ladder. These collapsible contraptions fold up and out of the way until needed. They are available at local hardware stores or through a fire equipment supply company.
An emergency blanket for the car.
A flashlight plus batteries — or, better yet, a wind-up flashlight. (Even if they have one, another might be nice for the car or for a bedroom.)
A gun safety lock for each firearm.
A gift certificate for a chimney maintenance/cleaning.
A gift certificate from a local contractor to clean gutters and inspect the roof.
A 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher for the kitchen or garage.
Maybe someone you love is ready to make the switch to a safer artificial tree. Get one on sale for them this year with the promise of a safer Christmas next year.
A prepaid mobile phone or calling cards for loved ones who travel and don’t have cellphones.
Light sticks.
A whistle to go on a keychain or perhaps in an emergency kit.
A doorbell with built-in camera.
Outdoor security cameras.
And our favorite: an extension ladder stand-off attachment.
Keep your tree watered
Do you have a real Christmas tree? If so, make sure to give it a good drink today. Keeping it watered makes it last and decreases the risk of fire.
Find us on Facebook
Did you know that NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor has a Facebook page? Follow us! And, take a look at our website at www.nwghc.org. We have helpful information in an archive of past columns, quick videos and tips in our blog. Take a look and even ask us questions about home maintenance, home buying, budgeting, renter-landlord issues and way more. Try us, like us, share us! For sure, come and see us for your housing needs.
Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is executive director. This is a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County. For questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or buying, call 360-533-7828 or visit 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Our office is fully ADA-compliant.
