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This Season, Give Some Peace of Mind

This year, give your loved ones something a little outside the gift box! Give the gift of safety and peace of mind. We’ve rounded up some worthy gift ideas to help make life go a little more smoothly:

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  Download here. (Credit: NOAA)
  

  NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards: These life-saving radios broadcast immediate warnings about tornadoes, floods, AMBER Alerts — even things like chemical spills in your area. You also can turn them on anytime to get your local weather conditions and forecasts. The radios are available at electronic stores, marine supply stores, mail order catalogs and online. Prices vary by model and options, but typically range between $20 and $80.

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  Download here. (Credit: NOAA)
  

  Emergency Locator Beacons: Like to hike, boat or pilot your own plane? If so, consider purchasing an emergency locator beacon. If you find yourself or a loved one stranded or in peril, these beacons can be used to locate you —wherever you are — by satellite as part of the Search and Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking system, or SARSAT. As of Dec. 9, 2011, SARSAT is credited with helping to save 202 lives this year in the United States, and more than 30,000 people worldwide since its inception in 1982.
  
  The emergency beacons are easy to register (a must!) and can be purchased from a local marine store.*

• Nautical Charts and Publications: For the boat owner or enthusiast, give the gift of safety in the form of a nautical chart to help them plot their course. NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey provides both digital and printed nautical charts and other navigation tools to help boaters find and reach their destination safely.

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  Download here. (Credit: NOAA)
  

  NOAA Diving Manual, Diving for Science and Technology, 4th Edition: This definitive encyclopedia of diving is a must-have for serious divers. Topics include diving equipment, breathing gas mixtures, safety, first aid, marine life and a brief history of diving. You can order this comprehensive manual from the Department of Commerce's National Technical Information Service or from Best Publishing Company (800-468-1055).

* Effective Feb. 1, 2009, emergency beacons operating on the 406 megahertz (MHz) frequency became the only device that satellites will detect. The new, improved beacons can be detected instantly, are more accurate and provide search and rescue personnel with vital registration information. If you own one of the older beacons operating on the 121.5 and 243 MHz frequencies, you must replace it with a 406 MHz device. Remember: you must register your 406 MHz beacon with NOAA, which can be done easily online.

Posted Dec. 14, 2011