Product Spotlight: Disaster Prep Kits

For many people, summer’s approach means a time for fun in the sun. Days spent at the beach, in the park, on the water. For those who live along the Gulf Coast, it also means the approach of hurricane season.

Coastal residents know what that means. It’s time to live up to the Scouting motto – Be Prepared. Being ready for major weather events is a must, and not just in hurricane-prone areas. Whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or blizzards, staying prepared is critical.

The Value of Disaster Prep Promotional Items

Disasters arrive without warning. Businesses and other organization can help their local communities be prepared with a carefully selected range of custom products. It’s a way to show your commitment to your customers and, done properly, can reinforce brand awareness and customer/client loyalty at the same time.

Every region of the nation has its disaster risks, whether from wildfires, spring floods, winter storms, tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes. The need for key items is universal. You can customize a product mix to fit just about any possible emergency situation.

Why They Work as Promotional Items

You might not think anything linked to traumatic events is a good idea for a promotional item. Consider this, though: Brand recall in high-stress moments builds brand loyalty. And unlike throwaway items, people keep things they actually use. That keeps your brand relevant.

Uses for Emergency Preparedness Products

Some businesses lend themselves especially well to promoting themselves through preparedness products. Service businesses in particular are well-suited to them. These include insurance agencies, real estate agents  banks and credit unions.

Local governments and utility providers also are a natural fit with custom preparedness products. A well-planned group of products can put your logo in front of customers when they’re getting ready for emergencies.

What Works

Specific disaster preparedness items vary by season. What’s best for Florida in June doesn’t necessarily work well for Wisconsin in February. Having said that, there are some items that are nearly universally useful. These include:

• Portable power and light
• Water/Hydration
• First Aid and Safety Gear
• Communication and Information Tools
• Document Protection and Waterproof Storage
• Shelter/Warmth Iitems

Let’s take a look at each of those individually.

Power and Light 

When inclement weather strikes, your area might lose electrical power. Residents need emergency lighting, access to news and weather information, and a way to charge cellphones and tablets.

A good disaster prep kit can improve all of that. A branded hand-crank or solar flashlight or lantern can light the darkness. Custom power banks and portable chargers enable users to charge cellphones and maintain communications with loved ones and emergency responders.

For a utility company, these items are an excellent promo to give away ahead of storm season and gain community goodwill.

Water/Hydration

No matter what event happens, people have one basic, urgent need – water. Branded products can help customers be ready for emergencies. Private-labeled bottled water is always welcome at disaster sites and weather events. Insulated tumblers, jugs and collapsible water containers are also highly valued.

First Aid/Safety Kits

First aid and safety gear are a must in any emergency event. Branded first aid kits and logo gear such as reflective vests, safety goggles, masks and emergency whistles keep your brand visible in a respectful way. High visibility vests can be a literal lifesaver in rain, fog and low-light conditions.

Shelter/Warmth

In a hurricane or flood area, custom ponchos and emergency rain gear are sure to be appreciated, and are a highly visible boost for your brand. Branded emergency blankets also are essential items.

Communication

Staying in touch with rapidly changing weather conditions during an emergency is a must. Branded hand-crank weather radios will give your customers and clients potentially life-saving information and promote your brand in a way they’ll remember after the crisis is over.

Waterproof Protection

This category gives your brand exposure in a way that people remember and appreciate. Waterproof dry bags and document pouches with your logo on them are an ideal way to protect financial documents, insurance cards  and IDs. For larger coverage, branded tarpaulins can be used to cover roofs as needed.

Bundling Items for Maximum Impact

The way you package emergency preparedness products can maximize the value and utility of them and give a sense of high perceived value. Start with the package. A quality branded bag or box lends a sense of value from the start.

Match the bundle to your local risk. For example, a “Hurricane Ready” kit might include a flashlight, a power bank, a water pouch and a readiness checklist card. A “Blizzard Ready” kit might offer a flashlight, power bank and an emergency blanket and hand warmers.

The Bottom Line

Disaster preparedness products are a way to show your commitment to your community, and a highly effective way to promote your brand or logo. It’s all about giving potential customers products they’ll use and appreciate when they need them the most.

When the storm passes, make sure your brand is the one people remember. If you’d like to find out more about how you can promote your brand and help your community at the same time, give us a call at (800) 423-0449, or email us.