Your Quick & Easy Father’s Day Gift Guide
There are many different items you can give Dad as a gift for Father’s Day. But there’s one basic problem with most of them. He might not like it.
If you give him a new tie, he may not care for the style or color. If you give him a new razor, he might prefer his old one. If you give him a new Porsche… well, that would be a keeper. But most of us don’t have $60,000+ burning a hole in our pocket.
There are a select few affordable Father’s Day presents that I can pretty much guarantee he will appreciate and use regularly.
I have one specific gift in mind, but I’m saving it for last. No fair looking ahead to the answer. In the meantime, let’s look at 11 of the more popular Father’s Day gift ideas. As well as five “oddities.”
As a reminder, Father’s Day is Sunday, June 19. So, you’ve got just over two weeks to prepare.
11 gift ideas for Dad
Barbeque grill accessories. Maybe Dad already has a reliable grill, but the utensils are starting to show wear. A new spatula, grill fork, tongs, etc. might whet his appetite to get grilling.
Insulated stainless steel thermos. Whether it’s coffee he wants to keep warm while driving or an adult beverage he wants to keep cold while relaxing in the backyard, this is a gift he’ll use regularly.
White noise sound machine. Most people can’t sleep with lots of noise in the background. Others can’t sleep if it’s too quiet. If your Dad is one of the latter, this could be the perfect solution to his problem.
Desk lamp. If your Dad’s vision is not quite what it used to be, he might appreciate being able to shed a little more light on the situation. Especially helpful for reading mail or paying bills, this is an illuminating gift.
Hot sauce kit. Does your Dad frequently mention that his meals could use a little more kick? With a hot sauce kit he can add just the right amount of kick to a wide variety of foods.
Amazon Echo Show 8. This nifty device that’s both a speaker and monitor will allow Dad to make video calls. It also serves as a hub for smart-home appliances such as smart light bulbs.
Instant camera. If Dad likes to hold a photo in his hands and pass it around – rather than passing his cellphone around – an instant camera is the way to go. Look for one promising reliable focus and sharp picture quality.
Pasta maker. Does Dad like to spend as much time preparing food in the kitchen as Mom does? If so, a pasta maker could be a big help. Especially if he likes to make dishes such as ravioli from scratch.
Turntable. Perhaps Dad has a few crates of old record albums he never plays anymore… but would like to. Buy him a turntable and he’ll be purchasing speakers in no time, if he doesn’t already have them.
Yard games. Maybe Dad isn’t playing football or basketball anymore, but perhaps he likes lawn darts, cornhole, horseshoes or other games he can play just by stepping out into the backyard.
Popcorn seasoning. If Dad prefers to sit back and watch movies at home rather than going to the theater, seasoning on his popcorn will put him in a good mood. And he can always sneak some into the theater when he does go out for a movie.
5 unusual presents for Pop
Now for a few of those “oddities” I promised…
Customized bobblehead doll. Send the company a photo of Dad and select which bobblehead type you want (businessman, superhero, doctor, etc.) and they’ll email you an image to approve or alter before sending you the bobblehead.
Customized face socks. Yep, Dad can have multiple images of his face on his socks. Just in case he forgets what he looks like and doesn’t have a mirror handy.
Patriotic hoodie. Sure, it’s warm now, but before you know it fall will be here. If Dad loves America, he’ll be proud to wear a hoodie featuring an American flag and a patriotic message.
Personalized tool tote bag. If Dad is handy around the house, he may also be the type who helps neighbors with minor repairs. This bag with his name on it will enable him to carry those tools with him in style.
Lord of the Rings chess set. If Dad loves Tolkien’s work and chess, this one will thrill him. The pieces are crafted in fine pewter in detailed likeness to the characters. He’ll probably ask you to play right away.
My guaranteed Dad-pleaser
As mentioned early on, here’s my suggestion for an affordable Father’s Day gift I believe dad will appreciate.
It’s the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight from 4Patriots. It has nine light functions. The flashlight has small solar panels for free charging, a glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter and a compass. It also has an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap.
Despite the fact that it’s small, lightweight and easy to handle, it’s extremely sturdy. That’s because it’s made from aluminum alloy. It can handle abuse. And that includes dropping it on the floor or ground, and banging it against something.
This flashlight is weather-resistant, shock-resistant and corrosion-resistant. It even includes a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work.
Here’s how you can get your HaloXT Tactical Flashlight. Or better yet, several of them.
Remembering Brian Kanterman Honors a Life of Service
4Patriots recently donated several items for a raffle that raised funds for Remembering Brian Kanterman, Inc. of Somerset, New Jersey. They were Patriot Power Cells, a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter.
When he reached his teen years, Brian Kanterman was already considered a very nice and respectful kid. But an incident that would be etched in his mind for the rest of his life was the catalyst for turning a propensity for kindness into a life of service.
A close friend died in a fire at age 13. The volunteer fire department was unable to reach the burning house in time. Devastated, Brian could have turned to unhealthy habits to help him cope.
Instead, at age 15, he became a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT). He eventually attained the rank of captain. As soon as he was legally able to do so, he volunteered for Community Fire Company 25 fire service. And became a nationally certified firefighter.
Brian attended Rutgers University, then became a police officer and eventually a deputy sheriff. Later, while rehabilitating from an injury sustained in duty and waiting to become a K9 officer, he served as a correctional officer in a Virginia prison.
It was there that Brian tragically passed away after an adverse reaction to an over-the-counter medication. It caused his heart to stop on Christmas Day 2018 at age 25.
Always Polite and Respectful
“As kids, both Brian and his older brother, Jason, were very competitive,” said Stan Kanterman. He is the boys’ father and a private investigator licensed in multiple states. “Both were black belts in martial arts and played traveling baseball.
“Brian played the trumpet and guitar. He was a drum major in the high school marching band. And a member of a first-aid squad and local fire department. Later he was a fanatic about going to the gym. Even when his back was hurting
“He would volunteer for any kind of community thing he could get his hands on. He was an umpire for Little League baseball and a volunteer at our temple for many projects.
“I remember many a day until he got his driver’s license when he would wake me up at 2 a.m. He wanted to respond to an emergency call and I had to drive him. I was very proud of him for the things he did.
“Brian was in the ROTC at Rutgers. He was one of only four cadets who completed the Washington 10K Run. Even with knee, hip and back issues. I’d call Brian a gentle giant. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was formidable looking. But very polite and respectful.”
Physical Setbacks Didn’t Stop Brian
Even outside his chosen professions, Brian set an example of service. Somerset citizens were never surprised to see him helping the elderly load groceries into their cars. Or assisting an unsteady person crossing a street.
When he’d see a man or woman in uniform, he would thank them for their service. And offer to buy them a cup of coffee. He also volunteered at animal shelters.
A number of physical issues slowed Brian down from time to time. But they never stopped him from fulfilling his life mission of serving others.
At age 19 he needed a hip replacement due to a deformity in that joint. The next year he underwent a back operation after a ceiling fell on him while he was battling a fire. As a police officer, he broke all the toes in both feet while pursuing a suspect.
Nonprofit RBK Established in 1999
Realizing the importance of carrying on Brian’s legacy, Stan and his wife, Tina, established the Remembering Brian Kanterman Inc. (RBK) nonprofit organization.
The RBK mission is multi-faceted. It includes:
- Purchasing police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty
- Providing service dogs to veterans
- Partnering with local shelters to provide emotional support animals to veterans and first responders
- Paying the costs of training individuals who wish to be police officers, firefighters or EMTs
- Offering scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields
- Assisting veterans and first responders struggling with addiction to obtain support
- Awarding “go bags” to first responders
Eliminating High Price Tags
Many of these mission components involve high costs. The average police dog costs between $17,000 to $21,000. A PTSD dog is about $32,000 and a ballistic vest goes for $3,000.
A go-bag containing a medical kit for an officer and a dog, plus handcuffs and flashlights, can run up to $1,000. The average cost to train an EMT and firefighter is $750 to $2,000.
“We donated two K9s – one to the Allentown PA Police Department, a patrol K9, and another to the New Jersey Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, a bomb-sniffing dog,” Stan said.
“We have also purchased a PTSD K9 for a New Jersey veteran, which will be awarded in the next few months.”
Fundraiser Nets $25K for Charity
Last October, a Remembering Brian Kanterman event raised $25,000 for the charity. There were approximately 230 attendees at the fundraiser, held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
“We truly appreciate the donations 4Patriots sent in,” Stan said. “And the quality of your stuff is important to us. People come back to our event because we don’t sell junk.”
Stan summed up the volunteer organization’s mission in one sentence:
“We wanted to make sure what Brian did didn’t stop with Brian.”
Don’t Waste Money on These Emergency Supplies
We talk a lot about emergency supplies you should have on hand for when a crisis situation develops. We even provide extensive lists of these items from time to time.
I think it’s about time we tell you which supplies you should NOT waste your money on.
Because every supply you purchase that won’t do you much good represents money you could have spent on something that could do you plenty of good.
Not to mention the fact that those unnecessary items take up valuable space in your storage area or bug-out bag.
Limit your single-use items
The first things I’d look at when seeking to avoid unnecessary emergency supplies are single-use items. The more different uses you can get out of a single item, the better. (Later I’ll mention 10 great multi-purpose items.)
On the contrary, single-use items such as regular, disposable batteries are a waste of money and space.
Other types of items I keep out of my emergency supplies are those that are not weatherproof. A bug-out situation will require spending more time outdoors than normal. You don’t want too many items that will require staying dry to work.
Additional things to stay away from when it comes to stockpiling supplies for a crisis are those that require more supplies to function. A great example is a gas-powered generator. Gas is not only heavy to transport, but also can be dangerous.
Avoid these money and space wasters
What are some other supply items you shouldn’t waste money on, for one reason or another? Here are a few:
Mass quantities of paper products. Yes, it’s good to have a decent supply of toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, etc. But stockpiling tons of those items in anticipation of stores running out is probably a waste of money. And it’s unlikely you’ll be able to use them for bartering.
Food with high sodium levels. Some food producers load up their food with lots of sodium. They do it for taste and preservation purposes. But in addition to not being good for you, that sodium is going to make you thirsty. Which means you’ll need even more water than you planned on.
Non-solar electronic devices. The electric grid is often the first casualty when it comes to an emergency caused by extreme weather or other problems. You want to have electronics with solar panels so you can recharge them with the free power of the sun instead of watching them die a slow death.
Water in large containers. You’ve seen those five and 10-gallon containers, right? They’re nice to look at but virtually impossible for most people to transport. If you suddenly have to bug out, you’ll have to leave all that life-giving water behind. Stick to containers the average person can carry. Even a gallon of water is heavy.
Too many canned goods. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to have some canned food and beverages in your emergency supplies. The shelf life is not nearly as long as survival food, but canned items can sustain you for a while. However, they usually contain a lot of sodium and again, if you have to bug out, they can be very heavy to transport in larger quantities.
10 multi-use items
I mentioned that multi-use items are important to include in your emergency supplies. Here are a few you might consider adding to your stockpile, as well as some of their surprising uses:
Aluminum foil. Blade sharpener, meat wrapper, trail marker, grill cleaner, keep tinder dry.
Baby powder. Grease stain remover, ant repellent, deodorant, dry skin soother, shoe freshener.
Baking soda. Brush your teeth, eliminate smells, bug repellent, gain traction, pain reliever.
Bandanas. Handkerchief, washcloth, forehead protector, tourniquet, cordage, blindfold, dog collar.
Honey. Digestion aid, energy booster, inflammation reducer, splinter remover, wound treatment.
Lip balm. Blister soother, sunscreen, knife rust preventer, glass cleaner, zipper lubricator.
Plastic grocery bags. Insulation, trail marking, food storage, trash holder, wet item separator.
Rechargeable batteries. The function of the batteries doesn’t change but the list of items you can power is endless.
Steel wool. Fire starter, garden tool cleaner, scissors sharpener, screw tightener, rust remover.
Super Glue. Fix broken knife grip, water bottle sealer, skin repair, backpack strap repair, cordage strengthener.
Got a Basic Bug-Out Bag Ready and Waiting? You Should!
Being prepared means having a bug-out bag or survival kit packed and ready to go.
Following a disaster, government agencies need a minimum of three days to take care of people negatively affected by it.
You can lessen the impact of those 72 hours by having a survival kit assembled and waiting for you near your front door.
Here are some items you’ll want to include, understanding that the larger ones will need to be kept in a vehicle trunk:
Must-have’s
Water and a portable water purifier should be your first consideration. You won’t last long without clean drinking water. Learn multiple ways to decontaminate water. You absolutely must avoid dehydration to survive. Others include:
- Non-perishable food that can be prepared quickly
- Power banks
- Fire-starters
- Flashlights and batteries
- Battery-operated, solar, or hand-crank radio
- Survival knife, pocket knife, multi-tool and compass
- Sturdy shoes, change of clothes suitable for weather conditions, warm hats and gloves, and rain gear
- First-aid kit and instructions
- Space blanket, wool blankets and sleeping bags
- Plastic sheeting and rope or paracord
- Small stove or solar cooker
- Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
- Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
- Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
- Personal hygiene items including toilet paper
- Plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
- Medications for you, your family and your pets
Expanded list
- Loud whistle
- Emergency cash in small denominations
- Tools, including a crowbar
- Zip-top bags
- Fishing kit
- Local topographic map
- Permanent marker, paper and tape
- Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
- Contact lists with phone numbers
- Disposable camera
- Dust masks
- Special needs items for children, seniors and those with disabilities
Essential documents
Not everything you stockpile can be eaten, drunk or worn. You also need to have essential, up-to-date documents on hand. If you can keep the following information on paper and/or on your smart phone, in a computer document, and on the web, you will be well prepared for an emergency.
- Doctor and veterinarian information. This should include a list of current medications and allergies. As well as up-to-date medical insurance information.
- Updated will and power of attorney information
- Life insurance information
- Homeowners and car insurance information
- Bank account numbers and passwords
- Basic list of current bills
Multiple purpose items
There are many items you could include that would serve multiple purposes. They’ll come in handy regardless of what you end up using them for.
Duct tape is one. We could fill an entire book with uses for duct tape. But to name a few… fixing leaks in buckets and boats, wrapping a wrist or ankle after a fall on uneven terrain, a wound water-proofer, boot insulation, and sleeping bag patch. Others are:
- Super Glue
- Aluminum foil
- Steel wool
- Garbage bags
- Tarp
- Lip balm
- Bandanas
- Rubber bands and rubber gloves
- Coffee filters
- Vaseline
- Sewing kit
3 ways to build a bug-out bag
Now that we know what should be included in a bug-out bag, let’s take a look at how to assemble one so you’ll have it ready to go in an emergency. There are three basic ways to do this.
One is to build your own. The upside here is that you can customize the bag to the needs of you and your family. The downside is that it can be very time-consuming and sometimes rather expensive.
A second way is to purchase a ready-made bug-out bag. That will certainly cut down on your time expenditure. But it might not have everything you want or need, and it could become pretty expensive.
The third way is the one I recommend. It involves building your own bug-out bag with items you know you and your family will need, but then augmenting it with essential items that cover the three basics: power, light and food.
Survival Starter Bundle
You will probably not be surprised to learn that I have those three items prepared for you in a bundle that will save you time and money.
It’s called the Survival Starter Bundle from 4Patriots. We took our best-selling items – Survival Food, the Patriot Power Cell and the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight – and bundled them together for the ultimate survival trio.
The 72-Hour Survival Food Kit contains delicious and nutritious food designed to last for up to 25 years with proper storage. The HaloXT Tactical Flashlight has nine functions to keep you safe. The durable Patriot Power Cell gives you power you need for your electronic devices.
Separately these three items would run $225. But with this incredible offer, you get all three for only $77. And if you choose to buy more than one bundle, I’ll cover shipping and handling costs for you.
Summer Bugs Aim to Make You Miserable
Some of us aren’t too crazy about cold weather. Especially if we live in an area of the country where it seems like winter goes on far too long. But at least we don’t have to worry about backyard bugs when it’s cold out.
Well, winter is now a distant memory. But the reminder of a bug-filled summer is fresh in our minds as we see mosquitos and other annoying and potentially dangerous flying insects invade our backyards.
Many of these bugs have been in some form of hibernation since late last fall. Others may have been hanging out inside your attic or walls. Still others have migrated north as the weather warms.
Today I want to talk about the types of bugs we’re likely to see in the coming months. As well as the harm they can do and the importance of keeping them off our bodies.
No. 1 pest? The mosquito
First and foremost is the mosquito. Other than providing food for birds, it seems like they are a punishment for mankind. Not that we don’t deserve it.
Their bites cause our skin to swell up and result in considerable itching. And that’s if we’re lucky.
If we’re unlucky, they could spread serious diseases including West Nile virus, heartworm, malaria, dengue fever and chikungunya.
In a moment I’ll give you some advice for avoiding mosquito bites. These precautions are easy to follow and effective.
Bees, wasps & hornets
Other flying bugs include bees, wasps and hornets. As a general rule, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
However, it’s easy to inadvertently bother them. Especially if you accidentally get near one of their nests.
Bee, wasp and hornet stings can be extremely painful. And if you’re allergic to them, they can be very dangerous. Some victims of these stings have died from their throats swelling up.
If you suddenly see a bee or wasp in your vicinity, try to hold still. Usually they will quickly discover you are not a flower and be on their way.
Ants range from meek to dangerous
Ants don’t fly, but this bug can put a damper on a picnic. The average ant doesn’t pose much of a physical threat, but fire ants certainly do.
If you’ve ever disturbed a large mound of fire ants, you know what I mean. They will latch on and sting, injecting a toxic alkaloid venom into their victims.
They’ve even been known to congregate in the hundreds or thousands to attack and sometimes kill small animals.
The crazy ant – which gets its nickname from its frantic and erratic behavior – can actually chew through electrical wiring.
More blasted bugs
Among other bugs you should watch out for – depending on which part of the country you live in – are the following:
- Spiders. Black widows and brown recluses are particularly dangerous.
- Bed bugs. Causing severe itchiness, they’re very challenging to get rid of.
- Termites. Far more than a nuisance, they cause billions of dollars of property damage every year.
- Ticks. They can spread Lyme disease so we need to check ourselves regularly after being on our lawns or in a wooded area.
- Cockroaches. They prefer the indoors and are attracted to food that is left out.
How to avoid mosquito bites
Getting back to mosquito bites, you’re better off avoiding them than treating them. Use a mosquito repellent. There are over-the-counter sprays and rub-ons containing DEET. If you want to avoid that chemical, make your own concoction.
Mosquitos aim for thin-skinned areas because they can get to your blood easier. Apply it to exposed areas of skin. Focus on your feet, ankles, lower legs and wrists.
They’re also attracted to dark colors. Wear light-colored clothing when you’re outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can be helpful for avoiding bites. A thicker fabric with a looser fit is preferable to tight-fitting, thin fabrics.
Avoid the outdoors around dawn and dusk. That way your blood won’t be available to them during their favorite parts of the day. When indoors, keep windows closed. Make sure screens don’t have holes in them.
How to treat mosquito bites
Scratching mosquito bites usually makes them itch more and longer. That’s not a good “treatment.”
If you break the skin while scratching, you can expose yourself to an additional infection. Wash the area with soap and water, then cover it with a bandage.
Ice will slow blood flow to the area, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling. Apply aloe vera directly to the bite to relieve itching and discomfort. Or press a steeped chamomile tea bag to your bite.
Some folks apply other items to their bites. Including honey, vinegar and even an oatmeal paste. Others like to use hydrocortisone cream or take an antihistamine.
Nothing to see here, little bug… ZAP!
As we’ve seen, mosquitos and other bugs can be very annoying when we’re trying to enjoy the outdoors. And if that weren’t enough, they can also spread disease. Both to us and to our pets.
So, let’s keep them at bay this spring, summer and fall. My suggestion for accomplishing that task is the BugOUT Solar Lantern from 4Patriots. It’s lightweight (just one pound) but does the job. We call it the king of bug-zappers.
With its solar panel, the BugOUT Solar Lantern charges in the sun. And it’s rainproof and water-resistant. It both attracts and kills bugs. Without using pesticides or chemicals. And it cleans itself every 72 hours.
It features three different light settings and serves as a decorative light. You can take this compact and portable lantern anywhere you go. It has a convenient handle so you can hang it on a tree branch at your campsite or on a clothesline in your backyard.
Protect yourself, your backyard guests and your pets with the BugOUT Solar Lantern. Here’s how to get yours…
Remembering Brian Kanterman Honors a Life of Service
4Patriots Pitches in for Fundraiser
When he reached his teen years, Brian Kanterman was already considered a very nice and respectful kid. But an incident that would be etched into his mind for the rest of his life was the catalyst for turning his propensity for kindness into a life of service.
A close friend died in a fire at age 13 when the volunteer fire department was unable to reach the burning house in time. Brian was devastated. He could have turned to unhealthy habits to help him cope.
Instead, at age 15, he became a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) and eventually attained the rank of captain. As soon as he was legally able to do so, he volunteered for Community Fire Company 25 fire service and became a nationally certified firefighter.
Brian attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, then became a police officer and eventually a deputy sheriff. Later, while rehabilitating from an injury sustained in duty and waiting to become a K9 officer, he served as a correctional officer in a Virginia prison.
It was there that Brian tragically passed away after an adverse reaction to an over-the-counter medication, causing his heart to stop on Christmas Day 2018 at age 25.
Always polite and respectful
“As kids, both Brian and his older brother, Jason, were very competitive,” said Stan Kanterman, the boys’ father and a private investigator licensed in multiple states. “Both were black belts in martial arts and played traveling baseball.
“Brian played the trumpet and guitar, and he was a drum major in the high school marching band and a member of a first-aid squad and local fire department. Later he was a fanatic about going to the gym, even when his back was hurting, to keep himself in shape.
“He would volunteer for any kind of community thing he could get his hands on. He was an umpire for Little League baseball and a volunteer at our temple for many projects.
“I remember many a day until he got his driver’s license when he would wake me up at 2 a.m. because he wanted to respond to an emergency call and I had to drive him. I was very proud of him for the things he did.
“Brian was in the ROTC at Rutgers and was one of only four cadets who completed the Washington 10K Run, even with knee, hip and back issues. I’d call Brian a gentle giant. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was formidable looking, but very polite and respectful.”
Physical setbacks didn’t stop Brian
Even outside his chosen professions, Brian set an example of service. Citizens of Somerset, New Jersey were never surprised to see him helping the elderly load groceries into their cars or assisting an unsteady person crossing a street.
When he’d see a man or woman in uniform, he would thank them for their service and offer to buy them a cup of coffee. He also volunteered at animal shelters and would often take selfies with dogs he’d see on the street, posting them to his social media accounts.
A number of physical issues may have slowed Brian down from time to time, but they never stopped him from fulfilling his life mission of serving others.
At age 19 he needed a hip replacement due to a deformity in that joint. The next year he underwent a back operation after a ceiling fell on him while he was battling a fire. As a police officer, he broke all the toes in both feet while pursuing a suspect.
Nonprofit RBK established in 1999
Realizing the necessity of carrying on Brian’s legacy, Stan and his wife, Tina, established the Remembering Brian Kanterman Inc. (RBK) nonprofit organization.
The RBK mission is multi-faceted. It includes:
- Purchasing police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty
- Providing service dogs to veterans
- Partnering with local shelters to provide emotional support animals to veterans and first responders
- Paying the costs of training individuals who wish to be police officers, firefighters or EMTs
- Offering scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields
- Assisting veterans and first responders struggling with addiction to obtain support
- Awarding “go bags” to first responders
Eliminating high price tags
Many of these mission components involve high costs. The average police dog costs between $17,000 to $21,000, a PTSD dog is about $32,000 and a ballistic vest goes for $3,000.
A go-bag containing a medical kit for an officer and a dog, plus handcuffs and flashlights, can run up to $1,000. The average cost to train an EMT and firefighter is $750 to $2,000.
“We donated two K9s – one to the Allentown PA Police Department, a patrol K9, and another to the New Jersey Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, a bomb-sniffing dog,” Stan said.
“We have also purchased a PTSD K9 for a NJ veteran, which will be awarded in the next few months.
“We only donate to volunteer departments. We give them the opportunity to bring on a new EMT or firefighter and get them the equipment they need.”
A variety of essential programs
Following are brief descriptions of the RBK programs:
Addiction Support for Veterans and First Responders
Sadly, many veterans suffer from addiction and do not get the help and resources they so greatly deserve. Addiction support geared toward vets can be found in a number of hotlines and resources seen at www.rememberingbriank.com.
K9 Replacement
RBK seeks to raise enough funds annually to purchase police dogs for agencies that recently lost a dog in the line of duty or when it retired due to age or illness. Many K9 handlers have been left without a partner and are in need of a professional replacement.
Service Dogs for Veterans
Due to the prevalence of PTSD and mental illness among veterans, and the overwhelming stress that first responders deal with on a regular basis, there is an increasingly widespread need for well-trained service dogs to help improve their lives. RBK’s goal is to help fill this need through the adoption of emotional support animals and service dogs for first responders and veterans.
Police Officer, Firefighter & EMT Training
RBK seeks to help pay the costs to train individuals wishing to become police officers, firefighters and EMTs. And to contribute to those already in the field needing additional training and/or equipment.
Donations for Scholarships
Another goal for RBK is to provide scholarships to individuals who want to go into criminal justice, law enforcement or legal fields.
EMT, Firefighter and Police Officer Grants
In the same vein as donating to scholarships, the RBK website offers the opportunity to donate to grants for EMTs, firefighters and police officers. These donations help young people achieve their dreams by becoming public servers.
Go-Bags
Deserving first responders receive go-bags consisting of a gear bag, a ballistic first-aid kit, handcuffs, flashlight, knife, note pads and pens.
Not-for-Profit Donations
All donations made through the RBK website go to not-for-profit programs. They go directly to police officers, firefighters, EMTs, veterans and more people needing help.
4Patriots contributes to fundraiser
Last October, a Remembering Brian Kanterman event raised $25,000 for the charity. There were approximately 230 attendees at the fundraiser, held at the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, New Jersey.
4Patriots donated several items for the raffle. Including Patriot Power Cells, a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit, a HaloXT Tactical Flashlight and a Patriot Pure Personal Water Filter.
“We put together baskets based on three different tiers of value,” Stan said. “People buy as many tickets as they want and then we call out numbers for the next three hours, with volunteer runners verifying ticket numbers and delivering prizes.
“We truly appreciate the donations you sent in. And the quality of your stuff is important to us. People come back to our event because we don’t sell junk.”
Those interested in donating to Remembering Brian Kanterman may visit www.rememberingbriank.com and click on “Donate.”
Stan summed up the volunteer organization’s mission in one sentence:
“We wanted to make sure what Brian did didn’t stop with Brian.”
Hurricane Preparedness Tips from FEMA, Red Cross & 4Patriots
Today I want to provide you with tips on how to deal with hurricanes. Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, you might still experience their effects. And some of these tips will also apply to other storms you are more likely to face.
As you probably know, 4Patriots is not the only organization issuing these warnings. They come from a wide variety of weather and emergency sources. Including FEMA and the American Red Cross. Both of which recommend stockpiling non-perishable food and water. More on that in a moment.
Incredible wind speeds cause devastation
Hurricanes are tropical cyclones occurring in the north Atlantic Ocean and the northeast Pacific Ocean. They have sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or stronger. Some have been recorded as high as 195 mph.
At the center of the air circulation is the eye, inside of which it’s relatively calm. But the strongest thunderstorms and winds circulate in the eye wall immediately surrounding the eye.
When you’re in the eye, you know you’re just about to get hit with the ferocious eye wall at any moment.
One advantage in dealing with a hurricane rather than a tornado is that you will have considerably more advance notice to prepare for it, thanks to meteorological advancements.
Destructive and deadly
The downsides to a hurricane – and there are plenty of them – are that they can be very slow moving and can bring excessive amounts of water with them.
They can cause extensive flooding and are often accompanied by thunderstorms and tornadoes. Plus sustained rains and winds. Hurricanes can knock out power for days or weeks. And cut off usable water supplies.
Some of the most devastating hurricanes in the U.S. in recent memory were Ida in 2021, Laura in 2020, Michael in 2018 and Irma in 2017. Plus Matthew and Harvey in 2016, Sandy in October 2012, and Katrina in August 2005.
The largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter with winds spanning 1,100 miles, Sandy affected 24 states and caused an estimated $65 billion in damage in the U.S., especially in New Jersey and New York.
Katrina caused at least 1,833 deaths. Making it one of the five deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. And an estimated $81 billion in property damage.
Make a plan and stock up on supplies
Having an emergency response plan in place in case a hurricane is heading your way is crucial if you live in an area susceptible to these vicious storms.
The key to dealing with a hurricane is planning for it. Having a 72-hour survival kit and your bug-out bag ready to go and knowing your evacuation routes will save you valuable time.
It’s also crucial to have plenty of survival food and water stockpiled. The American Red Cross recommends a three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for home.
FEMA suggests at least several days’ worth of food and water. At 4Patriots, we suggest as much as you can stockpile. You never know how long an emergency is going to last.
What to do before it strikes
One thing that is impractical to do in advance – but which you should be ready to start executing at a moment’s notice when you hear a hurricane is heading your way – is preparing your home. This involves:
- Boarding up windows with plywood or installing storm shutters.
- Securing your roof and siding to your house frame with straps.
- Reinforcing garage doors, trimming long tree branches and bringing outdoor furniture into your house.
- Familiarizing yourself and your family with utility shut-off switches and valves in your house in case you need to evacuate.
Other activities you should engage in prior to a hurricane approaching your area are:
- Familiarize yourself with emergency routes and shelters. Print out those routes and keep them in your vehicle’s glove compartment.
- Make yourself aware of community shelters in your neighborhood just in case you need to use one.
- Make sure your car has a full gas tank and that important items such as a first-aid kit are in your car.
During and after the storm
During a hurricane, assuming there was no evacuation order and you decided to ride it out, monitor emergency radio and mainstream media reports.
Close your blinds and move your most valuable possessions away from windows. Then stay away from those windows, close interior doors and remain in your home’s interior rooms.
Once the storm has passed, continue to monitor weather reports and try to use flashlights instead of candles if your power is out.
When you return after evacuating, keep an eye out for flooding, ruptured gas lines and damaged structures. Be aware that water may have become contaminated. Report any damage sustained by your home to your insurance agent as soon as possible.
Non-food items to gather
Of course, there’s more to preparing for a hurricane or other type of storm than survival food and water. You’d be wise to have these items handy as well:
- Flashlight and extras batteries. Or better yet, a solar-powered, tactical flashlight.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency weather radio
- First-aid kit and medications
- Multi-purpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents
- Family and emergency contact information
- Blankets, extra clothing, boots, gloves, etc.
- Cash
- Maps
The Red Cross, FEMA, 4Patriots and you all know it’s crucial to have survival food on hand in case of an emergency.
Maybe you already have some stockpiled. Or maybe you’re a beginner to the preparedness game. Either way, I want to help you out.
For a limited time, I will provide you – free of charge – with a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit from 4Patriots. All you have to do is pay shipping and handling.
If you already have a stockpile of survival food, this is an inexpensive way to add to it. And if you’re new to preparedness, this is a great way to get started.
This Kit includes 16 total servings of delicious meals like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal for breakfast, America’s Finest Mac & Cheese for lunch, and Creamy Rice & Vegetable Dinner.
All you have to do is boil, simmer and serve. These meals come in triple-layer Mylar pouches and will last up to 25 years under proper storage conditions.
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