Give The Gift Of Preparedness This Holiday Season

With the holidays fast approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region V office encourages everyone to consider giving gifts that will help protect their family members and friends during a future emergency.

"A gift to help prepare for emergencies could be life-saving for friends and family," said FEMA Region V acting regional administrator, Janet Odeshoo. "These gift ideas provide a great starting point for being prepared for an emergency or disaster."

Supplies for an emergency preparedness kit can make unique - and potentially life-saving- holiday gifts, such as:

* Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.

* A flashlight with extra batteries.

* Solar-powered cell phone charger.

* Smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide detectors.

* First aid kit.

* Fire extinguisher and fire escape ladder.

* Enrollment in a CPR or first aid class.

* Books, coloring books, crayons and board games for the kids, in case the power goes out.

* Personal hygiene comfort kit, including shampoo, body wash, wash cloth, hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant.

* A waterproof pouch or backpack containing any of the above items, or with such things as a rain poncho, moist towelettes, work gloves, batteries, duct tape, whistle, food bars, etc.

* Holiday shoppers might also consider giving a winter car kit, equipped with a shovel, ice scraper, emergency flares, fluorescent distress flags and jumper cables. For animal lovers, a pet disaster kit with emergency food, bottled water, toys and a leash is also a good gift.

The gift of preparedness might just save the life of a friend or family member. For more information, preparedness tips or other gift ideas, visit www.Ready.gov.

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