FEMA encourages holiday shoppers to consider giving family members and friends items for an emergency preparedness kit. (Photo by FEMA)

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 Janet Odeshoo, FEMA Region V regional administrator. “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 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) 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, washcloth, 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.