The holidays are here and gift exchanges are happening, but it’s not too late to consider giving gifts that help protect your family and friends in emergencies.

Here are some supplies for an emergency preparedness kit that would make unique — and potentially life-saving — holiday gifts:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• A quality flashlight and 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 North Georgia Health District Emergency Preparedness Department urges you to give at least one of these practical gifts – either as a present under the tree or as a stocking stuffer. It might just save the life of a loved one! For more information, preparedness tips or other gift ideas, visit www.ready.gov/plan.