The INDEPENDENT, December 16, 2010 Page 15 Disaster preparedness items might make good Christmas gifts Winter storms, floods and even pandemic contagion – all have one thing in common: they remind us of the impor- tance of pre-disaster prepared- ness. But good intentions need to turn into tangible deeds, and according to FEMA Regional Administrator Ken Murphy, there’s no time like the holidays to start, by resolving to be ready before disaster strikes. “The holiday season is a great time to give important, in- expensive gifts that say: ‘I want you to be safe!’ and reduce risk exposure for friends and loved ones,’ said Murphy. “Gifts that can save lives are a wonderful way of welcoming in 2011. The dialogue and the mindset that goes along with it may mean even more than the gift itself.” Emergency and prepared- ness items that might make great gifts this Holiday Season include: • Portable, battery powered radio with NOAA Weather Ra- dio channels, and extra batter- ies. • Enrollment in a CPR or “3-D Month” is for safe driving From page 14 look both ways before cross- ing, even at an intersection. • Buckle up, every trip, every time. • Drive defensively at all times. ODOT’s travel and road conditions website, www.Trip Check.com, contains up-to- date incident information, weather reports, alerts and other valuable “know before you go” information. Report impaired drivers by calling Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (800-243- 7865) or dialing 9-1-1. first-aid class. • GPS units for vehicles. • Emergency generators. • Emergency cell phones. • Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors. • Appropriate fire extinguish- ers (kitchen, garage, car). • Disaster kits for homes, of- fices and autos (first aid kits, food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours, eye- glasses, extra clothing, blan- kets, flashlights, spare batter- ies, heavy-duty work gloves, and sturdy pair of shoes). • Emergency escape ladders for second-story exit in a fire. • Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flash- lights and fluorescent distress flags). • Pet Disaster kits (food, wa- ter, leashes, dishes and carry- ing case or crate). • A camp stove with extra fuel. • The gift of a gardener to cut back combustible vegetation from wildfire-vulnerable homes. • National Flood Insurance. For more information on the Ready Campaign and Citizen Corps, visit Ready.gov and Cit- izenCorps.gov. Your New Best Friend IS WAITING FOR YOU AT THE BONNIE L. HAYS SMALL ANIMAL SHELTER 1901 SE 24th Ave., Hillsboro. For information call 503-846-7041 Or visit us online at: www.co.washington.or.us/pets Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Wed 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dear Santa, My name is Neno. I am 3 years old and I have been a very good boy. All I want for Christmas is for some- one real nice to take me home for the holidays and be my family forever, Pleeease! Pet ID: A074307 All pets have been spayed or neutered, come with shots; a microchip, and a one-year license if it’s a dog. Featured animals are subject to prior adoption. This Adopt a Pet is Sponsored by: Debbie Boone Oregon State Representative , District 32 Happy Holidays! Wishing You Many Blessings CCB# 102535 503-324-0759 P.O.Box 207 Banks, Oregon 97106 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year For your convenience we will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Eve. We will be closed Christmas Bighorn Logging Corp 503-324-2422 Photo by Lynn Smith 660 So. Main, Banks • 503-324-2171