Preparedness kit wins award from magazine

The Western Region of the Red Cross of Montana has earned top honors from Quick and Simple magazine for its Ready-To-Go emergency preparedness kit.

The kit was named one of the magazine's best "Quick Fixes" for 2007 and took the top prize in the Protect Your Family category.

The latest in a full line of Red Cross products designed to help the public prepare for emergencies, the Ready-To-Go kit is equipped with essential items useful during an emergency, including a battery-powered flashlight and radio, blanket, food, water and other supplies. Its compact design features side-detachable first-aid and personal-hygiene supply kits.

Cory Buria, program specialist for the Kalispell Red Cross, said the national recognition is important.

"Having our Ready-To-Go kit named as a 'Quick Fix' of the year from an outstanding magazine like Quick and Simple will help remind everyone in Flathead, Lake and Lincoln counties how easy it is to prepare for an emergency," Buria said according to a press release.

The editors of Quick and Simple, a new weekly magazine designed to help find speedy and affordable solutions to life's everyday problems, tested hundreds of new products relating to home, health, fashion and beauty to find the most groundbreaking, time-saving products of the year.

The kit is one of many products the Red Cross of Montana has to help the community prepare for an emergency.

The Red Cross has a range of ready-stocked kits from small Safety Tubes to three-day supplies deluxe emergency preparedness backpacks - all of which easily fit under a desk, in a closet or in the car.

To purchase the award-winning kit and other products, call 406-549-6441 or visit the Red Cross store site at www.redcross.org/store.