National Preparedness Month: ‘Prepare to Protect’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Preston Cherry
  • 502nd Air Wing Base Public Affairs

Each September, National Preparedness Month is observed to emphasize the importance of planning and preparing for emergencies that can impact our homes, families, and communities.

This year is no different as the U.S. official preparedness website, Ready.gov, shared this year’s campaign theme of “Prepare to Protect.”

Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love and the 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron’s Emergency Management office wants the community to know why preparation is so important.

“Planning for emergencies is vital to ensuring you, your team, and your family are well prepared to cope with natural or human-made emergencies,” said Willie Monroe, 902nd CES Emergency Management Office flight chief. “It provides the opportunity to put safeguards in place that may save lives, reduce damage, and prevent suffering.”

Each week throughout September, the National Preparedness Month campaign focuses on different aspects of preparedness.

Week 1, Sept. 1-4 - Make a plan: Talk to friends and family about communication during and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Week 2, Sept. 5-11 - Build a kit: Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider unique needs and pets. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the CDC.

Week, 3 Sept. 12-18 - Prepare for disasters: Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risks in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in storms and other common hazards. Act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Week 4, Sept. 19-24 - Teach youth about preparedness: Talk to children about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

According to the Ready.gov website, many emergencies and disasters occur without any warning. Since you can’t predict disasters, it is important to have plans and supplies for the places you and your household are at regularly.

Monroe says there are a number of disasters which you should always be prepared for in our own local area.

“Our primary natural disaster concerns range from damaging winds, tornadic activity, heavy rain and flooding associated with severe storms, and possible winter storms as experienced this past winter.”

He said other human-caused disasters which could affect JBSA include hazardous materials, train derailments and aircraft accidents.

“Prepare, practice, and prepare again,” Monroe said. “Lives may depend on it.”

For more information or questions about preparing for disasters and emergencies, visit Ready.gov, or follow your local Emergency Management Facebook Page.