National Preparedness Month 2021: Make a Plan

By ABH2 Kelly Williams, NASSIG Emergency Operations

As the base begins to settle down after a very high- operation, it is important to reevaluate your own preparedness for disasters and other potential hazards that we may face as a community. September is National Preparedness Month, which makes it an excellent time to review how prepared you are to handle everything from a fire in your home to a full-scale evacuation of the base in a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO).

A disaster can happen at any time, which is why it is paramount that you are prepared at all times. Just like the Emergency Management Department Lead Chief Petty Officer Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) David Hooker always says: “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”

The very first step to ensure you are prepared is to make sure you have a plan that answers these questions:

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? Have you signed up for AtHoc notifications to your personal and work phones as well as to your email? Are your dependents signed up to receive notifications as well?

2. What is my evacuation route? As we are all stationed OCONUS, are you are knowledgeable about the NEO process in the event of an evacuation? Do you have a “to-go” bag ready with all of your important items such as birth certificates, passports, financial records, at least two weeks of required prescriptions, and any other items you deem important enough not to leave behind?

3. What is my family/household communication plan? Have you created and maintained an easily accessible list of all important numbers and emergency contacts?

4. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit? Do you have a complete emergency kit at all times with things like water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation), food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food), first aid kit, flashlights, and hygiene products to name a few? For a complete list please visit https://www.ready.gov/kit.

Finally, while we are still living in this global pandemic, make sure to check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to COVID-19. Make sure you are up-to-date on all travel requirements and confirm that you have an ample supply of masks.

For a complete list of helpful resources please visit https://www.ready.gov/plan.

So take an afternoon to make sure you are ready in case the worst happens. Your future-self may thank you.