Preparing for Disasters Now Can Save Lives, Time and Money – Are You Prepared?

National Preparedness Month

WASHINGTON (NNS) – The U.S. Navy is the epitome of preparedness, ready to respond to both natural and man-made disaster.

The preparedness mindset, so important to Navy warfighters, also has tremendous value off-duty and should be practiced year-round to ensure every Sailor, civilian employee, contractor and family member are poised for action as disasters and other calamities strike.

“Being mission ready is a concept drilled into every Sailor in the Navy, but it is crucial that each and every one of us also spend time to ensure that we are personally ready for what might come our way,” said Chris Bobrowski, Emergency Management Specialist for Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). “September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) and is the perfect opportunity to translate those preparedness skills honed throughout the year and apply them to our personal lives.”

Observed annually in September, this year’s overall NPM theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Each week in the month focuses on different preparedness themes: Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Prepare for Disasters; and Teach Youth About Preparedness.

“Disaster preparedness is everyone’s business,” Bobrowski said. “Spend time this month, involve the family, and make your plan for natural disasters and potential emergencies, knowing that this year might look different as a result of COVID-19.”

To assist with this, CNIC employs its Ready Navy Program, designed to increase the ability of everyone affiliated with the Navy to plan and prepare for all types of hazards, ranging from hurricanes and earthquakes to terrorist attacks. Reading and implementing the information provided on the Ready Navy website, www.Ready.Navy.mil, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster preparedness website, www.Ready.gov, will strengthen emergency planning at home

During major real-world disasters, installations, along with their tenant commands, account for Sailors and Navy families through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS). Sailors, civilian employees and Navy families are encouraged to login to NFAAS during the month of September at https:// navyfamily.navy.mil, or utilize the NFAAS mobile app at https://applocker.navy.mil, to update their information so they are ready when, not if, disaster strikes.