Article Display

National Preparedness Month concludes

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tabatha Zarrella
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Team Shaw concluded National Preparedness month Sept. 25.

Throughout the month, emergency management Airmen shared information to help Team Shaw and their families better prepare for a disaster.

National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign started by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security in 2002 after the September 11, 2001, attacks. The program is designed to educate and empower Americans to be safe during all types of emergencies.

"As emergency managers," said Senior Airman Lauren Yancey, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management journeyman. "Our job is to ensure that personnel and their families have requisite knowledge, skill, and ability to make the appropriate actions when facing a crisis,"

There are three parts that are essential in preparing for a disaster: create a disaster plan, complete a checklist, and practice and maintain a plan.

Create a disaster plan:
· Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen and what to do in each case.
· Pick two places to meet outside your home and outside your neighborhood.
· Locate the main electric fuse box, water main, gas main, and learn how to cut these utilities off.
Complete the following checklist:
· Post emergency numbers by the phone.
· Teach children how and when to call for help.
· Inform family members where household fire extinguishers are kept and how to use them.
· Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supply kit.
· Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
Practice and maintain your plan:
· Quiz your family every six months on your disaster plan.
· Conduct fire and emergency evacuation drills.
· Test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries at least twice a year.

There are many ways to help keep families and friends safe in being prepared.

"We make sure we have alternate communications besides cell phones, storing food, and alternate water sources," said Tech Sgt. (Ret.) Don Cody.

Being prepared for disasters and gaining other essential information necessary to survive and recover could possibly save more lives.