JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Maryland –
September is National Preparedness Month. According to Ready.gov, this year's theme is "Don't Wait: Communicate. Make your Emergency Plan Today," and stresses the importance of creating emergency response plans in advance.
"Every year, communities across our country face emergencies -- from unforeseen natural disasters to deliberate acts -- that test our Nation's grit and challenge us to overcome tragedy," said President Barack Obama, in a proclamation released Aug. 31, 2015. "Every September, we celebrate our Nation's spirit of resilience by rededicating ourselves to the important task of being prepared in the face of any crisis."
According to Ready.gov, an emergency kit should contain first aid supplies, enough food and water to last 72 hours, personal medications, printed maps or an atlas, any important documents, and radios and flashlights with plenty of batteries or crank power.
"National Preparedness Month is designed to increase awareness of emergencies or natural disasters and inform people how to prepare for them well in advance," said Senior Airman Chandler Hayes, Emergency Management journeyman. "With winter coming up, emergency kits should be made for vehicles as well. It's best to keep kits in your home and each car in case of a breakdown."
Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count. Ready.gov stresses the importance of communicating any emergency action plan with friends and family beforehand so time during a disaster can be spent reacting instead of planning.
"The time to plan for disaster isn't during an emergency, or even a few days before," Hayes said. "A plan needs to be thought of weeks or months in advance so you have time to think through all the possibilities and gather supplies."
This month, Airmen should plan how to respond according to different types of emergencies, Hayes emphasized. Understanding local hazards and resources is key to preparation.
"Emergencies come in many forms -- from house fires to accidents to hurricanes -- and can strike anywhere in America," Obama said. "This month, I encourage all Americans to bolster their readiness in the event of a crisis."
To learn more about National Preparedness Month visit BeReady.af.mil and Ready.gov. For information concerning your region contact your local emergency management flight.