FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Readiness is one of the staples of military life. Whether it's physical readiness or the ability to react to anything at a moment's notice, military members and their Families are expected to adapt.
This month, the Fort Bragg community, along with the rest of the Army will observe National Preparedness Month and the Army encourages every member of the Army Family to participate.
"Things like permanent changes of station, deployments and natural disasters force every Soldier, civilian and Family member to be ready for anything at anytime," explained Col. Scott Thompson, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Safety Center deputy commander. "I encourage every member of our Army Family to take time during this national observance to ask yourself if you are truly ready for anything."
According to the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, National Preparedness Month is a six year-old observance that is held each September and it focuses on encouraging citizens to make preparedness a top priority in their lives.
Historically, Americans have considered a working fire alarm and extra food in the pantry a safety measurement. This year, the organizers have asked them to look deeper into the meaning of the observance.
"Any Army Family that is properly prepared for anything, enhances the readiness of our force," Thompson said. "The right plan, the right kit and the right information, all combine to increase the resilience of our Band of Brothers and Sisters in the face of whatever challenges we might encounter."
This year's safety effort encourages the Army community to better prepare for natural or man-made disasters by maintaining preparedness kits and becoming better educated to the possible threats that may occur in their areas. The mantra "get a kit, make a plan, be informed, get involved," goes along with a wealth of information to help in the assembly of the emergency kits.
"Take time to prepare now," Thompson said. "There are so many uncertainties in our lives today, don't let your safety or your preparedness be counted among them."
Locally, because Fort Bragg is located slightly more than 100 miles from the nearest coast, the post faces a high probability of sustaining hurricane damage. To answer questions that may arise in the wake of a threatening hurricane, the Army has developed the Ready Army program, which addresses the dos and don'ts of disaster preparedness.
"The best thing about the Ready Army program is that all the information you need to respond to any type of emergency is online," explained Dean DeMark, of the post's Directorate of Emergency Services. "The site provides updated announcements and information on disaster planning and emergency kits."
It also provides suggestions on items to include in emergency kits for the home, vehicle and workplace. Additionally, it features a kids' campaign section to get the children involved in the preparedness process. For more information, log on to www.ready.army.mil. For a checklist of supplies and activities to do before, during and after the storm, community members are urged to log on to www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/ra_get_a_kit.htm.
According to a DES official, the post has no formal events planned for the observance, but citizens should remain vigilant throughout the hurricane season.
For more information about preparing and mitigating the risk of a variety of on and off duty activities, visit https://safety.army.mil.
For more information on emergency operations in the event of extreme weather conditions, the community can also search additional Web sites. Some of those listed include:
ReadyNC www.readync.org
Ready Army www.ready.army.mil
State Emergency Response Teams www.fema.gov
US Army Reserves www.usar.army.mil
NC State Medical Response Assistance Team http://smrs.emspic.org
Public Health and Preparedness Response Teams www.epi.state.nc.us
N.C. National Guard http://www.nc.ngb.army.mil
Department of Homeland Security www.dhs.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
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