FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 11, 2013) -- When a severe storm or tornado hits your community -- are you ready?
In Georgia, there are, on average, six tornadoes a year, with most occurring between March and May, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Terry Wydra, Fort Benning's emergency installation manager, suggests preparing ahead of any disaster.
"Although September is National Preparedness Month, emergency preparedness should be a daily practice," he said.
If you aren't sure how to be prepared in case of a disaster, the Army, alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency has created resources to help you and your Family.
The Ready Army program educates Soldiers, Family members and Department of Defense civilians about being prepared for natural or man-made disasters.
The Ready Army tenets include:
•Be informed
•Make a plan
•Build a kit
Be informed
According to the Ready Army website, you should know and understand the local mass warning systems. Fort Benning conducts a test warning the first Saturday of every month at noon. And know the difference between a watch and a warning.
Watch: Conditions are favorable for a hazard to develop or move in. Stay alert.
Warning: A hazardous event is occurring or imminent. Take immediate protective action.
In the event of a disaster, another key resource is the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System, said Tina Sandell, emergency management specialist. ADPAAS is a way for those Soldiers and their Families to report their status and how they were affected. The ADPAAS website is https://adpaas.army.mil.
Make a plan
"It's better to have a plan and not need it than to not have one and need it," Sandell said.
Create a Family emergency plan and practice it. Teach your children what to do when they hear a siren, Sandell said. Take into account any pets or elderly.
The plan should include emergency contact numbers, neighborhood and regional meeting areas, evacuation routes, utility shut-off information and vital records. Ready Army suggests practicing your plan twice a year.
Build a kit
Help may not be able to get to you quickly, so develop a kit. Ready Army suggests having emergency kits that will last you and your Family for at least three days.
Suggested basic items to keep in your kit, according to Ready Army:
•Flashlight and batteries
•National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration battery-powered weather radio
•Battery-powered cell phone charger and extra batteries
•First-aid kit and prescription medications
•Safety whistle
•Your Family emergency plan, local maps and your command reporting information
•Water -- One gallon per person per day for three days
•Food -- Nonperishable food for at least three days
•Formula and diapers for infants
•Food, water, other supplies and documents for any pets
•Manual can opener
•Sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, disinfectant and garbage bags
•Important documents in watertight packaging -- personal, financial and insurance -- store copies in a separate location (safety deposit box, relatives or trusted friend)
•5 gallon bucket with plastic bags for use as a portable toilet
•Cash in small denominations
If you have pets, or have elderly people living at home, take their needs into account. Keep extra medicine and supplies for the elderly, make sure to have any needed items prepared in advance such as eye glasses, hearing aids and wheelchair batteries, according to FEMA's Ready website. With pets, have emergency contacts for animal treatment, have a crate or pet carrier available in case you have to evacuate and bring a photo of your and your pet in case you are separated. But whatever you do, FEMA suggests not leaving your pet behind. For more information on how to be prepared, visit www.ready.army.mil.
Social Sharing