Families should have an emergency response plan in place and have all of the necessities they need to deal with unexpected disaster, according to Fort Belvoir's Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security.
National Preparedness Month is observed every September and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It is designed to remind U.S. citizens to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. A lot of people do not even think about preparing for an emergency until it happens, according to Paul Alquisa, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security contingency planner.
"By then, unfortunately, some people might get hurt," he said. "They may not know what to do. You never take it for granted that an emergency is never going to happen. We are in an area where there is a high possibility of hurricanes, even though we are inland a little bit."
DPTMS is distributing pamphlets to teach Families how to efficiently respond to natural and manmade disasters that could affect the installation, Alquisa said. That literature is available at Fort Belvoir's Exchange. Over the past few years, Fort Belvoir has experienced flash flooding, a tropical storm, power outages, an earthquake and a severe windstorm.
Information about emergency preparedness is available on the website for Ready Army, the service's campaign to increase preparation for hazards. Families should prepare for emergencies by building a kit, making a plan and being informed, according to the Ready Army website.
People should prepare emergency kits filled with necessities, including 72 hours worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine for each person in a household, according to the Ready Army website. Each person should have three separate emergency kits for their home, car and workplace, Alquisa said.
Families should have a plan that outlines the method of contact in case of an emergency, according to the Ready Army website. Fort Belvoir Families can receive updates on an emergency via phone, Internet or radio.
In the event of a thunderstorm, people should avoid electrical equipment and telephones, according the American Red Cross' website. They should use battery-powered televisions and radios instead. Windows should also be closed during a thunderstorm and people should stay away from them. Plumbing should not be used in any way during a thunderstorm.
Someone driving during a thunderstorm should safely exit the roadway and park their cars, according to the American Red Cross' website. They should stay in their vehicles and turn their emergency flashers on until the heavy rain subsides.
If citizens are outside and cannot reach a safe building during a thunderstorm, they should stay away from high ground, water, isolated trees, fences and bleachers. It is not safe to enter sheds, dugouts or picnic shelters in that situation.
For more information about preparedness, visit the Ready Army website at www.readyarmy.mil or the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.
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