Safety Center promotes National Preparedness Month

By USACRSC Public AffairsAugust 31, 2009

Be prepared for weather
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Aug. 31, 2009) - In September, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center joins forces with the Ready Army team to observe National Preparedness Month and encourage every member of the Army family to commit themselves to a constant state of readiness.

"Things like permanent changes of station, deployments and natural disasters force every Soldier, Civilian and Family member to be ready for anything at anytime," said 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."

National Preparedness Month is a 6-year-old observance that is held each September and focuses on encouraging citizens to make preparedness a top priority in their lives.

This year, National Preparedness Month organizers are asking Americans to look beyond a working fire alarm or extra food in the pantry to better understand what it truly means to be ready for anything.

"An 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."

Driven by the mantra "get a kit, make a plan, be informed, get involved," National Preparedness Month organizers have assembled a wealth of tools and tips to help people assemble emergency kits and be informed of threats unique to their areas. These tools and tips, which feature lists of what to include in emergency kits and how to assemble a family emergency plan, can be found at www.ready.gov or www.ready.army.mil.

"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."

For more information about preparing for and mitigating the risk of a variety of on and off duty activities, visit https://safety.army.mil.

Related Links:

Ready Army

Commentary: Ready Army takes daily preparation

Ready.gov

Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center