"Prepare to Protect": APG urges families to build emergency kits in September

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD - Aberdeen Proving Ground observes National Preparedness Month in September under the national theme “Prepare to Protect,” Installation Emergency Manager Essie Washington-Bennett said, with a monthlong campaign that stresses personal responsibility and practical steps families can take to ready themselves for emergencies.

‘Prepare to Protect’ emphasizes proactive readiness to safeguard yourself, your family and your community,” Washington-Bennett said. “We want people to take concrete steps to protect what matters most — loved ones, homes and livelihoods.”

APG’s public messaging will follow weekly themes that include developing an emergency communication plan, inventorying emergency kits, learning about natural disasters and safeguarding important documents. The installation will distribute customizable promotional materials — flyers, social posts and newsletter items aligned with Ready.gov — and set up educational displays at locations across post during September.

Washington-Bennett said the installation is prioritizing natural hazards this year because of recent weather events. “My focus this year is on flooding, especially given APG’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and rising sea levels; severe storms and hurricanes, which are increasing in frequency and intensity; and winter weather, which can disrupt operations and transportation,” she said.

Practical preparedness steps Washington-Bennett recommends include creating a family emergency plan, building or updating emergency supply kits and staying informed. “Build or update your emergency kit this month,” she said. “It’s simple, personal and powerful.” Suggested items include a three-day supply of water and nonperishable food, medications and first-aid supplies, copies of important documents, a flashlight and phone charger, and pet supplies if applicable.

APG will tailor guidance for vulnerable groups — single parents, people with disabilities, non-English speakers and pet owners — using ready.gov multilingual resources and specialized materials on medical-device power needs, accessible evacuation routes and emergency pet kits.

The installation will also lean on mission partners and local responders. Washington-Bennett said county emergency managers, local police and fire departments and on-post mission partners play a critical role in coordinating outreach and response. “This multi-agency collaboration strengthens APG’s resilience and ensures a unified approach to emergency readiness,” she said.

Technology will amplify messaging and alerting. APG uses the Alert! Mass Warning Notification System, the My Army Post App (MAPA), social media, digital marquees and the installation website to push preparedness information and coordinate response, Washington-Bennett said.

She pointed to an example of outreach making a difference: APG’s participation in National Night Out 2025, where emergency managers handed out preparedness materials and spoke with housing residents about flood awareness. “Just one week later, Harford County was struck by severe flooding,” Washington-Bennett said. “That event underscored how quickly emergencies can arise and highlighted the importance of early education and planning.”

Effectiveness will be measured through surveys, event participation, digital engagement and partnership collaboration, she said. Those metrics will help tailor future outreach and allocate resources where they have the greatest impact.

For more information and weekly National Preparedness Month topics, Washington-Bennett said the community should check APG’s social media channels, the installation website at home.army.mil/apg and the My Army Post app. For immediate questions, contact the Directorate of Emergency Services or the installation emergency management office.