Established in 2004 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Preparedness Month is observed each September and encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies at home, work and in their neighborhoods.
According to Dan Morgan, chief, Protection Division, Deputy Chief of Chief of Staff Operations, G-3/5, Army Contracting Command, the command is planning to conduct two accountability exercises, one announced and one unannounced.
"Here in the Tennessee Valley we have frequent occurrences of severe weather," Morgan said. "Historically we have tornados every month of the year, and we have peak periods during the months of November as we transition from fall to winter and again during March, April and May."
To help mitigate some of the risks, Morgan said the command has developed an emergency action plan that covers the most likely natural, man-made and technological hazards the command could face. He also encouraged employees and Soldiers to develop a family emergency plan to help protect themselves and their family when not at work.
"There is an excellent website, www.ready.gov, that suggests all citizens get involved in preparing for disasters," Morgan said. "It is organized with great suggestions and examples on how to prepare yourself and your family."
Morgan said the command makes good use of its emergency notification system to contact employees while at work or away from work if needed to let them know about situations that effect work or their safety. He says the best way for people to stay prepared is to stay educated.
"Simply put, we should all be informed, make a plan, build a kit and get involved," Morgan said. "Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility, not just our local, state and federal government agencies. Being prepared to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days is a good idea. In order to do this you must have a plan and the necessary supplies."
Morgan said being prepared extends beyond being ready for natural catastrophes.
"Be aware of your surroundings and paying attention to exit doors and areas where you could hide if you are faced with an active shooter event," he said. "When in a movie theater or a shopping mall or restaurant, it's a good idea to know where the exits are and where you might hide if you ever needed to. This may sound a little paranoid but being aware of your surroundings and thinking about what to do if faced with a situation can help in responding properly in an emergency situation."
Morgan said each home should have an emergency response plan, talk about it with family members and put together an emergency kit.
"It is good to have a family discussion about what to do in an emergency event," he said. "Pick a 'safe room' in your house where everyone knows to go in an emergency. In addition, each home should have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio with fresh batteries. Make sure to include a first aid kit and supplies for up to three days. This should include water and non-perishable food, medications, flash lights, etc. The www.ready.gov website has a very good list of the items that you should include."
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