ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.- National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning, now and throughout the year.
“As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved,” said Installation Emergency Manager Essie Washington-Bennett.
The goal of National Preparedness Month, she said, is to ensure members of Team APG understand safety, security and preparedness are community responsibilities and are essential to the readiness and resiliency of the installation and the community.
The 2021 National Preparedness theme is, “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
“Take action and prepare now”
Washington-Bennett said every family should discuss and review their family emergency communication plan, practice emergency drills, assemble or update supplies, sign up for alerts and warnings in their local area, know evacuation routes and communicate with their neighbors to discuss emergency plans as a community.
“[Remember that] COVID-19 must be a part of your preparedness,” she said. “The takeaway is for all families to take action and prepare now.”
Washington-Bennett said we are in hurricane season, which extends from June 1 to Nov. 30. This week, the APG community is experiencing heavy rain due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida, she said. This incident reminds us why preparation is critical.
“Everyone should be focusing on the entire household, including people with disabilities to access their additional needs and pets,” she said. “I cannot stress the importance of a family communication plan. Your family may not be together when a hurricane occurs, so it is vital to know how to contact one another and how to get back together. “
Spreading awareness
Washington-Bennett said she plans to set up information tables throughout the month at Corvias Housing, the Exchange, the commissary and the APG North (Aberdeen) and APG South (Edgewood) Express. The Adelphi Laboratory Center will be offering educational handouts throughout the month.
On Sept. 16 there will be 100% Alert! Mass Notification Warning System installation notification test with a NPM awareness message. This system allows the chain-of-command to send out messages to registered users (military, civilians and contractors) in the event of an emergency. Users will be asked to acknowledge that they have received the message, which will be sent out via desktop pop-up, telephone, SMS (text) messaging or email.
NPM will also be publicized on APG’s social media platforms.
Resources
According to Washington-Bennett, the www.ready.gov website provides a vast amount of information about planning for emergencies or disasters ranging from home fires to pandemic safety.
“Launched in February 2003, Ready is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters,” she said. “The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.”
Other resources include:
- Listo America, www.ready.gov/es, the Spanish version of the Ready Campaign.
- The American Red Cross, www.redcross.org/, provides information on preparedness, training, assistance and giving.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov, provides resources for epidemic and pandemic alert and response.
Upcoming articles
During September, the APG News will focus on the four weekly themes on the www.ready.gov website: Make a Plan; Build a Kit; Low Cost, No Cost Preparedness; and Teach Youth about Preparedness.
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