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West Point DPTMS hosts annual Emergency Preparedness Fair for community

By Eric Bartelt Pointer View Managing EditorOctober 5, 2023

A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
1 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
2 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
3 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
4 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
5 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
6 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
7 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
8 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
9 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
10 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
11 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
12 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
13 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
14 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
15 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
16 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
17 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
18 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
19 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
20 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
21 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
22 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
23 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
24 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL
A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot.
25 / 25 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A few hundred West Point community members braved the chilly, inclement weather as the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security hosted the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot. (Photo Credit: Eric S. Bartelt/PV) VIEW ORIGINAL

Despite the chilly, inclement weather, hundreds of West Point community members came together in full force braving the elements on Sept. 30 at the West Point Post Exchange parking lot for the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair, hosted by the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS). It was a day filled with music, food and invaluable information, all geared toward equipping attendees for any future calamities.

The WKDT Radio cadets provided musical entertainment, complemented by local food vendors and snow cone trucks offering a variety of flavorful options. In collaboration with Ready West Point, U.S. Military Academy Force Protection, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG), West Point Antiterrorism Force Protection and the West Point Fire Department, attendees received complimentary gifts along with valuable information aimed at enhancing community resilience and preparedness for potential disasters or emergencies. The collective message reminded everyone to “Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Be informed” emphasizing the fundamentals in effectively adapting to any emergency situation.

Twenty-four entities, including the USMA Criminal Investigation Division, New York State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland and Orange County Hazmat units, Army Substance Abuse Program, Keller Army Community Hospital, Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross, West Point Military Police and the Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, showcased tents and displays throughout the event.

On July 9, the West Point and surrounding communities endured a natural disaster with devastating floods triggered by nearly 10 inches of heavy rainfall. While the residual effect of the historical storm is still felt strongly and the visual damage on West Point continues to serve as a stark reminder of the storm’s lasting impact, the Emergency Preparedness Fair offers the reminder to always have a well-prepared plan in place when the next extreme storm causes havoc, saving the lives of community members.

“What we would want the community to get out of this (fair) is to understand the need for preparedness – we have to be ready anytime. The July 9 storm, nobody predicted that we were going to get a 1,000-year storm, and then all of sudden we’re flooded out of our homes,” said Bob Brown, chief of the DPTMS Plans and Operations Division. “We have to be prepared for the next storm, and that is what this event is all about is to help raise awareness that people need to be prepared for whatever may happen. They have to be prepared to leave their homes, be prepared with their medicines, do they have an (emergency) kit, do they have everything they need for their pets – have they thought that through. That is what we’re trying to do is stimulate that thought process in thinking ahead so hopefully nothing bad will happen to them.”

Brown was excited with not only the on-post agencies’ participation in the fair, but also for the outside agencies who engaged with community members, sharing insights about their roles and emphasizing their commitment to providing assistance in any type of emergency situation.

“It’s terrific because here we can build relationships. It’s much easier during a real emergency to pick a phone, make a call and say, ‘hey, I saw you at the fair the other day, remember me … here’s what we need, it’s much easier to make those connections in an event and environment like this,” Brown said. “It’s easier than sitting in a meeting or sitting in an MS teams meeting. Here, I’ve been going around talking to all these entities, communicating, meeting with a lot of people and we’re reaching out to a greater network of resources that can come this way when something happens.”

The Emergency Preparedness Fair is a culminating event in a series of thematic activities associated with the Army Ready Program and the National Preparedness Month, which is an observance each September to raise awareness on preparing for disasters and emergencies.

The DPTMS USAG West Point Emergency Manager, Annie Flores, gives much credit to the Emergency Management (EM) Office for putting in the work to prepare the community through these types of events.

“The EM office is really a team of planners and operations specialists who coordinate training, response, mitigation, preparedness and recovery actions for the West Point footprint,” Flores said. “All this includes observing National Preparedness Month with events like the Preparedness Fair on Sept. 30.”

The Emergency Preparedness Fair has been ongoing since the early 2000s. While there was a pause during the height of COVID, it has been successful throughout its existence, but it does take a village and considerable time to make this event happen for the community with a collective effort and substantial time investment by many dedicated individuals.

“Events like this take a lot of thought, man hours and collaboration,” Flores said. “Just like with emergencies, we start to prepare right after the last event by taking lessons learned and addressing any issues that may have come up while incorporating the successes into the new plan. The biggest push is in the last couple of months as items start moving from tentative to confirmed.

“Of course, there are always last-minute changes, like the weather, which keep us busy until the very last minute,” she added.

Flores said the yeoman’s work of getting the event off the ground is done by Shawn Herndon, DPTMS’ operations specialist, who has taken the lead for the past two years “creating a fun and informative event for all attendees.”

“(Herndon) is the one coordinating all the attendees, organizing the set up and ensuring we all have what we need to operate,” Flores said. “The Operations and Plans team is helping every step of the way.”

Flores and Herndon both worked at the West Point Ready tent during the fair, while all the other entities had a tent with the emergency responders offering an emergency vehicle static display in the middle of the modular setup. Flores said it was great to have all the entities show up offering their displays to interact with families and community members.

“We cannot do any of this alone, so it really does mimic our emergency responses,” Flores said. “From real-world emergencies like the storm in July to outreach events like National Night Out and the Preparedness Fair, we see that the West Point community does not end at the gate. I’m really grateful for all the participants taking the time out of their weekend to help highlight our program and message.”

Flores emphasized that the significance of an event like this extends beyond preparing for headline-grabbing disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes or blizzards. While these major events understandably garner attention, the fair aims to highlight preparedness for a range of situations, including those that may not always make the front page.

“As a community, we don’t think to prepare for the smaller but equally disruptive events that could happen to us and our families,” Flores said. “Many of the steps we take to prepare for a major disaster can benefit us during an extended utilities outage, vehicle breakdown or medical emergency, too. Make a Plan, Build a Kit, Be Informed – these are the basics and should be adapted to your situation.

“Base personnel can register in ALERT!, the Army emergency notification system to receive information during emergencies,” Flores added. “Ensuring that contact information is current is most essential. CAC holders can verify or update their information at @alert.csd.disa.mil. Dependents can be registered under the sponsor’s account.”

The lasting message Flores wants to give to the community is they can prepare in many different ways, and it is important to take the necessary steps to protect their families.

“Families can designate a safe exit route and meeting place if a sudden evacuation is required,” Flores said. “Dog owners will need to include kibble and a leash in the family emergency kit. Check the weather along the route and at your planned destination before you travel. These small steps can ensure readiness for a wide range of situations.”

For more details on preparing for emergencies, visit ready.gov or ready.army.mil for ideas and activities. The USAG West Point Emergency Management Office is also available at anne-marie.flores.civ@army.mil or call 845-938-7092.