ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md ― September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This year’s theme focuses on preparing the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian communities.
According to FEMA’s 2023 National Household Survey, responses indicated that many in the AAPINH community lost their faith in emergency response after the August 2023 wildfire devastation on Maui.
“People are still mourning the loss of their resources,” says Aberdeen Proving Ground’s Emergency Manager, Essie Washington-Bennett.
Washington-Bennett says military service members and their families are quite a diverse demographic, so it’s important to get to know and reach the APG AAPINH community about preparedness.
According to Washington-Bennett, it is importance of having a game plan and being prepared year-round, because natural or man-made disasters can arrive at any time. She said September is her favorite time of the year because she has more opportunities to engage with the community about national preparedness.
September serves as a reminder to integrate preparedness practices into everyday life. Each week APG will focus on important key points to enhance the installation’s overall emergency preparedness levels.
Sept. 1-7: Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
The APG community is encouraged to establish a communication plan with their family, friends, and loved ones. Determine how you will contact each other during an emergency and where you will reunite if separated. Setting up clear communication strategies is vital during times of crisis.
Sept. 8-14: Inventory Emergency Preparedness Kits/Stay Connected with Emergency Alerts
Stay informed and take advantage of signing up for emergency alerts on your personal devices. All DA Civilians, Contractors, Service Members, and their Families can remain updated during emergencies through the APG Crisis Line, (410) 278-7669.
Local authorities and emergency management agencies also offer alert systems that provide timely information and regular updates.
Sept. 15-21: Educate Yourself about Natural Disasters
Understand all potential hazards in your area and learn how to prepare for those disasters. Whether it is an earthquake, fire, hurricane, wildfire, or flood, knowing the risks and timely response strategies is essential for staying safe.
Washington-Bennett describes herself as people-oriented saying, “I’ve always been passionate about helping people because of [my] military background.”
With a 24-year Army career, Washington-Bennett served as a drill sergeant, then a surety officer in an Emergency Operating Center for 11 years and then worked in operations. Now the installation’s emergency manager, Washington-Bennett says the position is a natural transition from her background and combines her passions.
Washington-Bennett uses her passion for emergency management to reach the APG community during installation events. She enjoys setting up tables and engaging in conversations with families about the important of preparing for emergencies.
Sept. 22-28: Safeguard Important Documents
Make multiple copies of important documents such as identification cards, insurance policies, personal medical records, pet medical records, and financial documents. Store these copies in a secure location or consider digitizing them and uploading them into a secure cloud storage service.
Sept. 29-30: Conduct Emergency Drills
Practice your emergency plans regularly with family or household members. Conduct fire drills, evacuation exercises, and simulated scenarios to ensure everyone knows what to do and where to go.
Resources to Help Prepare
FEMA’s Ready Campaign hosts educational resources and activities for children of all ages to learn how to prepare. Ensure your youngest family members know how to handle and prepare for an emergency by visiting: https://www.ready.gov/kids
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