It’s National Preparedness Month, and the Garrison’s safety director wants you to plan ahead for disasters.
Also, as part of its awareness campaign, the Aviation and Missile Command is hosting a SKYWARN Storm Spotter Training on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
“We ask that you ‘Start the Conversation,’ that is our theme,” Charlie Carter, the director of the Installation Safety Office, said. “It starts with making a plan.
“A plan is nothing if you don’t execute. You’ve got to practice that plan. Take a look at those EAPs that you’ve got at your building,” he said at last week’s Commander’s Update Brief, referring to a workplace emergency action plan. “Make sure you exercise those so everybody knows what to do in case” of emergencies.
Identify your needs, like supplies and meds, and know your alerts and warnings, he said.
Mass warning notification system
On Redstone, the ALERT! mass warning notification system informs service members, civilians and their families of inclement weather or other events requiring immediate notification.
Individuals with Common Access Card access can register or update their contact information at alert.csd.disa.mil, and those without a CAC can email the Garrison’s Installation Emergency Operations Center at usarmy.redstone.usag.mbx.ioc@army.mil.
“Most important, educate and properly train your employees,” Carter said.
He suggested other ways to prepare for disasters: test your family communication plan, safeguard important documents, plan with your neighbors, know your evacuation routes and document and insure your property.
“You’ve got to plan for COVID as well,” Carter said. “I ask that everyone look at the current CDC guidance and follow that.” He also advised checking your office’s telework policy.
Alfreda Alexander, the emergency management coordinator at AMCOM, said the SKYWARN course, facilitated by the National Weather Service’s Huntsville office, will be held from 9-11 a.m. in the Toftoy Hall auditorium. The training is hosted by the AMCOM G-4, Protection.
The course will cover the structure of severe thunderstorms, spotter safety and effective communication, Alexander said.
SKYWARN is the National Weather Service program of trained volunteer weather spotters, and SKYWARN spotters coordinate with local emergency management officials and send reports of weather-based phenomena to the NWS. The SKYWARN spotter training is free.
Spotters serves as a community’s first line of defense against dangerous storms and provide important information to warning forecasters who make critical warning decisions.
Fifty seats are available to the Redstone community on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Alexander.
To reserve a space, send an email to usarmy.redstone.amcom.mbx.g4-amcom-force-protection @army.mil.
Basic disaster supplies kit
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends storing items in airtight plastic bags and putting the supplies in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water -- one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food -- at least a several-day supply of nonperishable food.
- Battery-powered radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert.
- Flashlight.
- First aid kit.
- Extra batteries.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air.
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Manual can opener.
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
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