HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base civil engineers encourage members of the community to observe National Preparedness Month throughout September. The theme for this year is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
This theme encourages individuals to take steps before an emergency takes place.
Throughout September, the 66th Civil Engineering Division at Hanscom AFB will focus on separate topics for individuals, families and communities.
The weekly themes are as follows: “Make a Plan;” “Build a Kit;” “Low-cost, No-cost Preparedness;” and “Teach Youth about Preparedness.”
The global COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need to not only care for ourselves, but for others, too.
Disasters come in many forms, whether natural, such as major storms, flooding, fires or tornadoes; or manmade, such as active shooter, hazardous material releases or spills.
While every household has its own considerations, it is important to personalize a plan. It is incumbent on all of us to look carefully at our lives when taking steps to get ready.
For example, houses, apartments and high-rise buildings all have different evacuation considerations. Another consideration would be any unique medical needs within a household.
Having a specialized plan and, most importantly, communicating the plan with family members, is the foundation of personal readiness.
There are many resources available to help “prepare to protect.”
Go to Ready.gov and beready.af.mil to access a number of available tools to help throughout the readiness process. This includes disaster planning, emergency supply kit building and to learn more about different hazards and how to respond to them.
These tools can help build and sustain your households’ state of preparedness. For more information or any immediate questions, contact your local Emergency Management Representative.