Edwards reminds everyone to 'Be Ready' for September, all year Published Sept. 4, 2013 By Jet Fabara 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With September known as National Preparedness Month, the Edwards Emergency Management team is helping raise awareness on emergency preparedness. "Since 2004, the nation has observed September as National Preparedness Month. Every year, during this month, Americans focus on how best to prepare themselves, their homes, businesses, schools and communities for local disasters," said Michael Feyerle, 412th Test Wing, Emergency Management chief. In addition to highlighting National Preparedness Month, the EM team is further educating base personnel about the Air Force's "Be Ready" initiative, which is a year-round campaign that encourages Air Force members to take action and be prepared for emergencies and disasters that are more pertinent to their area. "Awareness and pre-planning minimize negative impact resulting from disasters. Awareness ensures all members are armed with the knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from all hazards that may affect our community," said Phillip Langhus, 412th TW Emergency Management specialist. "Knowing what to expect and how to prepare will make any crisis more manageable." As part of this "Be Ready" initiative and National Preparedness Month, the EM team will have the Incident Command Post on display at the Base Exchange parking lot Sept. 18 and 25 for public viewing. Brochures and pamphlets will be available for handout and EM staff will be available to advise the base populace on how to plan and prepare for local emergencies. "If people are unable to attend any one of these events, we always encourage folks to download the "Be Ready" app, which allows its users to create a personalized emergency preparedness checklist, create a family plan, access emergency contact numbers, find a shelter-in-place, help create an emergency kit, annotate insurance policies, and research natural disasters," added Langhus. "During an emergency, especially an earthquake, cell towers may not be available so it is essential that preplanning occur at the first level because something like this will definitely help any person equip themselves or their family members prior to any disaster." For more information about emergency preparedness, visit www.beready.af.mil or download the "Be Ready" mobile app. To contact the Edwards EM Branch, call (661) 277-4433. Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Local Maps and Escape Routes Insurance and Vital Records Emergency action plan for animals Emergency action plan for the elderly and people with special needs Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers (if applicable) Pet food and extra water for your pet Cash or traveler's checks and change Household unscented chlorine bleach and medicine dropper Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person Complete change of clothing including additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels