Posted by Christopher Lagan, Wednesday, September 24, 2014 on DODLive.mil
Written by Monica Ivey.
September is National Preparedness Month, a time to prepare for crisis and natural disasters. Families, schools, communities and workplaces are urged to take action on National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30th, by participating in a simple yet specific activity that will increase preparedness for everyone. Suggestions include creating an emergency kit, hosting an emergency drill practice, having a group discussion on family and/or workplace emergency plans, and being informed about the different types of hazards that could occur in your community and the best actions to mitigate danger.
During America’s 2013 PrepareAthon, The Great ShakeOut conducted an earthquake drill encouraging participants to Drop, Cover, and Hold On during an earthquake. FEMA photo by Brittany Trotter.
How many times have you heard the old saying, practice makes perfect? Well, this month we’re telling everyone that practice makes preparedness; knowing what to do when a natural disaster strikes can save lives.
Continued practice of escape routes and safety drills emphasizes the importance of preparedness and leads to citizens who will be educated, equipped and empowered when faced with danger.
Are you familiar with your local natural hazards? FEMA has resources for planning safety drills and practicing tabletop scenarios for the workplace and schools that can be adapted for households.
Check out www.ready.gov for tips on what to do before, during and after an earthquake,flood, hurricane, tsunami or should act of terrorism occur. Discuss the suggested actions to take during the crisis and implement practice drills with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and others in your community. Emergency drills should be practiced at least two-four times a year.
Coast Guard personnel are alwas practicing to be prepared. Here A ruptured pipe drenches Coast Guard Academy cadets as they attempt to control the flooding during Damage Control drill on the waist on board the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Walter Shinn.
Join the Preparedness Community for National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30th, a National Day of Action, where schools, places of employment, faith-based and community organizations , colleges and universities are encouraged to host a specific activity, focusing on a specific hazard (earthquake, flood, wildfire, tornado, hurricane, winter storm) to have a tangible impact of increased preparedness for each individual. Go to www.ready.gov/prepare for more information