National preparedness month highlights need for readiness

  • Published
  • By Air Force Tech Sgt. Raymond Mills
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --   September is National Preparedness Month and this year's theme is "Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare."

Although natural disasters and unforeseen events may occur at any time, the state of Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management strives to ensure preparedness and works with the National Disaster Recovery Framework to ensure the immediate response and mitigation of affected areas before, during and after a disaster.

During September the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and local emergency services are encouraging people to take time to prepare and educate themselves about actions needed before, during and after a disaster.

Readiness will help alleviate stress during adverse situations and will lessen the strain on emergency responders during catastrophic events, allowing them to focus their efforts on those in need of critical care and attention.

"Preparedness is just as important for potential disasters as it is for combat or firefighting," said Mike Massong, JBER Fire Inspector. "In either case, you need to have a plan, and the means of or equipment for working that plan. The difference is in combat and firefighting, you know you're going into a dangerous situation and that things can, and some probably will, go wrong and you are mentally prepared.

"Natural and man-made disasters have a way of blindsiding us as we just try to make it through everyday life. Proper preparation can lessen that blow to you and your family, and may very well save your lives. We have a choice; we can prepare or we can be victims."

Alaska has its own unique circumstances that must be considered when planning for emergency contingencies, like hazardous materials, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes.

These kind of events can have, affects, such as interrupting supply chains, making it difficult to acquire everyday items, for an indefinite period. By taking the time to prepare for possible emergencies, you increase your readiness and resilience knowing you and your families are equipped to handle any emergency.

"Whether you're ready or not, here it comes," said Tech. Sgt. Leslie Baxter, Office of Emergency Management. "Military personnel and families need to be aware of and take action to prepare for natural disasters which can occur locally in Anchorage as well as state wide if travelling. These include but are not limited to, extreme snow fall and cold, avalanches, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, wild fire, and volcanoes"

Preparing for a variety of situations can be somewhat of a daunting task. Due to this, there are numerous resources that provide information and education for those looking to increase their readiness posture.

"There are a number of resources available for you and your family to access information on natural disasters," said Baxter. "You can contact the JBER Office of Emergency Management at 551-PLAN or email the 773 Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness Flight ces.cex@us.af.mil. Military personnel can visit our SharePoint site at https://jber.eim.elmendorf.af.mil/sites/emergencymanagement/default.aspx.,"

Other websites that offer good information for all to access include:
www.fema.gov, www.earthquake.usgs.gov, www.pdc.org, www.avo.alaska.edu,  www.ready.gov/build-a-kit