JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST,N.J. -- The 514th Civil Engineer Squadron Office of Emergency Management staff raised awareness for September’s National Preparedness Month by hosting a Prepare-A-Thon held in mid-September.
Tech. Sgt. Victor De Jesus, an air reserve technician with emergency management arranged speakers from various agencies to share their knowledge during the premiere event.
As the speakers voiced, all too often in areas of disaster, experience ended up being the best teacher. They used their personal stories to educate others about being ready for the worst before disaster strikes.
Staff Sgt. Darlene Carlino, assigned to the 514th Force Support Squadron, was a victim of Hurricane Sandy and now, four years later, she and her family are still not back in their home. Her advice was to “Be prepared and know what your insurance company covers.”
Carlino gave further credence to make her point. Her brother lost his business and his home in the storm and months later had a fatal heart attack. She stressed the importance of educating yourself as to knowing what you have, since things can change in a minute with a natural or man-made disaster.
These experiences have also taught her how to take care of prized possessions. She now keeps memorabilia stored in plastic tubs and has precious items stored higher up to protect from flooding.
Ellen Kennen representing the American Red Cross, suggested three actions:
1. Make a Plan - Planning should include how to reunite during a disaster, it should address care of pets, aiding family members that need assistance, evacuation and safely shutting off utilities.
2. Get a Kit - Emergency kits should have basic supplies to ensure survival of each person in your family for a minimum of 72 hours without electricity. A disaster kit should include four-to-five days of water. It’s recommended to have one gallon per person, per day. Include batteries with a flashlight and non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
Other items include a first aid kit, battery-powered radio, tools to shut off appliances, duct tape, plastic sheeting, clothing, bedding, medications, pet supplies, cash, coins, sanitary supplies, important papers and contact info with a map.
3. Stay Informed - Learn what protective measures to take before, during, and after an emergency.
The Air Force Civil Engineering Center, Emergency Management Division has an app that helps Airmen ‘Be Ready’ for emergencies. The Be Ready Mobile App is free and puts key resources and a recommended emergency supply checklist at the users’ fingertips.
To download the app and find out more about preparedness visit http://www.beready.af.mil/.