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News | Oct. 5, 2018

National Preparedness activities conclude on DSCC

By Jayce R. Ashwill DSCC Installation Emergency Manager

Presidential Proclamation designates September as National Preparedness Month. It’s an initiative of the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency.

National Preparedness Month gate sign
National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month. It’s an initiative of the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency. The theme for 2018 was “Disasters Happen, Prepare Now, Learn How.” The Defense Supply Center Columbus completed a number of activities during National Preparedness Month. DSCC’s goal was to provide information to installation employees to make them better prepared for emergencies at home, at work and in the community.
Photo By: Courtesy Photo
VIRIN: 180901-D-D0441-101
The purpose of National Preparedness Month is to educate and empower citizens to prepare for and respond to all types of emergencies. The theme for 2018 was “Disasters Happen, Prepare Now, Learn How.”

The Defense Supply Center Columbus completed a number of activities during National Preparedness Month. DSCC’s goal was to provide information to installation employees to make them better prepared for emergencies at home, at work and in the community.

National Preparedness Month Information booth
National Preparedness Month
Defense Supply Center Columbus’ Installation Emergency Manager Jayce Ashwill speaks with associates about National Preparedness Month Sept. 13 in the Building 20 cafeteria. The informational booth was part of a series of informational booths held around the installation in September to raise awareness about being prepared for emergencies. The month long recognition focusing on disaster preparedness reminds individuals to be ready for emergencies at home and away. Ready.gov has additional resources and tips available to assist in planning needs.
Photo By: Michael Rowland
VIRIN: 180913-D-RE244-0034
Events included Emergency Preparedness displays in the cafeterias of the Installation’s Operations Center and Defense Finance and Accounting Service – Columbus, as well as the Child Development Center's lobby.

Emergency planners discussed preparedness with employees and provided them with numerous pamphlets and brochures to assist them in their individual preparedness planning.

See Something, Say Something” Day was conducted Sept. 12 to test associates awareness and reporting of suspicious activity around the Installation.

All personnel are encouraged to take time to “Prepare Now.”

Parents receive preparedness information
Parents receive preparedness information
Defense Supply Center Columbus’ Installation Emergency Manager Jayce Ashwill speaks with Stacy Son about National Preparedness Month while providing Isaiah and his sister Hannah a safety themed coloring book. The Sept. 26 Child Development Center informational booth was part of a series of informational booths held around the installation in September to raise awareness about being prepared for emergencies. During the CDC event, parents received information to assist with home emergency efforts including materials on creating a family emergency plan and list of suggested supplies. Children received safety themed coloring books, crayons and bracelets. The month long recognition focusing on disaster preparedness reminds individuals to be ready for emergencies at home and away. Ready.gov has additional resources and tips available to assist in planning needs.
Photo By: Michael Rowland
VIRIN: 180926-D-RE244-0013
Make a Family Emergency and Communication Plan for your family. Additional information is available from the Installation Emergency Manager at 614-692-9578 or at the FEMA website.

At work, become familiar with your organization’s emergency action plan and learn what to do during different emergencies.

Sign up for the AtHoc mobile app to receive emergency alerts at work. The mobile app has advantages over other devices that receive alerts. The app does not require any personally identifiable information.

The alerts typically arrive sooner and in an easy to read format. Associates can visit the centerwide site (CAC enabled) for information on downloading the mobile app.

Be aware of your surroundings. Know where exits are wherever you are. If you “See Something, Say Something.” Don’t ignore suspicious activity. Report it to the proper authorities.