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News | Sept. 11, 2017

National Preparedness Month: Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can.

By DLA Troop Support Public Affairs

Employees are urged to plan ahead during National Preparedness Month this September.

According to a 2016 survey conducted by Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness, 65 percent of American households do not have adequate plans and supplies for a disaster.

While families clean up from the devastation left from Hurricane Harvey and as Hurricane Irma approaches, this month serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work and visit.

There will be a National Preparedness Month event for Naval Support Activity Philadelphia employees Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. in the Bldg. 6 auditorium, featuring: 

  •  The Philadelphia Emergency Management Agency will present tips on how to prepare for emergencies at home.
  • Team Rubicon, the veteran service organization, will present on local disaster response efforts.
  • Sam Phillips, NSA Philadelphia Emergency Management officer, will present the top five hazards on base, shelter-in-place training and a severe weather/security lockdown demonstration.

There will also be a series of preparedness stories every week throughout September on DLA Today.

Ready.gov hosts a variety of information on how to prepare for an emergency. FEMA recommends following four steps to create your emergency plan.

Step 1: Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.

  • Different ages of members within your household
  • Responsibilities for assisting others
  • Locations frequented
  • Dietary needs
  • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
  • Languages spoken
  • Cultural and religious considerations
  • Pets or service animals
  • Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a family emergency plan. Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

Step 4: Practice the plan with your family/household