RICHMOND, Va. –
September is National Preparedness Month, and Defense Supply Center Richmond Security and Emergency Services hosted an annual Preparedness Fair Sept. 26 held in the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation Operations Center 1st Floor lobby.
Representatives from Emergency Management, Physical Security, Antiterrorism, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, and Family Advocacy Program were on hand to provide information on preparing for disasters.
“The goal of the event was to promote preparedness for natural disasters and real-world events,” said Julio Clavell, DSCR Installation Emergency Manager. “Attendees received information about how to prepare for emergencies, along with some items like waterproof cases for medicine lists and tools for keeping pets safe.”
This year’s annual theme for NPM, coordinated by Ready.gov, is “Start a Conversation” to encourage all to start with easy and impactful steps to stay safe during emergencies. Those steps are:
- Think about the intention. Although discussing potential disasters can seem daunting, it’s easier to talk about a potential event than in the middle of it.
- Be aware of disasters that can happen in your area. While disasters like floods or fires can happen anywhere, others like hurricanes and earthquakes depends on one’s locality.
- Consider who should join the conversation. Before discussing disasters, think about who should be involved such as extended family members, neighbors or friends.
- Have the conversation. Keep the discussion positive and directed at safety concerns. Highlight the disasters your community may face.
- Take action together. Simple steps like signing up for emergency alerts, storing important numbers and reviewing Ready.gov/start for more tips are great ways to prepare for a disaster.
For more information on how to start the conversation or get other tips on preparing for an emergency, visit ready.gov.