FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
The Defense Logistics Agency is embracing September’s National Preparedness Month theme of “Preparedness Starts at Home” by offering activities throughout the month to help the workforce prepare for emergencies at home and in the office.
There are four key actions people can take to prepare for emergencies, said Carlton Dickens, emergency manager for the McNamara Headquarters Complex. Employees can prepare by knowing their risk, making a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit and getting involved in the community.
The website Ready.gov provides resources for risk assessment, emergency planning, creating emergency supply kits and community preparedness. The American Red Cross also has information about how to find free CPR and first aid classes.
Dickens added that emergency plans should consider the needs of individuals with disabilities, children and pets.
DLA conducted active shooter and evacuation seminars as part of its National Preparedness observation. The agency will participate in Fort Belvoir’s full-scale exercise in the middle of the month and wrap up activities at the end of September.
The highlight of National Preparedness Month will be the expo Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the HQC cafeteria.
“We want to make sure our population is prepared for an emergency, no matter if it is big or small,” Dickens said. “We would like to make sure that the workforce understands that DLA cares about them and would like for them to be prepared. That's why we participate in National Preparedness Month. It’s not just about focusing on the workplace, but also home.”
In case of an emergency at the office, Dickens said it’s important to know assembly areas, evacuation routes, and who the evacuation coordinator is for each group. Talk to a supervisor if this information is not readily available.
Having emergency kits at home and in the car is also very important, he said. Information on what can be included in a kit can be found at Ready.gov, and there are pre-made kits available in stores and online. He recommended tailoring the pre-made kits to a family’s specific needs and including medicines, shelf-stable food, pet food and medications, and anything else a family may need in an emergency.
During an emergency, check in on elderly neighbors and those with disabilities, he added.
National Preparedness Month is held in September as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Campaign, aimed to educate Americans on how to prepare and respond to emergencies.