RICHMOND, Virginia –
Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Richmond’s Fire Prevention, Security and Emergency Services Division hosted a Preparedness Fair in support of National Preparedness Month Sept. 12, inside the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia, Center Restaurant.
The fair’s purpose was to raise awareness as well as inform employees on the importance of preparing for disasters in advance, said Rick Ferrell, assistant chief and supervisory fire protection specialist, Fire and Emergency Services Branch, DLA Installation Management Richmond.
“This event is a great opportunity for people to come out and actually touch equipment they might have only heard about or read about,” said William “Bill” Bullock, installation emergency manager, DLA Installation Management Richmond.
National Preparedness Month is an annual awareness campaign, recognized during the month of September. This year’s theme “Prepared, Not Scared” promotes family and community disaster and emergency planning.
“Events like this are important because they help to keep our workforce informed and safe, both, at work as well as at home,” said Ferrell. “This ultimately helps to increase production of our operations because we have these resources here and available to us.”
The fair showcased educational displays, brochures and interactive activities. Emergency personnel presented emergency response kits which focused on safety awareness for families inside the home, examples of household items to keep a watchful eye on and provided tips on how to address disasters that take place on the installation.
When preparing for any disaster, whether man-made or natural, Ferrell recommends making sure all of your important items are accessible and ready to go in case you have to evacuate.
“Make sure your vehicle’s tank is full and will last you long enough to at least make it out of the disaster area,” said Ferrell. “If possible, retrieve cash from the ATM ahead of time because you always stand the chance of the power going out in which case you would inadvertently lose this service.”
Some additional disaster preparedness tips, provided by Ready.gov, include, knowing what disasters and hazards are effecting your area, how to get emergency alerts and where you would go in the event you and your family needed to evacuate.
According to Ferrell, the biggest take away here is to make sure your family has a plan and you practice it often.
For additional information visit National Preparedness Month 2019