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September is National Preparedness Month

  • Published
  • By Courtesy 127th Emergency Management Flight
  • 127th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron
SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. --  

As we mark National Preparedness Month this September, it is a great reminder for all of us to evaluate our readiness—both in our personal lives and on duty. The Air Force’s "Be Ready" program offers a wealth of resources designed to help Airmen and their families stay prepared for any emergencies, whether natural disasters or man-made incidents. 

In addition to the tips below, be sure to know who your Unit Emergency Preparedness Coordinator is, and ensure you are aware of emergency procedures on the installation.

Key Preparedness Tips for You and Your Family:

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan

   Discuss with your loved ones how to respond to various emergencies. Make sure everyone knows key contact information, evacuation routes, and meeting places. Visit Ready.gov’s Planning Toolkit for helpful templates to build your own plan.

2. Build an Emergency Kit

   Stock up on essential supplies, such as water, non-perishable food, first-aid kits, and important documents. It’s recommended to have at least three days of supplies per person. Use the Ready.gov ‘Build a Kit’ Guide to ensure your kit has everything you need.

3. Stay Informed

   Keep updated on local threats and weather conditions. Sign up for alerts through FEMA’s mobile app or your local emergency management system. The Air Force’s Be Ready resources also include links to emergency apps and systems to keep you informed at all times.

4. Practice Safety at Home and Work

   Regularly check smoke detectors, practice fire drills, and make sure that you and your family know how to shut off utilities such as gas, water, and electricity. This knowledge can be crucial in a disaster scenario.

Additional Resources:

**Air Force Be Ready Website:** A hub of information, from disaster response plans to downloadable toolkits.  
**Ready.gov:** FEMA’s central site with valuable resources for preparing for a wide range of natural and man-made disasters. 
**American Red Cross:** Find tools to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including first aid training.  

Together, we can ensure we remain, "always ready," to handle whatever comes our way—whether at home or on duty.

Stay safe and stay prepared!