TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency established National Preparedness Month in 2004 to emphasize the importance of emergency preparedness.
This annual campaign serves as a reminder that taking proactive steps to prepare for emergencies can keep individuals, families, and communities safe. The theme for 2024 is "Start a Conversation."
“Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy,” said Douglas Bell, an emergency management specialist with the Tinker Office of Emergency Management. “We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe.”
The EM Office at Tinker Air Force Base is tasked with educating civilian employees and military personnel about the natural and manmade disasters that may affect the installation and the surrounding area. "Be Ready" awareness requires continuous effort, which is why Tinker’s Unit Emergency Preparedness Coordinators send out quarterly newsletters to keep the base population and their families are informed and given ample opportunity to have appropriate measures in place.
Bell explained that Tinker and surrounding communities are vulnerable to a variety of natural disasters, including flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and even winter storms.
During National Preparedness Month and throughout the year, individuals, families, and communities are encouraged to "Be Ready" by developing a plan for each of these potential emergencies.
“Before an emergency happens, be sure to sit down with your family and decide how you will contact each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency,” Bell said.
A family’s emergency plan should consider communication methods, evacuation routes, and an emergency supply kit, which may include important documents such as insurance information, medical history, and payment methods. When making these plans, consider the needs of elderly family members, those with special needs, and pet care.
For more detailed information on seasonal safety and suggestions for assembling an Emergency Supply Kit, visit https://www.beready.af.mil/, or you can contact the base EM Office at (405) 734-3515, or visit them in Building 1115.
There are also resources available through FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency management.
National Preparedness Month serves as a timely reminder for everyone to take proactive steps to safeguard themselves and their families against potential emergencies. By starting a conversation about preparedness, we can better protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.