National Preparedness Month makes it mark at Cherry Point

Photo By Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones | An electrician performs a live-wire safety demonstration during the Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Two Rivers theater at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., June 4, 2015. During the month of September, the National Preparedness Month grants Marines and their families the opportunity to learn how to prepare and stay safe from natural disasters. Service members and their families were educated at the fair on resources available at Cherry Point and in surrounding communities to prepare for and respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. H.W. Huertas/ Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

09.28.2015

Story by Pfc. Nicholas Baird 

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - The Marine Corps takes pride in remaining ready to defend the nation against diverse threats and hazards that could chisel away at the nation’s security, resilience and preparedness.

In September, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point participated in the 12th annual National Preparedness Month, in an effort to inform Cherry Point personnel and families of resources and opportunities available to them in an event that a national disaster or an emergency arises.

During National Preparedness Month residents and personnel learned how to prepare for natural weather disasters that happen year round; to include, hurricanes, floods and winter storms, by participating in preparedness drills, group discussions and exercises.

“A natural disaster happens almost instantly and that’s why it’s important to remain prepared,” said Wayne Lawrence, the requirements branch head with Cherry Point’s Public Works Department. “If we present the information now, we could potentially be helping a family confronted with a storm.”

The campaign’s theme for this year is “Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today,” said Lawrence.

Families were encouraged to make a family emergency plan that identifies shelters, emergency contacts and emergency kits.

“We are encouraging the Marines to take advantage of the seminars and any kind of training that they can get, to ensure that their families are organized and ready for a crisis situation,” said Lawrence.

Cherry Point residents and personnel can learn more about protecting themselves by staying up-to-date on weather changes in their area and remaining vigilant, said Michael McGee, the facilities manager at Cherry Point’s Public Works department.

“It is vital that the Marines learn their roles in the barracks and at home in case a storm happens to protect their families,” said McGee. “The more prepared our Marines are the more prepared the Marine Corps will be to help our nation during a time of natural disaster.”

For more information on weather and emergency updates visit Cherrypoint.marines.mil.

• Date Taken: 09.28.2015
• Date Posted: 10.02.2015 09:51
• Story ID: 177855
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US