Combat Center encourages residents to stay prepared

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

09.21.2016

Story by Cpl. Levi Schultz 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

The Combat Center is taking steps to educate residents with the information needed to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergency situations as part of America’s Prepare-A-Thon 2016. Throughout the week of Sept. 18-24, the Prepare-A-Thon focuses on providing individuals with the resources they need to be prepared for any natural or manmade incident.
According to Luis Aguirre, installation emergency management specialist, G-7 Mission Assurance, all personnel should begin a process of learning about potential threats to be better prepared to react during an emergency. While there is no way to predict what will happen, there are simple steps you can take now to prepare yourself and your loved ones.
“Some of the things you can do to prepare for a disaster, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency,” Aguirre said. “With a little planning and common sense, you can be better prepared for the unexpected.”
Schools, daycare providers, workplaces, neighborhoods and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency plans, Aguirre explained. Residents are encouraged to ask about these plans and to consider volunteering to help develop one if none exist.
“Ask how they will communicate with families during a crisis and do they store adequate food, water and other emergency supplies,” Aguirre said. “You will be better prepared to reunite your family and loved ones safely during an emergency if you communicate with others in advanced.”
For additional information on the National Prepare-A-Thon, visit www.ready.marines.mil or call G-7 Mission Assurance at [phone].
Emergency Supplies Checklist
• Water: Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation in clean plastic containers. If you live in a warm-weather climate, more water may be necessary.
• Food: Store food that won’t spoil and does not have to be heated or cooked. Choose foods that your family will eat, including protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola, canned foods and juices, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers and baby foods. Remember to pack a manual can opener, cups and eating utensils.
• Basic Supplies: Store a flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, utility knife, local map, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap, trash bags and other sanitation supplies, plastic sheeting, duct tape, as well as extra cash and identification. Periodically rotate your extra batteries to be sure they work when you need them.
• Special Items: Think about your family’s unique needs. Pack diapers, formula, bottles, prescription medications, pet food, comfort items, books, paper, pens, a deck of cards or other forms of entertainment.

• Date Taken: 09.21.2016
• Date Posted: 09.21.2016 10:12
• Story ID: 210169
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US