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    JBER participates in 2018 National Preparedness Month

    JBER participates in 2018 National Preparedness Month

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Crystal Jenkins | Senior Airmen Paul Seaman and Amber Edgell, both 773d Civil Engineer Squadron...... read more read more

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

    09.12.2018

    Story by Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins 

    Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs   

    With Alaska providing a collection of unique geographical circumstances, adequate preparation must be considered when planning for emergency events such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, snowstorms, and volcanic activity.

    “National Preparedness Month is every September, but disasters and accidents don’t wait for September to roll around before they happen,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Copeland, a 773d CES Emergency Management craftsman. “Preparedness is a year-round thing. Floods or power outages don’t care if we’re ready or not.”

    According to Alaska Earthquake Center’s July monthly report, Alaska experienced more than 3,250 earthquakes. Of these, 24 were larger than or equal to magnitude 4.0.

    Effective preparation can reduce the potential for structural damage or personal injury by being able to respond quickly after the disaster strikes.

    “A well-stocked emergency kit is a must for any home or business, especially during the aftermath of a massive earthquake,” Copeland said. “If there are no clear pathways to food and water, your kit should have the necessary supplies to sustain each individual in the home for at least a week.”

    Disasters of many types can interrupt commutes by destroying bridges or roads to leveling entire buildings. Being prepared with plenty of supplies or having a plan could save a life.

    According to Ready.gov, you can assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put the entire kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

    Ready.gov also recommends tailoring emergency kits to threats in the local area in addition to the basics. These basic kits include: water, a three-day supply of non-perishable food, first-aid kit, important documentation, flashlight/light source, hand-cranked or battery-powered radio, extra batteries, multi-purpose tools, personal hygiene items, extra cash, emergency blankets and map(s) of the area.

    Although an emergency supply kit could include the aforementioned items, consideration of the following recommended items are advised: A whistle to signal for help, a dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place. Items for personal sanitation could include moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties. Tools such as a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities might be needed. In addition to a food supply, a mess kit with paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils and if possible a manual can opener for food. A cell phone with chargers and a backup battery are also recommended.

    In addition to general things, Ready.gov also recommends adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

    • Both prescription medications and non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
    • Glasses and contact lens solution
    • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
    • Pet food and extra water for your pet
    • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
    • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
    • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
    • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Matches in a waterproof container
    • Paper and pencil
    • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

    Preparing for emergencies can be an intimidating task, but there are many resources on the specifics of creating a kit and being prepared in general.

    “You can build a pretty effective emergency kit in one trip to the store if you want to,” Copeland said. “During that one-in-a-million instance where you have to crack open a kit during a flood or blackout, that extra five minutes or $20 for a flashlight and a blanket will have paid off. All it takes is one disaster for it to be your last.”

    With the consideration of weather conditions in the subarctic, the 773d CES emergency management flight strongly encourages JBER community members to have a tailored kit built for severe winter storms.

    “Alaska has a very different environment compared to what most military families have experienced,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Smith, superintendent of the Readiness and Emergency Management Flight. “A vehicle breakdown on a winter road trip might be an inconvenience in the Lower 48, but it can quickly be a disaster up here if you are not prepared.”

    The JBER Emergency Management Flight is working to spread this message of preparedness to the community. For the entire month of September, they are scheduled to be at the Base Exchange (in front of Game Stop) with an informational booth on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They are also scheduled to be at the Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo September 29, at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla.

    “The JBER community has five active volcanos nearby, and the largest earthquake in U.S. history occurred not far from here,” Smith said. “Disasters can strike at any time with little to no warning. Take the time to build a kit and make a plan now.”

    Some additional links for kits and resources are: www.fema.gov, www.earthquake.usgs.gov, www.pdc.org, www.avo.alaska.edu, and www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

    For more information, visit the JBER Emergency Management Office at the 773rd Civil Engineer Squadron (Bldg 6326) or call 552-3640.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.12.2018
    Date Posted: 09.12.2018 15:19
    Story ID: 292452
    Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US

    Web Views: 26
    Downloads: 0

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