Fort Detrick Spotlights National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
This year's theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home," emphasizes the importance of individual and family readiness.
Fort Detrick's leadership and emergency management officials are using this month to remind service members and their families, civilian employees, retirees, and contractors of the need for personal and family preparedness. A ready workforce and community begins with ready individuals.
"The various organizations on Fort Detrick and their important missions depend on the readiness of their people, and that includes their ability to take care of themselves and their families in an emergency," said Fort Detrick Emergency Manager Taiszcha Castro. "The unexpected can happen at any time, whether it's a natural disaster like a flash flood or a power outage from a severe storm. Being prepared at home means our workforce can focus on the mission when it matters most."
Fort Detrick’s Emergency Management Division, along with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggests that employees take four key actions this month to enhance their preparedness:
- Know Your Risk
While Fort Detrick has its own unique hazards, employees should consider the risks specific to their home and community. For residents of Frederick and the surrounding area, this includes severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and winter storms. Understanding these local threats is the first step in creating an effective plan.
"A family plan for a hurricane in Florida is different from a plan for a winter storm in Maryland," said Beth Bolish, Installation Emergency Manager. "You should know what disasters are most likely to affect your home and tailor your plan accordingly."
- Make a Plan
A family emergency plan should outline how you will communicate and reunite if separated during a disaster. This includes:
- Establishing a meeting place, both near your home and outside your neighborhood.
- Choosing an out-of-state contact who can serve as a central point for family members to check in.
- Documenting important information like medical needs, insurance policies, and emergency contacts in a secure location.
Employees should also discuss the installation's emergency procedures with their families, including what to do if the post is placed on lockdown or a weather-related closure is announced.
- Build a Kit
An emergency supply kit, or "go-bag," should contain enough food, water, and other essentials to last at least three days.
"Your emergency kit should be personalized for your family's specific needs," said Bolish. "This includes essentials for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pets."
Key items for a basic kit include:
- Water (one gallon per person, per day).
- Non-perishable food.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First-aid kit.
- Prescription medications.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Get Involved in Your Community
Preparedness isn't just about what you can do for yourself; it's also about what you can do for others. Castro encourages employees to get involved in community readiness efforts.
"Consider taking a CPR or first aid class,” she said. "Learning these skills can empower you to help your family and neighbors in a crisis, which strengthens the entire community's resilience."
For more information and resources, visit FEMA’s ready.gov website.
| Date Taken: |
09.19.2025 |
| Date Posted: |
09.29.2025 13:37 |
| Story ID: |
549574 |
| Location: |
MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: |
41 |
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