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Are you prepared?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ryan Zeski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Natural disasters can strike at any moment without warning, being prepared in these situations can be the difference between life and death.

September was established as National Preparedness Month by the president in 2004. The Air Force uses the Be Ready program to reach out to Air Force communities. The program is used to inform Team Fairchild members and families about building 72-hour kits, how to be ready for the winter, cold weather and floods.

"We provide information on local hazards and guidance about general preparedness practices that individuals and families should engage in before an incident occurs," said Tech. Sgt. Bob Fowlkes, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron NCO in charge of plans and operations.

The benefits of having an emergency plan set up in advance allows for the coordination of actions, which in turn will allow for clearer heads when difficult situations occur, added Fowlkes. Families will know exactly how to respond when a disaster strikes if plans are developed and exercised regularly, which is a critical component of preparation.

"We are fortunate to live in an area where we are not prone to some of the more devastating natural disasters that one could possibly encounter," said Fowlkes. "However, that does not mean that our area is devoid of potential disasters, it is possible to experience wildfires, flash floods and the cold weather issues will affect us here."

Another good way to stay prepared is assembling a 72-hour kit. This kit contains essential supplies to survive in an emergency situation. The kit includes: food and water for three days, bedding, clothing, fuel, a radio, personal supplies, medication, vital records and money.

"It is important to have a 72-hour kit because no one ever knows when they may be stranded, without power, or caught in a difficult situation caused by the weather," said Fowlkes. "Establishing these kits beforehand will help ease your mind when these things happen because you know that you have provisions for sustainment."

For smartphone or tablet users, the Air Force Emergency Management Office has created an app to help stay prepared. The app named 'Be Ready' is free to download and has helpful numbers, checklists and strategies of what to do in different emergency situations.

For a more complete list of how to properly build a 72-Hour Kit or for more information on what you can do to be better prepared contact the Fairchild Office of Emergency Management at (509) 247-2230.