Preparedeness starts at home Published Sept. 11, 2008 By Monte Miller 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- September is National Preparedness Month and with the latest rounds of hurricanes hitting the Gulf and East coasts of the United States, the need to be ready for a major disaster are brought to the forefront in this area as well. For servicemembers, much training is done in their specific career fields to prepare for deployment and whatever may be thrown at them in a possible hostile environment. The American Red Cross is emphasizing the training to be done in homes to be ready for the worst case scenario. "We are trying really hard to make sure people are proactive," said Stephanie Pitt, Red Cross station manager for Scott Air Force Base. "We have a lot of information at our office about being prepared for emergency situations." Mrs. Pitt explained some of the major threats in this area comes in the form of quick, hard hitting thunderstorms that can include flash flooding, high winds, heavy rain and hail. Scott is also squarely located in the heart of "Tornado Alley", which may be a new phenomena for first time visitors or residents, especially in the spring. Winter weather in the Scott area can also bring new challenges and dangers. "It's important for people moving to this area to understand these storms can be very dangerous," Mrs. Pitt said. "They may not realize that severe weather can happen very, very fast around here. We just hope people will do their homework and use common sense." Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. It can force evacuations of neighborhoods, workplaces or schools or can confine people to their homes. What would you do if basic services - water, gas, electricity or telephones - were cut off? Even worse, what if no one knew you needed help, or first responders couldn't get to you? Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away. The best way to make you and your family safer is to be prepared before disaster strikes. The Red Cross encourages you to: Get a Kit: · Build a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for three days. Remember to check your kit every six months. · There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency: · Water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions. Make a Plan: · Make a family communications plan that includes an evacuation plan and coordinates with your school, work and community communication plans. Practice this plan with your entire family. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. · Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case. · Pick two places to meet: 1. Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire. 2. Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number. · Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number. · Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets. · Write down all of these contact numbers and information on the family emergency contact card. Be Informed · Know what may happen and how you can help. · Learn what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work and play and how they can affect you, your family and community . · Identify how authorities will notify you and how you will get important information. · Learn what you can do to prepare by contacting your local chapter of the American Red Cross to ask about first aid, CPR and disaster training. · Share what you have learned. More information on becoming disaster ready can be found at www.redcross.org.