COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- At the direction of President Barack Obama, Federal Emergency Management Agency has launched the America’s Prepareathon Annual Campaign.
This campaign provides an opportunity for Columbus Air Force Base to be involved in the culture of being prepared and helping Air Force families to learn more about the hazards that threaten the local community.
National Preparathon Day is April 30 and Team BLAZE should know about the available resources to stay prepared. The biggest natural threat facing this area of Mississippi are severe storms and tornados. You can be prepared by staying informed by monitoring local weather reports provided by WCBI or Jackson national weather service. The base also provides alerts via the “Giant Voice” system and our own military system called known as AtHoC to help keep the base population aware of emergency situations.
Do you have a communication plan?
Severe storms can knock out communications, such as internet and cell phones, in an instant. It’s important to have a plan and communicate with your family where you are going to meet up in case of an emergency.
Do you know where in your home is best for protection against a severe storm?
Find a spot in your home you feel is the strongest structurally against high winds and storms. Locate a place away from windows and doors in case glass breaks into the surrounding areas. Have a flashlight or candles on hand in case the power goes out.
Do you have a preparedness kit?
In case of a power outage or severe weather, it is advised to have a small three-day supply of non-perishable food and water on hand in case you cannot go outside safely. Keep important documents you may need on a USB flash drive or in a waterproof container to start any recovery efforts post disaster. The Air Force even has the Be Ready App for download in the Android and Apple store to help assist with emergency preparedness.
For more information visit online at beready.af.mil.