Be Ready: Emergency preparedness

The Air Force "Be Ready Awareness" Campaign is a program to inform AF personnel about the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. Airmen and their families are encouraged to conduct anticipatory actions by preparing a bug-out bag, stocking up on emergency supplies and maintaining essential emergency information to increase the likelihood of survival and decrease the risk of injury when hazardous situations arise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike/Released)

Be Ready: Emergency preparedness

Marissa Cervantes, Hunt Housing Office resident relations specialist, places “Be Ready” campaign information packets on the doors of houses on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, May 22, 2014. The Be Ready campaign is an Air Force mandated program that emphasizes emergency and disaster preparedness for Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ariel D. Delgado/Released)

Be Ready: Emergency preparedness

Published May 29, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLING AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- In case of an emergency, do you know what you should do? What is your plan of action? Do you have emergency supplies? Will you be ready?

Laughlin's Emergency Management Office is giving a big push with the installation's "Be Ready" campaign to inform Laughlin's community on how to be prepared in case of a disaster.

"The Air Force Be Ready Awareness Campaign is a program geared toward making sure Airmen are prepared for anything from natural disasters to man-made incidents," said Staff Sgt. Heidi Williams, 47th Civil Engineering Squadron NCO in charge of emergency management training section. "Information and emergency tear-out sheets can be retrieved from the Laughlin Office of Emergency Management."

The "Be Ready Awareness" program provides three easy steps to emergency preparedness:

1. Get a Kit - Assemble supplies needed for first aid and nutrition, and any important paperwork that may be needed. Don't forget to include pet supplies such as shot records.

2. Make a Plan - Even though families may not be together when disaster strikes, proactive planning can improve communications and safety.

3. Be Prepared - Anticipate emergencies that are most likely to affect you or your family.

"It's important that we take this campaign to heart," said Chief Master Sgt. Garry Berry, 47th Flying Training Wing command chief. "By taking a moment to prepare for an emergency, we better our chances of keeping ourselves, our families and our fellow Airmen safe."

For more information, contact Williams at 298-5020, or visit the Be Ready website at www.beready.af.mil.