September is National Preparedness Month. Your unit emergency managers will dedicate their efforts during this time to educate, inform and involve the local community in preparedness activities to increase resiliency and readiness for all-hazards events.

With “Ready Army” as their motto, emergency managers will launch the Army’s proactive campaign to increase the resilience of the Army community and enhance the readiness of the force by informing Soldiers, their Families, Army civilians and contractors of relevant hazards (both natural and man-made). Through outreach and education, Ready Army calls our Army community to action by encouraging them to make a plan, build a kit and get involved, creating a culture of preparedness that will save lives and strengthen the nation.

Unexpected dangers and events can happen anywhere, anytime. Fort Hood faces a wide range of hazards: heavy rains, destructive hail, flooding, tornadoes, house and wild fires, winter storms, chemical accidents and spills. Therefore it is imperative to plan in advance: how you will get to a safe place, how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in different situations.

Planning and preparation are cornerstones of resiliency across the Army. On the website, www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy, you can find hazard specific fact sheets, 48- to 72-hour survival sit recommendations and downloadable resources to assist with Family planning.

Your unit’s Emergency Manager will provide detailed education on how to “Be Informed, Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Get Involved.” To begin this process you will need to have the following on hand:

• Emergency contact numbers.

• Neighborhood and regional meeting areas.

• Evacuation routes.

• Utility shut-off information.

• Vital records and medications.

• Individual special needs and pets.

Practicing your plan to ensure it is practical and understood by everyone is the ultimate goal this month. You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

There are many ways to get involved before a disaster occurs. Participate in Fort Hood and local community programs and activities to make all Families, homes and neighborhoods safer from risks and threats.

Fort Hood’s leadership encourages everyone to participate in National Preparedness Month. Take advantage of your unit’s Emergency Manager and together create a safe and prepared community.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication and support of the Great Place. If you are a newcomer to Fort Hood, welcome to the Great Place. We know you will come to love and appreciate Fort Hood and grow personally and professionally during this challenging and rewarding assignment.

Please take advantage of all the great opportunities in Central Texas and get to know your neighbors – military and civilian. In the meantime, take proactive steps to be properly prepared for all possible emergencies in our area. Stay safe and be Army Ready.