Fort Detrick Highlights National Preparedness Month With Focus on Home Readiness

September is recognized annually as National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging individuals and families to prepare for potential emergencies and disasters. This year’s campaign, under the theme “Preparedness Starts at Home,” underscores the critical role of individual and family readiness in overall community resilience. Officials at Fort Detrick are using this observance to remind its community members, including service members and their families, civilian employees, retirees, and contractors, of the importance of personal and family preparedness. The underlying message is that a prepared workforce and community are built upon the foundation of prepared individuals.

The leadership and emergency management division at Fort Detrick are emphasizing a proactive approach to disaster readiness. According to Taiszcha Castro, Fort Detrick Emergency Manager, the various organizations operating on the installation and their vital missions rely on the readiness of their personnel. This readiness extends to their ability to manage personal and family needs during emergencies. Castro highlighted that unexpected events, such as severe weather leading to power outages or natural disasters like flash floods, can occur at any time. By ensuring preparedness at home, the workforce can remain focused on their critical missions when it matters most. In collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Fort Detrick’s Emergency Management Division is urging employees to take four key steps this month to bolster their preparedness levels.

The first recommended action is to “Know Your Risk.” While Fort Detrick itself faces certain hazards, individuals are encouraged to consider the specific risks present in their own homes and communities. For residents in Frederick and the surrounding areas, this means being aware of potential threats such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, and winter storms. Understanding these localized dangers is considered the foundational step in developing an effective emergency plan. Beth Bolish, Installation Emergency Manager, pointed out that an emergency plan suitable for a hurricane in one region would be significantly different from a plan for a winter storm in Maryland. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the disasters most likely to impact one’s home and tailor preparedness strategies accordingly.

Following risk assessment, the second key action is to “Make a Plan.” A comprehensive family emergency plan should detail communication strategies and reunification procedures in the event of separation during a disaster. This includes designating accessible meeting points both close to home and further afield within the neighborhood. It also involves selecting an out-of-state contact person who can serve as a central communication hub for family members to check in. Furthermore, documenting critical information, such as medical needs, insurance policy details, and emergency contact numbers, in a secure and accessible location is vital. Families are also advised to discuss the installation’s emergency procedures, including protocols for lockdowns or weather-related closures.

The third essential step is to “Build a Kit.” This emergency supply kit, often referred to as a “go-bag,” should contain an adequate supply of food, water, and other necessary items to sustain individuals for at least three days. Bolish emphasized that emergency kits should be personalized to meet the unique needs of each family, accounting for provisions for children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and pets. Essential items for a basic kit include water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.

Finally, the fourth recommendation is to “Get Involved in Your Community.” Preparedness is framed not only as a personal responsibility but also as a collective effort. Castro encourages Fort Detrick employees to participate in community readiness initiatives. This includes considering training in skills such as CPR or first aid. Acquiring these skills can empower individuals to assist their families and neighbors during a crisis, thereby enhancing the overall resilience of the community. For additional information and resources, individuals are directed to FEMA’s ready.gov website.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Detrick

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