Combat Center families prepare with Prepare-A-Thon

Twentynine Palms -- When unexpected threats arise, it is the Marine Corps that is best prepared to face them down, living up to its promise as the nation’s force in readiness. Likewise, natural disasters and manmade incidents may occur at any place or time, which presents the question, “will your family be prepared?”

The Combat Center is taking steps to educate residents with the knowledge needed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergency situations as part of America’s Prepare-A-Thon 2016.

Throughout the week of Sept. 4-10, the Prepare-A-Thon focuses on providing families and friends with the necessary tools and information to develop a family communications plan, which could be crucial to recovering from a disaster.

“When disasters occur, the possibilities of families being at the same location are very slim,” said Luis Aguirre, installation emergency management specialist, G-7 Mission Assurance. “By preparing a plan, a family will be able to know how to react if something occurs, where to meet up, as well as who to contact.”

According to Aguirre, the reality of a disaster situation is that one will not likely have access to everyday conveniences, such as electricity or phone service. Not knowing where one’s child is during an emergency adds stress and confusion that is avoidable through advanced planning, he said.

“First and foremost, one of the main things a family should identify is how they are going to contact each other as well as where to meet up ,” Aguirre said. “Being able to have all the steps rehearsed and planned allows each family member to know exactly what to do.”

For a template or more information on developing a family communications plan visit www.ready.gov. For additional information on the National Prepare-A-Thon, visit www.ready.marines.mil or contact G-7 Mission Assurance at 830-6074.

Developing an Emergency Action Plan:
• Plan in advance how each family member will get to a safe place, get in contact with another, and how to get back together.
• Consider a plan where each family member calls or emails the same friend or relative.
• Be sure that each family member knows that phone number and has a means of to call the emergency contact.
• On the www.ready.gov website, you can download emergency contact cards for your children. These give children or their guardians quick access to important numbers during an emergency.