September is National Preparedness Month Published Sept. 1, 2009 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Disasters can strike anywhere at any time, which is why it's important to always be ready. Across the nation, disasters ranging from the H1N1 flu and Hurricane Bill have tested how prepared American's really are. At Mountain Home, Gunfighters have gotten a taste of both the flu and severe weather. In early July, a military member on base was confirmed to have the H1N1 flu, then Aug. 6, a supercell thunderstorm passed through Mountain Home with capabilities of producing three-inch hail and winds of more than 70 mph. In both cases, the quick responses and disaster plans of the 366th Medical Group and the 366th Operation Support Squadron weather flight minimized potential harm to both personnel and infrastructure. But even more important than the base's disaster plans are the disaster plans of each individual. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, created the Ready Campaign and teamed up with the Citizen Corps for the sixth annual National Preparedness Month, held in September, to bring awareness to the importance of always being ready. In the 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey, 30 percent of Americans said they haven't prepared for a disaster and are relying on emergency responders. The study also found that out of the 44 percent of households with disaster plans, only 26 percent practiced those plans. According to the Ready Campaign, this year's focus is to help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and extra food and teaching about making disaster kits, creating and practicing plans, staying informed and getting involved. In a video highlighting public involvement, Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator, urges people to become part of the emergency management team. "You are the most important part of the team," he said. "We don't know when the next disaster will strike, but the better prepared we are, the better we'll do." According to www.ready.gov, the following items are recommended for a basic emergency supply kit: - Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days - Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food - Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both - Flashlight and extra batteries - First aid kit - Whistle to signal for help - Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place - Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation - Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities - Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) - Local maps - Cell phone with chargers For more information about Citizen Corps, visit www.citizencorps.gov. To learn more about the Ready Campaign, visit www.ready.gov.