MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- When disaster strikes, who will be ready? Station residents attended Get Ready Day, held by Semper Fit Health Promotions, at Yujo Hall here Sept. 18, 2012, to learn what information and supplies they will need to be prepared.
Information was presented to the station residents by Semper Fit, Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic, Environmental, station Weather and the American Red Cross. Preparation is key to save lives during disasters such as tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and disease outbreaks.
According to the American Public Health Association website, as a general rule of thumb, a three-day to one-week supply of food and water should be kept in the home at all times.
Keeping a stockpile of food that does not require refrigeration or a microwave is the safest bet in case no electricity is available the APHA website also stated. Other items in case of emergencies include flashlights, batteries, manual can openers, radios and copies of important documents such as birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates, etcetera.
Depending on the circumstances and family needs, extra medical supplies or other necessities may be required.
APHA website recommends placing the emergency preparedness supplies somewhere where there is less temptation to borrow from the supplies. Preparedness supplies expiration date checks should happen at least once or twice a year.
To find out what type of supplies to put in emergency stockpiles, the APHA has a free checklist available at their official website.
Another topic discussed during Get Ready Day was Noncombatant Evacuation Operation during emergencies. NEOs evacuate personnel who are not essential to continuing the mission in case disaster strikes.
Most NEO participants are spouses and children. In certain cases, where children have only one or dual-military parents, the parents must give a special power of attorney for temporary custody to an acquaintance who is going on the NEO, said Jeffrey Fleming, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 family readiness officer.
Making sure shots are up to date and how the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society can help during emergencies were also discussed.
Information on specific disasters, other emergencies, checklists and more can be found at the official APHA website at http://www.getreadyforflu.org/newsite.htm.