JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - –
In the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, natural disaster hazards include, but are not limited to, hurricanes, floods and winter storms. Due to the extensive possibilities in the area, Langley Air Force Base is participating in this year's America's PrepareAthon! which encourages people to "Be Smart. Take Part. Prepare."
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's America's PrepareAthon! campaign provides encourages people to learn more about the hazards they face and to take action to plan ahead of these emergencies.
"A natural disaster could happen at any time so it's important for us to educate the base populace of all the possible threats in their area," said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ruben Pierto, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management noncommissioned officer in charge. "America's PrepareAthon! is a way for us to make sure Airmen and their families understand what disasters could happen in the community, what to do to be safe and avoid as much damage as possible."
The 633rd CES offers a biweekly Base Emergency Preparedness Orientation class for anyone new to the installation to provide information and resources they may need in case of a natural disaster.
"The resources we provide give Airmen information about evacuation plans, what to do if they have pets and children and what they can do in their homes to mitigate damage," said Pierto. "We teach them the importance of preparing for possible scenarios and practicing them with their families so that if the disasters happen, their families will know what to do to stay safe."
According to Pierto, the most common issues in the Hampton Roads area include flood zones and evacuation routes.
"Most insurance companies don't offer flood insurance with their standard policies so you have to make sure you have flood coverage if you live in a flood zone," said Pierto. "Also, in the event of a hurricane, most of the interstates in the area shut down for incoming traffic, so you have to know where you need to go with the flow of outgoing traffic leaving the area."
Though the Natural PrepareAthon! Day was April 30, the 633rd CES Emergency Management team believes it is important to utilize resources and stay up to date on emergency preparedness.
Visit the following websites for emergency preparedness resources:
· http://www.ready.gov/
· http://www.beready.af.mil/index.asp
· http://www.vaemergency.gov/
· http://www.defense.gov/prepare
For more information or to sign up for BEPO contact Pierto at 764-6221.