Be prepared

  • Published
  • By Col. Mark Dillon
  • 60th Air Mobiltiy Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis are you ready for the next natural disaster? Chances are the answer is no. A recent American Red Cross study concluded that less than 10 percent of Bay area residents are prepared for a major disaster. 

As members of the military living in earthquake and wildfire country the threats are very real. We live on the Concord-Green Valley fault and are surrounded by the extremely flammable "golden hills." 

U.S. Geological Survey scientists forecast a 62 percent probability that a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake capable of causing widespread damage will strike this region before 2032. And those of us who were here last summer remember the eight-alarm wildfire fanned by 40 mile-per-hour delta breeze gusts. That fire destroyed nearly 200 unoccupied houses on Travis. 

With all this advanced warning, there's no excuse for those of us who live and work in the heart of earthquake and wildfire country not to heed the old scout motto "be prepared," especially at home. Another bit of sage advice comes from founding father Ben Franklin who said, "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." 

American Airmen, as our Airman's Creed powerfully declares, will not fail. 

Being prepared is not complicated and includes such simple actions as developing a household emergency plan (i.e. escape routes, communications, pet care, etc.), assembling a disaster kit (i.e. canned food, water, flashlight, etc.) and learning basic first aid (i.e. CPR). 

Basic preparation -- according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory -- includes food, water, shelter and sleep. Once those needs are satisfied, the security and safety of oneself, family, resources, health and property become the priority. Stress and confusion will be the norm in our communities until these basic needs are satisfied. 

Remember, we can't respond locally or be effective around the globe if our Airmen and their families aren't prepared at home. Here's how we get ready. 

Next week, on May 1, we are hosting our inaugural Preparedness Day at the base theater and Chapel One parking lots. Experts from the American Red Cross and the U.S. Geological Survey will be the headliners. In addition to the free information and door prizes, The Red Cross will also be offering "Preparedness Podcast" training to help reach their goal of 1 million trained responders in the Bay Area by June 1. Preparedness day is open to all Team Travis Airmen, active duty, Reserve, civilian, family members and retired heroes, regardless of where you live. I strongly encourage you and your families to stop by this all-day community event. 

Team Travis -- by being prepared, our Airmen and our Air Force family can serve as disaster responders, not victims. Stay tuned to the Tailwind, our Web site, AM 890 "Golden Bear Radio" and other mediums for more information. Thank you for serving this great nation and I look forward to seeing you all at our inaugural Preparedness Day May 1.