ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Members of the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Office hosted an annual Emergency Prepare-A-Thon inside The Exchange at Ellsworth Air Force Base, April 26, 2017.
The Prepare-a-Thon is designed to promote overall preparedness during natural disasters and unexpected emergencies. Throughout the event, emergency management personnel handed out pamphlets that included information on equipment Airmen needed to stay safe during any season.
The pamphlets provide recommended items for situations people should have in their vehicles such as food and water, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit including any medications needed, a cell phone with a charger, warm clothing, baby and pet supplies, as well as sanitation and personal hygiene items.
“The Prepare-A-Thon brings awareness to new Airmen who may not be from the area,” said Airman 1st Class Cody Burkett, an emergency management apprentice assigned to the 28th CES. “Some individuals may never have experienced more than a few inches of snow, so they may need help preparing for these situations.”
Airman 1st Class Rachael Jonas, an emeregency management journeyman assigned to the 28th CES, explained that in 2008, an Airman was stranded in a blizzard for 12 hours near Ellsworth Air Force Base. Jonas went on to say that if the Airman had followed a few safety precautions, or told someone where he was going, he wouldn’t have been in that situation at all.
“The goal is to assist families with being safe and well-equipped when the weather becomes awry,” said Airman 1st Class Jacquelyn Clark, an emergency management apprentice assigned to the 28th CES.
For more information regarding disaster preparation call the 28th CES Emergency Management Office at (605)-385-7068, or (605)-385-9246.