Tobyhanna Army Depot is using National Preparedness Month this September to remind its workforce that readiness doesn’t begin when the sirens sound; it begins much earlier with knowing the risks, making a plan, having the right supplies and understanding how to receive critical information.

This year’s National Preparedness Month theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” emphasizes the importance of individuals and communities taking an active role in preparing for emergencies before they happen.

Emergency management personnel monitor weather and regional threats, coordinate with partner agencies and conduct exercises designed to identify vulnerabilities before they become problems.

Tobyhanna also maintains several systems designed to keep employees informed during an emergency, including the ALERT! mass notification system, the Giant Voice outdoor warning system and more. Those systems are only effective if employees know how they work and are prepared to respond when an alert is issued.

It’s also important to verify and update your emergency contact and notification settings at work and at home. Employees should ensure their information in ALERT! is current, while families should establish emergency contacts, enable local weather alerts and identify an out-of-area contact who can serve as a central point of communication if local networks become overwhelmed.

Employees should identify at least two ways out of their immediate work area and know the locations of nearby fire extinguishers, first aid kits and automated external defibrillators. They should also know where to shelter during severe weather and understand how that differs from an evacuation during an event such as a fire. Understanding the difference between a watch and a warning, knowing where to go and recognizing what an emergency notification is asking you to do can save valuable time.

Employees should also familiarize themselves with Tobyhanna’s Emergency Action Plans, commonly referred to as the “Rainbow Flip Chart,” which provides guidance for responding to various emergencies.

Installation training opportunities can provide another layer of preparedness. Courses such as CPR/AED certification and Stop the Bleed training give employees practical skills they can use when professional help may not immediately be available.

Finally, preparedness doesn’t stop at just the workplace. Families should have a plan that identifies evacuation routes, meeting locations and methods of communication if family members become separated. Plans should account for children, elderly relatives, and pets.