America’s PrepareAthon! Campaign begins on Altus AFB Published April 10, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Matthew J. Noble 97th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It is that time of the year, when weather starts acting crazy and can change from fair to severe with little or no warning. Altus Air Force Base and the surrounding areas are subject to many different types of disasters and weather hazards, which range from hail, thunder and ice storms to microbursts and tornadoes. What would you do if you were a victim of one of these unfortunate events? Better yet, what would your family do? Do you have a plan in place? How about extra food and supplies? Where would you go if your home was destroyed? There are thousands of Air Force families in this area that could be in the same predicament. If you have not already done so, a great place to start your preparation is to make a plan. Have a primary and secondary evacuation route and rally point that your entire family is aware of. Identify a shelter-in-place room in the most interior part of your house, on the bottom floor. Ensure everyone is familiar with the local emergency services numbers that would need to be called. Given the potential for the area to be without power for several days, a disaster supply kit can become vital. At least three days of food and water along with essential items such as first aid kits, flashlights, radios, and medications are just some of the recommended items to keep on hand. The more prepared you and your family are, the better off you will be when it comes recovering from a disastrous situation that can turn your lives upside down. It is for these reasons that the Department of Defense has launched the first ever America's PrepareAthon! This grassroots campaign for action happens twice each year and provides a recurring opportunity to learn more about the hazards that threaten communities, as well as practice what to do in order to minimize our vulnerabilities to them. Throughout the month of April, the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight will be providing numerous places and events for you to do just that, to learn and prepare your family for potential emergencies in the future. Preparedness Tables and Radio Raffle: Where: Altus AFB Commissary When: April 14, 21, and 28, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PrepareAthon 5K: Where: Altus AFB Gym When: April 29 at 7 a.m. During these events there will be a chance to win a free weather alert radio! You may also take action and prepare at http://www.ready.gov/prepare Call the Emergency Management Flight at 580-481-6137 for more information.