National Preparedness Month

Bowie CAP offers tips for preparing for the unexpected

September is National Preparedness Month.  The nationwide initiative, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security, encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies since they often occur without warning.

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol's Bowie Composite Squadron is offering advice on various disaster preparedness topics, each week of the month, as a service to Bowie residents.    Emergency services is one of the three main missions of CAP.  This week, we focus on back-to-school planning.

Creating a Plan

Children spend most of their time in the classroom between the months of September and June.   This means your family may not be together in an emergency.   So, it is important to decide ahead of time how you will contact each other during a disaster or urgent situation. 

During the School Day

Bowie Squadron's Homeland Security Officer, 2nd Lt. Albert Redd, Jr. says,  "It is important for parents to learn ahead of time about the emergency plan at their child's school…and to cooperate with the school in the event of an emergency."    The Department of Homeland Security says schools, daycare providers, workplaces and apartment buildings should all have site-specific emergency plans on hand.  

Parents should prepare for the possibility of an early dismissal during an emergency or disaster.  On the other hand, if a school decides to keep the children in class for safety reasons, there may be tight security measures in place limiting access to the school.    Parents are asked to be patient while the proper procedures are followed.  You should also expect to show picture ID if you try to pick up your child early in  these conditions.

Emergency Contact Card

To help children be prepared, Lt. Redd suggests that youngsters carry an emergency contact card.  Parents should consider including the following information:

-The child's name, address and phone number (especially for young children)

-Phone numbers to reach parents/guardians at all hours of the day

-Important medical information

-Places to meet during an emergency

-At least one out-of-state contact name and phone number

Experts say it is best to have plans in places for various types of emergencies such as weather related problems, power outages, fires and acts of terrorism.   They also suggest choosing a place to meet  in the event of a disaster.

There are a number of websites that offer fun and interactive ways to help parents, teachers and children learn more about how to be prepared.   Visit the homeland security section of  the Bowie CAP website, www.bowiecap.org, for more information and links to the sites. If you or your child 12 years or older is interested in joining CAP, call 301-805-8200 today!