National Preparedness Month

Multicultural Preparedness: 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. This week, we focus on multi-cultural preparedness.  

People from all walks of life can be impacted when a disaster strikes in a public place.  During an emergency, communication and progress can be hindered when the people affected speak a different language than those trying to offer assistance.  

Language barriers often add to the frustration during a crisis.  If you find yourself in a position to help a person with a limited knowledge of English during an emergency, Bowie Squadron's Homeland Security Officer, 2nd Lt. Albert Redd, Jr. says it is important to be patient.  

"The key is to try to go out of your way to communicate. You have to be sensitive to the differences and needs of people from other cultures.   They may feel more vulnerable or helpless than they would normally feel," he says.  

Companies that regularly serve a multi-cultural population can help by planning ahead.   Redd says, "Given the diversity of our region, businesses are advised to create a plan to communicate emergency information to non-English speaking workers and customers during a crisis situation."  

The Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies are making a point to reach out to Americans whose first language is not English.   For more information and links to emergency preparedness for non-English speakers, visit the homeland security section of the Bowie Composite Squadron website at www.bowiecap.org.  If you or your child, 12 years or older, are interested in volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol, call 301-805-8200.