Emergency Preparedness

Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Americans have become more aware of our vulnerabilities, more appreciative of our freedoms and more understanding that we have a personal responsibility for the safety of our families, our neighbors and our nation.

AFBEA is concerned about the well-being of our members and their communities either through a natural disaster or a terrorist emergency.  We know that disaster preparedness works.  We can take action now that will help protect our families, reduce the impact an emergency has on our lives and deal with the chaos if an incident occurs near you.  The following information was put together to assist you in preparing you and your communities for any type of emergency.

• Are You Ready? A Guide To Citizen Preparedness The publication provides practical information on how your family an prepare for any disaster.  It includes up-to-date hazard specific safety tips and information about preparedness and protection.
• Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)  Local government prepares for everyday emergencies.  However, there are emergencies and disasters that can overwhelm the community’s immediate response capabilities.  While adjacent jurisdictions, State and Federal resources can activate to help, there may be a delay for them getting to those who need help.  The primary reason for CERT training is to give people the decision-making and physical skills to offer immediate assistance to family members, neighbors and associates.  While peopled will respond to others in need without the training, the goal of the CERT program is to help them do so effectively and efficiently without placing themselves in unnecessary danger. 
• Run. Hide. Fight. Although the odds of being a victim of a horrific event such as the Colorado theatre or Sikh temple shootings are extremely remote, many ponder what they would do in a similar situation. Since the shootings atColumbine High School, law enforcement has trained to respond to these incidents.  Lessons learned in this and subsequent incidents suggest the number of casualties could have been reduced if victims had a basic plan in mind on what to do. The link goes to a video that provides safety information and strategies. It leads viewers through a mock workplace shooting in less than six minutes. The video was produced by the city of Houston Mayor’s Office of Public Safety using Department of Homeland Security grant funds.