Air Force joins nation on PrepareAthon

  • Published
  • By Jess Echerri
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Today, the Air Force joins the rest of the nation for PrepareAthon, a community-based day of action emphasizing the importance of preparation in responding to natural and manmade disasters.

Members of the Air Force Civil Engineer Center's Emergency Management Division are leading Air Force participation efforts for the event.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency hosts the event to encourage individuals, organizations and communities to prepare for specific hazards through drills, group discussions and exercises.

All Air Force flights are sent information and encouraged to participate in the event, said James Martin, an education and training analyst at AFCEC. Participation can include conducting drills, holding training, testing communication plans, assembling supplies and other activities that help prepare Airmen and their families for an emergency.

"Preparedness really comes down to, 'what could possibly affect you?' and you prepare for that," Martin said. "If you have prepared well for an emergency, you will probably react well too."

America's PrepareAthon allows Airmen to shift their focus from operations to preparedness, and Martin hopes to see everyone do something to support the event.

"We would like the maximum participation possible," Martin said.