Ready Marine Corps―the USMC’s emergency preparedness program―got an early start to September’s National Preparedness Month (NPM) this past Saturday with its participation in the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ “Dog Days of Summer” event in Triangle, Va. The Museum event highlighted dogs’ roles in the Marine Corps and brought together numerous pet-centric organizations and agencies. The Ready Marine Corps team, accompanied by Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region - Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCINCR-MCBQ) Emergency Manager, delivered a presentation on pet preparedness and the local resources available to pet owners during an emergency.
“By improving our pets’ preparedness, we increase the overall safety of our Marines and families,” said MCINCR-MCBQ Emergency Manager Jason Terry, noting that pet owners are more likely to evacuate in an emergency if they can take their pets with them or know there is somewhere safe for their pets to shelter.
Developing an emergency plan for pets is one way Ready Marine Corps encouraged attendees to take part in NPM, which begins Thursday, Sept. 1 and culminates on Sept. 30 with National PrepareAthon! Day. In support of this year’s NPM theme, “Don’t wait. Communicate. Make an emergency plan today,” Ready Marine Corps team members also encouraged visitors to make a written plan for themselves, including who to call, where to go, and what to take with them during an emergency.
“National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity for Marines and their families to make a plan for how to navigate the unexpected,” said Mark Brown, HQMC/Marine Corps Installations Command Installations Emergency Management Program Manager. “Now is the time to familiarize yourself with resources like Ready Marine Corps―don’t wait.”
To learn more about Ready Marine Corps, go to www.ready.marines.mil. Follow Ready Marine Corps on Twitter and Facebook @ReadyUSMC for daily posts on preparedness. Visit www.ready.gov/september for more information on National Preparedness Month.