R 311631Z AUG 12

ALCOAST 396/12
COMDTNOTE 1750
SUBJ: NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH AND FAMILY READINESS
1. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a month-long
awareness and activism campaign to improve the nations emergency
preparedness. It is important to stress that preparedness is
important for all hazards, whether natural or man-made. This years
NPM theme is "Pledge to Prepare."  By pledging, you will become part
of the National Preparedness Coalition. Visit www.Ready.gov to take
the Pledge and access exclusive resources addressing individual and
family readiness.
2. National Preparedness Month is designed to encourage citizens to
take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes,
businesses, and communities. Disasters can strike at any time without
warning. I encourage all Coast Guard (CG) members to be prepared for
when, not if, the next emergency will occur. Preparedness is a
responsibility we all share, and we each have an important role to
play. At the Ready.gov website you can learn to be prepared, make a
plan, build a kit and get involved.
3. Build a kit. To fully prepare yourself and your family, create an
emergency kit that includes supplies for at least three days. These
kits will enable you and your family to respond to an emergency more
effectively. Although the most helpful kits include items that best
suit your familys particular needs, remember the basic supplies such
as water, food, a first aid kit and money. Because hazardous events
are unpredictable, you should be prepared with an emergency kit at
home, at work, and even in your car. Regularly evaluate and update
all your emergency preparedness kits to ensure they will provide you
and your family with basic needs during an emergency. Information on
how to help your family prepare for and manage emergency situations
is available at the Office of Work-Life Family Readiness Program
website at www.uscg.mil/worklife/ready.asp.
4. Readiness begins at home. We all face multiple demands and
pressures that have the potential to negatively impact our ability to
stay mission focused, prepared, and fit. Resolving these issues and
maintaining a healthy balance between work, family, and life events
is critical to your personal preparedness. Work-life programs can
assist you in addressing these issues as well as those that can
develop before, during, and after an emergency.
5. To locate the work-life staff nearest to you, simply call
1-800-872-4957 and follow the prompts, or go to www.uscg.mil/worklife
and click on "Work-life Field Offices." You can also access the CG
Support (CG SUPRT) Program at 1-855-CGSUPRT or www.CGSUPRT.com to
learn about and obtain various family support services.
6. COMDT (CG-111) POCs for the "Ready Coast Guard" campaign are Ms.
Chris Degraw at 202-475-5142 and Ms. Mitchia (Shay) D. Tull-Cook at
202-475-5159. You may also contact the CG Health, Safety and
Work-Life Service Center (HSWL SC) POC CDR Jerry Mahlau-Heinert at
757-628-4795.
7. RADM M. K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety and Work-Life
sends.
8. Internet release authorized.