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Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

Image of Start by creating a basic disaster emergency kit and create a plan to get back together as a family in the event of a disaster. . Airmen at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi assisted the 81st Civil Engineer Squadron with filling more than 2500 sand bags. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Wildfires have burned more than 3 million acres of land in the U.S. already this year — an area bigger than Connecticut.

An array of disasters – like massive wildfires, hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, floods, and mud slides – now seem to be everyday risks.

So, how to prepare for an evacuation affecting your family and pets? Or even losing your home?

Start by creating a basic disaster emergency kit and create a plan to get back together as a family in the event of a disaster. Watching this disaster preparedness video can help you create your kit.

“The most important things you should have is the basic life-saving equipment”, said Christopher Springer, head of emergency management at, Naval Medical Center San Diego.

That means flashlights, radios, and batteries to support that equipment. “Then look at your actual household to think about your family members who have special needs or special medications, then build each emergency preparedness kit for your home and your family,” Springer said.

TRICARE also has information on what to do before, during, and after a disaster, and your benefits during a disaster.

Your Pets

For your pets, the Army Public Health Center recommends gathering an emergency kit with a two-week supply of pet food, water, and any medications. Make sure you have copies of pets’ vaccination and medical records as well.

Some emergency shelters require crates for pets, and some only accept service animals. It's a good idea to identify pet-friendly housing options outside of the evacuation area.

Make sure your pet's ID tags include your current contact information. You also may want to ask your veterinarian about getting your pet microchipped in case you’re separated during an emergency.

Hurricanes and Lessons Learned

In the eastern U.S., people are more likely to see hurricanes, flooding, and tornados. This year, the government predicts an above average hurricane season with up to 21 storms, and the year has already seen many deadly tornadoes.

For the staff of Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida in 2018, the impact of hurricanes became all too real, when Hurricane Michael devastated the base in October 2018. Many base personnel and families lived in the surrounding community, which had to rebuild following the hurricane.

“One of the biggest lessons we learned after the Tyndall was destroyed by was to understand what your insurance plan says,” said Robert Genova, the Emergency Management Operations support manager at Tyndall.

“Once the storm has passed, what are you authorized to do, such as having a contractor put tarp on your roof, and will your insurance pay for that?” he advised. “You need to understand what kind of limitations you have on your insurance.”

Preparedness Toolkits

Every military service has a guide and thorough preparedness toolkit localized to the installation and outside-of-base housing. New service members or PCS’ed families get initial information on the local hazards during their orientation briefings.

For example, the Air Force’s Be Ready guide is an authoritative and highly thorough reference source for all types of natural, man-made, technological and terrorism-related disasters.

The guide helps military families prepare for those events and runs the gamut from basic preparation to exactly how to deal with most any type of disaster.

The toolkits and catalogs go from awareness posters, information tear sheets, table tents, to hazard vignette short videos. There are also kids’ awareness campaign materials that include activity books and tear sheets focused on the threats or hazards for each installation.

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Fleet Readiness Center East Enhances Emergency Preparedness with Training in CPR, Defibrillator, and First Aid

Article Around MHS
1/12/2023
Military medical personnel practicing CPR

When it comes to providing first aid and initial care during an emergency, every second counts in the matter of life and death. That's why this training program at Fleet Readiness Center East aims to equip its workforce with lifesaving skills and training to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.

Hurricane: Hospital Closure

Infographic
11/16/2022
 Image of a hospital with a closed sign. Use this graphic if your MTF closes due to a hurricane.

Disaster Alert if a hospital has to close during a hurricane.

Hurricane: Disaster Referral Waiver

Infographic
11/16/2022
This image describes what you need to do to obtain a blanket PCM referral waiver in the event of a hurricane

if you have TRICARE Prime, your Primary Care Manager (PCM) provides most of your care. If you see a TRICARE-authorized specialty provider without a referral, you have to pay Point-of-Service (POS) charges.

Hurricane Essential Resources

Infographic
11/16/2022
 This graphic highlights emergency resources people can use before emergencies to be disaster ready.

This graphic highlights emergency resources people can use before emergencies to be disaster ready.

Hurricane Readiness Kit

Infographic
11/16/2022
 Before a hurricane prepare a hurricane readiness kit including important documents, prescriptions, and family emergency plan.

Before a hurricane prepare a hurricane readiness kit including important documents, prescriptions, and family emergency plan.

Hurricane: Getting Emergency Prescriptions

Infographic
11/16/2022
 This infographic describes the process and tips for getting emergency prescription refills when a state of emergency is declared. Beneficiaries can take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE network pharmacy

During a hurricane, sometimes TRICARE will authorize emergency prescription refills. If authorized, take you prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy.

Earthquake: Referral Waiver

Infographic
11/14/2022
To promote access to needed services during or after a disaster a PCM referral waiver allows enrollees to seek care without a referral from their PCM.

To promote access to needed services during or after a disaster a PCM referral waiver allows enrollees to seek care without a referral from their PCM.

Earthquake: Prepare Before 2

Infographic
11/14/2022
It’s important to secure heavy items, make a family emergency communications plan, and a supply kit to prepare for an earthquake

It’s important to secure heavy items, make a family emergency communications plan, and a supply kit to prepare for an earthquake

Earthquakes: Getting Prescriptions

Infographic
11/14/2022
 During a disaster, TRICARE may authorize emergency prescription resources.

During a disaster, TRICARE may authorize emergency prescription resources.

Earthquake: Essential Resources

Infographic
11/14/2022
 Get critical information when you need it by following this essential resources guide.

Get critical information when you need it by following this essential resources guide.

Earthquake: Protect Yourself

Infographic
11/14/2022
Drop, cover, and hold on to help protect yourself during an earthquake.

Drop, cover, and hold on to help protect yourself during an earthquake.

Earthquake: Prepare Before

Infographic
11/14/2022
The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens.  Plan. Prepare. Protect. Natural Resource Guide. The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens. Image of supplies. Follow these tips: practice drop, cover, and hold on with others; make an emergency plan; gather emergency supplies, protect your home by securing loose objects and learning how to turn off utilities. Be ready at a moment’s notice. Visit: www.tricare.mil/Disaster

The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens. Plan. Prepare. Protect. Natural Resource Guide. The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens. Image of supplies. Follow these tips: practice drop, cover, and hold on with others; make an emergency plan; gather emergency supplies, protect your home by securing loose objects and learning how to turn off utilities. Be ready at a moment’s notice. Visit: www.tricare.mil/Disaster

Earthquake: After an Earthquake

Infographic
11/14/2022
 After an earthquake it’s important to take extra precautions to stay safe.

After an earthquake it’s important to take extra precautions to stay safe.

Disaster Alert: Stormy Background

Infographic
11/10/2022
Disaster Alert

Disaster Alert, be ready a moments notice

Disaster Alert: Tropical Storm

Infographic
11/10/2022
 Tropical Storm: Disaster alert graphic that says, "Disaster Alert: Tropical Storm Hurricane" with an image of trees blowing in wind and rain.

Disaster Alert for Tropical Storms

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Last Updated: July 07, 2022
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