National Preparedness Month- A reminder to all that readiness begins before an emergency occurs.

Across Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California and installations worldwide, emergency management programs provide the framework for preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating all-hazards incidents, especially in light of National Preparedness Month each September.
The focus throughout the month serves as a reminder to all that readiness begins before an emergency occurs.
A well-prepared Marine Corps community is essential to the execution of critical national security functions and warfighting missions worldwide.
According to the Emergency Readiness Program and Ready Marine Corps, emergencies can happen with little warning, but preparedness starts long before they do. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to take practical steps that can help protect you, your family, your workplace, and your community. Build an emergency kit, make a communication plan, know your evacuation routes, and stay informed.
“Think through some of the most likely emergencies that you could face, think of a plan, then objectively think through that plan and find the weak points in that plan, and refine your plan, said Master Sgt. Matthew Biesman, Communications chief. “Prepare supplies for your plan. Make a ’go bag’ with at least 72 hours of supplies (food, water, medicine, first aid kit, a knife, clothes, diapers, etc.) And finally, practice your plan. Making your plan ‘muscle memory’ is the best thing you can do to help yourself. You have no idea how your body will react in an emergency, but if you have already trained your mind and body to enact your plan, you are that much farther ahead.,”
National Preparedness Month 2026 slogan is “Prepare Today. Protect Tomorrow.”
Ready Marine Corps invokes the idea that “small preparedness actions taken now can reduce stress, protect loved ones, and help communities recover more quickly when emergencies happen. Another proactive way to stay prepared is by building an emergency kit, protecting vital documents, building and accruing an emergency savings fund, and keeping critical documents and contacts accessible.”
“If you are already prepared even when an emergency is not expected, and you practice your plan, you will remain more calm in that emergency and are more likely to make the correct decision that could potentially save lives. Also, if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. If you pre-plan to have the things you need in the places they are needed, you have already done the work before the emergency which could again save lives,” Master Sgt Biesman said.
Aboard MCLB Barstow, all personnel are encouraged to enroll in a communication system that alerts personnel of hazards and emergencies in your area, so you can take action when it matters most and in a timely manner.
“MCLB Barstow’s primary method is the Alert! Mass Notification System. Alert! quickly and accurately informs MCLB personnel, in real time, of any possible threats, and provides any necessary instructions in the event of an emergency., “said Lori Morgan, base security manager. “Alert! users on the Marine Corps domain who log on to their Marine Corps Enterprise Network computers via a common access card will automatically receive the network pop-ups from Alert!”
“We have several ways to communicate emergency information with base personnel, we have ‘big voice’, social media, public address systems on Provost Marshal’s Office vehicles, and (coming soon) the base app,” Master Sgt Biesman said.
To ensure preparedness for all base personnel, dispatch offers specific tips.
“Follow current events via social media, news, and the radio,” said Kelly Arps, public safety telecommunicator. “Keep up-to-date on extreme weather conditions, local and state hazards. Always follow protocols and adhere to guidance on safety measures.”
Social media may be a good source to communicate with other personnel and families on base, but it is imperative that any phishing emails, posts, or virtual attacks be reported to your office, and S-6 Communications Division. This helps to ensure that communication is disbursed throughout the installation appropriately and accurately and helps reduce vulnerabilities to the installation.
You may reach the Communications strategies and operations office (760)577-6430 with any unusual messages, emails, or phone calls and do not release information in any context to unknown information seekers. For Communications, call 1-855-ESD-USMC (373-8762).
“To receive emergency notifications with base official information via e-mail, text, and telephone, users must manually register their emergency contact information to the Alert! system,” Morgan said. “We strongly recommend that users register all devices and methods that they would prefer to receive emergency information.”
If you do not have Marine Corps Enterprise Network access but need to receive critical base notifications, you may contact MCLB Barstow Mission Assurance [mclbb_ma@usmc.mil](mailto:mclbb_ma@usmc.mil) or 760-577-5838/5401 to register for the Alert! system.
For additional information on how to build an emergency preparedness kit, plan or more, go to the following website: [www.ready.gov](http://www.ready.gov).

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