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Preparing for disasters protects everyone you love

OMA’s Ushio speaks up about ‘preparing to protect’

Submitted by Emergency Management Specialist Sherry LoSapio. 

A headshot of a small multicolored dog with large pointy ears, brown eyes and grey muzzle.
OMA Emergency Management Specialist Sherry LoSapio’s dog, Ushio, smiles for the camera.

Hello, I want to introduce myself. I am Ushio (You-she-oh). My mom Sherry LoSapio works in GSA’s Office of Mission Assurance. My mom is passionate about preparedness, and I want to share some tidbits I’ve picked up from her this past year while she has been working in my space.

I understand these tips can help people be better prepared in case something happens to their homes, so I am stepping in to help share her message.

Mom said that September is a super special month for emergency preparedness and they call it a “prepareathon.” It’s when the humans make sure that I have a plan and plenty of snuggles and snacks should something more scary than fireworks happen. 

The planning part is what I wanted to speak to you about today.

  1. How will you receive emergency alerts and warnings? I heard my mom say that this is a good time to visit your profile in GCIMS and HR Links to ensure that all of your contact information is up to date. GSA uses something called the National Alert and Accountability System (NAAS) to send emergency notifications to employees. This system pulls your contact information from GCIMS, so it is important to keep this information up-to-date. It’s also important to keep your furry friends’ tags up to date with your current contact information and address — best yet if you have them microchipped at your veterinarian’s office. Just in case you get separated I know they wouldn’t want to be lost from you for too long!

     
  2. What’s your shelter plan? Along with this, do you have any special needs? (i.e., pets, disabilities, medicine etc.) Not all shelters can accommodate all needs so it’s important to know what is available in your area or make a plan with friends and family outside of your immediate area. I love to go visit my furry friends out of town!

     
  3. What’s your evacuation route?  This can vary depending on the scary thing that happens. Practice with your family (both furry and non-furry), so that you’re prepared to utilize a variety of routes. Check with your state’s Department of Transportation for a current listing of road closures.

     
  4. What’s the family/household communication plan? Plan for secondary means of communication and have a meeting place in mind should communications go down. (I don’t think barking counts, but I’ll check with Mom). Know that after an event where cell phone towers are reported down, you may only be able to text.

These are just a few items to help you get started in building your home plan. For additional resources and items to consider, my mom said to go to ready.gov. 

Look for more tips from me in the future.

P.S. I promise I don’t bite!

Respectfully,

A black paw print on a white background.

 

Ushio

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Last updated: Sep 24, 2021
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