Wildfires, earthquakes, pandemics, and active threats are all situations that we may encounter during our lifetimes, but are you prepared? 

September is National Preparedness Month, and in recognition, Berkeley Lab’s Security and Emergency Services Division will host a series of lunch-and-learn events with other Lab partners focused on spotting risks, and preparing and responding to potential threats. 

To add an element of fun to the proceedings, Emergency Services has developed a Preparedness Passport for everyone to download. Mark which activities you’ve participated in to receive credits and have your name entered for a chance to win prizes.  

“This year we’re ramping up the level of interactivity for National Preparedness Month, to learn how to better prepare for situations we all would rather not find ourselves in but that are increasingly more common and risky,” said Ayla Quesada, Berkeley Lab’s drills, training, and exercises team lead.

The first event will be held over Zoom at noon on Thursday, Sept. 5. The Lab’s interim Site Occupational Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Toscano, will join UC San Diego professor and viral pathogens expert Dr. Carrie L. Byington to discuss the upcoming flu season and what we’ve learned so far about preparing for potential future pandemics. The entire Lab community is encouraged to attend and you can calendar the event with this link.

This week’s activity is to install the FEMA mobile app on your phone. The FEMA App is your personalized disaster resource, and puts out real-time weather alerts, allows you to locate emergency shelters in your area, and helps you prepare for common hazards, and more.

Lunch-and-learn events will be held at the Lab’s hill site every Thursday at noon this month, focusing on pandemics, wildfires, and active threats. To cap the month off, a film screening on earthquake preparedness will be held.

Add events to your calendar and don’t forget to download your Preparedness Passport at go.lbl.gov/npm. To receive passport credit for reading this article, please complete the form here. 

For a full list of National Preparedness Month topics, tips, and resources go to www.ready.gov.