Are you ready for it?

At Pantex, we normally don't prepare for thieves stealing hearts and never saying sorry, but we do plan for most other things. One way is by promoting National Preparedness Month in September — an annual Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) campaign to encourage emergency readiness through education and awareness.

“The annual campaign is designed to ultimately better protect all of us by encouraging families and communities to start a conversation and create plans for emergency situations,” Emergency Preparedness Specialist Stacie Pahl said. “It's a reminder that setting aside the time now and taking in considerations while things are calm will allow for better decision making and improved response in an emergency.”

FEMA chose “Preparedness Starts at Home” as the 2025 campaign theme. Pantex uses this to tailor messaging specific to our workforce to ensure we are safe, proactive, and resilient in completing our mission.

“Preparedness transforms a workforce from a reactive state to a proactive and adaptable one,” Pahl said. “Fostering this safety culture builds the capacity to cope in emergencies and equips us with the ability to rebound stronger and operate effectively during significant challenges, which is
the hallmark of true resilience.”

Pantex's mission demands a proactive and vigilant mindset. This is accomplished by implementing stringent safety protocols and forward–thinking planning. Pahl says you can start planning at home by keeping an open line of communication like she does with her own family.

“Keep the conversation going,” she said. “Assess and prioritize needs, whether it be for children, elderly, pets, or medical. Make a family emergency plan, build a kit with basic emergency supplies, and secure your home. There are so many ways to prepare, it is just a matter of making the time for it now.”

To ensure 'Preparedness Starts at Home,' Pantexans should:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts
• Use weather radios during severe weather
• Prepare a kit for your family and pets including food, water, medications, flashlights, chargers,
  identification, and important documents
• Keep vehicles fueled and supplied
• Make an emergency contact list
• Practice your plan

When employees are prepared for emergencies on– or off–site, it strengthens their ability to continue Pantex's vital national security mission. Whether a severe weather event, a power outage, or any unexpected disruption, strengthening employee response at home reinforces safety at the site.

“It's important for people to prepare for a range of emergencies that could impact their safety — no matter the location or circumstances,” Pahl said. “Threats, hazards, and risks can differ depending on location and proximity of hazards. For instance, the Texas Panhandle doesn't typically experience earthquakes, hurricanes, or tsunamis. It's more probable for us to experience a wildfire, tornado, and flash flooding, so those are the situations we need to be prepared for.”

Don't wait until the middle of the night in your dreams to think about getting ready. Preparation is key to continuity and the safety and wellbeing of Pantexans. Before stocking up your vehicle with supplies, make sure not to include prohibited items. Pantexans are also encouraged to visit ready.gov to learn emergency preparation tips to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe.