Are you prepared for a disaster?

Commissary patrons can save on their emergency supplies

FORT LEE, Va. (May 18, 2016) – Although military commissaries aren't equipped to predict the next emergency, they do encourage their patrons to use their benefit to be prepared.

The Defense Commissary Agency routinely offers savings compared to commercial stores on the necessary items for any emergency, said agency Sales Director Tracie Russ.

"It would be nice if we could accurately predict the impact of the next storm when it came to power outages, interruptions in available water and store closures. However, we do know from past experience it's better to plan for the unexpected," Russ said. "That's why we work with our industry partners to offer deep discounts on many of the food products and other items our patrons need to be prepared."

As they take stock in their state of readiness, military patrons can shop their local commissaries for the following items, considered appropriate for disaster preparedness: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first-aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific items may vary from store to store.

According to a May 13 forecast from the Weather Channel, the 2016 hurricane season is expected to have 14 named storms, eight of which will be hurricanes with three of the hurricanes potentially being category 3 or higher.

The North Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to Nov. 30 and covers the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Tornado season runs from April to July.

Emergency preparedness officials suggest having a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)
• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper
• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener
• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications
• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap
• Specialty foods – diet and low-calorie foods and drinks
• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moisture wipes
• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags
• Lighting accessories – flashlight, batteries, candles and matches
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Duct tape, scissors
• Multipurpose tool
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Maps of the area
• Blankets or sleeping bags

For more information about disaster preparedness, visit our Disaster Prep page for lists of resources. For a graphic related to disaster preparedness, go to our Marketing Resources page and look for "Emergency Preparedness," where you'll see a link to download a PDF file.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil