Weathering the storm: Save on emergency supplies at the commissary

NOTE: To see a DeCA video related to this release, click here.

FORT GREGG-ADAMS, Va. - National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5-11, 2024. As the start of hurricane season approaches on June 1, the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) encourages everyone to think about ways to be ready.

"Even for those who don't live in an area that's prone to hurricanes, it's a good reminder to prepare for other emergencies that may happen," said Navy Command Master Chief Mario Rivers, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. "Our patrons span the entire globe, and as they shop for emergency supplies, we want to remind them they can use their commissary benefit and save money in the process."

Commissary patrons can start their preparations by learning about the types of disasters and hazards that may impact their areas, according to Ready.gov. Ready.gov is the website for the national public service campaign to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

Once they know the type of emergencies that may affect them, patrons should make a family emergency plan and build an emergency supply kit.

From April 1 through Oct. 31, DeCA's severe weather promotional package includes discounts on the following items: 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 antibacterial wipes. Specific items may vary from store to store.

June 1 through Nov. 30 is the traditional hurricane season. The 2023 hurricane season ranked fourth for the most-named storms in a year since 1950, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Whether it's a natural or manmade crisis, emergency preparedness officials encourage prior planning.

Patrons can prepare a basic emergency supply kit with the following recommended items from Ready.gov:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)

• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food. Non-perishables may include canned fruit or vegetables; shelf-stable cans of meat, poultry or fish; dried fruits and nuts; cereal; crackers; energy or granola bars; peanut butter; nonfat dry milk; and foods for infants and the elderly)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Extra batteries

• Whistle (to signal for help)

• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

• Manual can opener (for food)

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.

For more information, go to the DeCA disaster preparedness webpage for lists of resources.

-DeCA-

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, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. 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.