Commissaries remind customers to be prepared Published May 30, 2007 By The Defense Commissary Agency FORT LEE, Va. -- With effects from Hurricane Katrina still lingering, the need to prepare for a disaster is just as valid today as it was two years ago. Government agencies recommend Americans keep a supply of essentials on hand above and beyond what they normally have on their kitchen shelves. Military families are being encouraged to "load up their pantries" as the Defense Commissary Agency encourages its patrons to keep nonperishable foods, water and other necessities on hand for emergencies. "The hurricane season starts in June, and we want our military families to be prepared for whatever natural or manmade disasters occur," said Patrick Nixon, DeCA director and chief executive officer. "We want to raise awareness of the need to keep emergency supplies on hand - and that shoppers can 'be prepared' at savings of 30 percent or more by using their commissary benefit." Disaster response officials recommend that people in hurricane-prone areas should be prepared with enough emergency supplies to last seven days. For more information on disaster preparedness: www.fema.gov, www.dhs.gov or www.redcross.org . 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. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices - savings worth about $3,000 annually for a family of four. 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.