September is National Preparedness Month
Ready.gov is the federal government’s comprehensive resource for emergency preparedness, disaster planning, crisis response and recovery. Created by FEMA, the site helps individuals, families, businesses and communities prepare for emergencies ranging from severe weather, fires and power outages to cyberattacks, terrorism and other major disruptions. It provides practical guidance on creating emergency plans, assembling disaster supply kits, receiving alerts, evacuating or sheltering safely, protecting finances and property, maintaining business continuity and recovering after a crisis. Ready.gov also offers specialized preparedness resources for children, older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and pet owners. Its central message is simple:
the best time to prepare for a
crisis is before it happens.
From Ready.gov and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
We are proud to announce this year’s National Preparedness Month theme – Americans Stand Ready.
When Americans take steps to prepare for disasters and keep their families safe, every neighborhood and community is more resilient. Throughout National Preparedness Month in September, FEMA will celebrate and encourage American resourcefulness and civic responsibility.
This year’s theme will focus on several distinct ideas that capture how Americans take pride in their ability to protect themselves and their families and work together to recover from disasters:
- Americans stand ready to uphold our patriotic duty: When individuals are prepared and self-reliant, we can bolster the work our brave first responders do to help people on their worst day.
- Americans stand ready to protect our family and friends: We know best how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong.
- Americans stand ready to help our communities: Taking a proactive approach to get your community ready contributes to the nation’s resilience.
Quick Links
NPM Partner Toolkit
Help your community stay safe and prepared by using easy-to-read messaging and other resources. Coming soon!
Learn what disasters and emergencies could affect your area and how to prepare.
Download these graphics and videos to share on you social media, newsletters and more.
Help children and teens prepare for disasters with games, curricula and other resources.
What You Can Do
Insurance is your first line of defense after a disaster. Having insurance that covers your home and belongings can help you recover faster and more completely. Talk to your insurance agent today to make sure you have the right amount – and right kind of insurance to protect the life you’ve built.
Beyond the financial protection insurance can provide, it’s important to realize that we all have a responsibility to be prepared. This is especially important because disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, and sometimes without warning and you may be the first person to respond and provide help in your neighborhood.
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves during a disaster. Consider the unique risks where you live and the needs of your family. Know where you’ll go if you need to leave your home and learn your evacuation routes so you can get there safely.
- Be in the Know. Sign up for your community’s warning system. disasters can happen suddenly, so it’s important to have multiple ways to get alerts. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Build a kit. We know how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong, but do you have what you need to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives? You may think building a well-stocked emergency kit is difficult or expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. You can gather supplies over time, starting with items you may already have at home like canned food and first aid supplies. Visit ready.gov/kit for a list of items to include and how to tailor your kit to meet your family’s needs.
- Take the next step. When communities work together, there’s nothing they can’t do. If you want help your community be more resilient, consider taking a training course through FEMA’s Training and Education Program, the American Red Cross, or your local emergency management agency to build or gain skills to protect yourself, family, friends and community.
Resources
For more information: www.ready.gov