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National Preparedness Month

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National Preparedness Month

This September: "Start a Conversation"

September is National Preparedness Month, and the theme for the 2024 campaign is "Start a Conversation."

Talking about bad things that could happen, like a disaster or emergency, isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. 

Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more action to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:

  • Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. 
  • It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. 
  • Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.​

Prepare and plan

During September, HSEM urges citizens to prepare and plan for an emergency. A good rule of thumb is to plan for three days without electricity, water service, access to a supermarket, or local services for several days. The simplest way to do that is to follow these steps:

1. Create an Emergency Kit

Families should also have at least one emergency kit in their home. At the bare minimum, this kit should include a three day supply of water and non-perishable food. The kit should also have a first aid kit, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, a whistle, dust masks, plastic bags and toilet paper along with a wrench in case you have to turn your utilities off.

2. Make an Emergency Plan

First and foremost, families should take the short amount of time necessary to make an emergency plan. Where would you and your kids meet if a disaster struck and you weren’t all together? What if your cell phones didn’t work? Determining a pre-designated location to gather will lessen the panic.

3. Be Informed

Most communities may be impacted by several types of hazards during a lifetime. Americans also travel more than ever before and people may be in areas impacted by hazards they are unfamiliar with. Knowing what to do before, during and after an emergency is a critical part of being prepared and may make all the difference when seconds count.

4. Get Involved

In the face of disaster, Americans come together with courage, compassion and unity and ask, “How can I help?” There are many ways to Get Involved, especially before a disaster occurs. The whole community can participate in programs and activities to make their families, homes and communities safer from risks and threats. Community leaders agree the formula for ensuring a safer homeland consists of volunteers, a trained and informed public and increased support of emergency response agencies during disasters.
 

Join the National Preparedness Month Coalition

Businesses and community organizations can use National Preparedness Month to host events, promote volunteer programs and share emergency preparedness information.
 
Once registered, members have access to a toolkit that includes suggestions for activities and events, templates, articles, banners and other customizable materials. The www.Ready.gov website provides free emergency preparedness information and resources in English, Spanish and 12 other languages.
 
Each September, coalition members share preparedness information with their colleagues, customers, employees, and communities. For an inclusive list of volunteer opportunities in your communities, visit www.serve.gov.