National Preparedness Month

Planning saves lives!

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September. FEMA’s Ready Campaign has observed National Preparedness Month since 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies.  

Preparedness Starts at Home

Preparedness Starts at Home is the theme for 2025. It focuses on getting back to the essentials of preparedness.

There are some key actions you can take to prepare for any disaster or emergency:

1. 1. Know your risk: Know what types of disasters or emergencies could happen where you and your family live. Knowing what to expect will help you figure out what you need to do to stay safe. You can explore various disasters and emergencies on Ready.gov.
   2. Make a family emergency plan: Make a plan before you need it. This not only helps you reduce stress, but it can also save you time and money.

      Consider these questions as you start to create your emergency plan.

      What is my shelter plan? What is my evacuation route?

      How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings? What is my family/household communication plan? Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?

      You will need to create a plan that meets your and your family’s own personal needs. Some things to consider when creating your preparedness plan are:

      	The ages and fitness of members within your household and any needs they may have because of their age, disabilities, or condition. (not just the elderly, but pregnant women, school-age children, toddlers, and babies also have special needs that need to be taken care into consideration)
      	Your responsibility for assisting others outside your household
      	Special dietary needs of anyone who is included in your plan
      	Disabilities and Medical needs, including prescriptions and equipment, ability to access locations
      	Cultural and religious considerations that must be adhered to
      	The needs of pets or service animals

      Ready.gov has a fillable form to help you create a Family Emergency Plan quickly and easily. 

      

   3. Build an emergency supply kit: In the event of an emergency, having enough food, water, medicine, and other supplies can help you stay safe and can possibly also prevent an injury. Keep a go-bag with all the essentials you might need ready at all times. This way, you won’t need to scramble in an emergency situation.
      

      Some essentials to have in your emergency kit are: 

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

      Several-day supply of non-perishable food Manual can opener

      Water (one gallon per person per day)

      Several days’ supply of non-perishable food

      First aid kit

      Flashlight

      Extra batteries

      Whistle (to signal for help)

      Local maps

      Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

      Dust mask

      Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape (to shelter in place)

      Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties

      Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

      Don’t forget to include in your emergency preparedness supplies:
      

      Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes.

      Prescription and nonprescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives.

      A spare pair of prescription or reading glasses or contacts and a bottle of contact lens solution.

      Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.

      Important family documents such as insurance policies, identification, and bank account records.

      Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.

      Portable cooking supplies, propane, charcoal, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils.

      Change of clothing and sturdy shoes that will protect your feet.

      Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children.

      Pet food and extra water for your pet.

      Cash or traveler’s checks.

      Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

      Fire extinguisher.

      Waterproof Matches

      Paper and pencil.

      Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and the car. Your work and car kit should include everything you need for 24 hours, such as food, water, and medicines, plus a change of clothes, and comfortable walking shoes. Update your kits according to seasonal weather conditions.

   4. Take action to prepare for emergencies:
      Emergency responders aren’t always nearby, and you may be called upon to save a life. You can be prepared to do this by taking a first aid class, joining a Community Emergency Response Team program, and getting trained on basic disaster response skills. You can also take a free online independent study course through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute or a CPR course through the American Red Cross.

      Locate safe places in your home, at work, school, and places that you frequent for each type of disaster. Determine the best evacuation routes from each of these locations.

   5. Practice your plan and training with your family/household: Hold regular household meetings to review and practice your plan (every six months). Check your disaster supply kit every three months. 

How to report emergencies:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger, or if someone is injured, has trouble breathing, or is unconscious.
• To report oil, chemical, or hazardous substance releases or spills, call the National Response Center 800-424-8802.
• For pesticide poisoning, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.