September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) in the United States, a time when the U.S. Government coordinates efforts across the whole of government and whole of society to promote disaster preparedness among communities, individuals, and organizations.
This year’s theme for NPM, according to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.” This theme is promoted through a month-long campaign: America’s PrepareAthon! which aims to encourage action before a crisis occurs, and to promote collective responsibility as a means of increasing nationwide resilience.
Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) is actively collaborating with a number of government agencies in this national effort to promote preparedness. Our efforts, in coordination with others, will focus on awareness of a different hazard each week, along with information regarding hazard-specific preparedness.
We encourage you to “Join In!” and get started with your plan today. Below are some suggestions that anyone can undertake to promote preparedness:
- Develop and test a Family Disaster Plan, including a communications plan
- Sign up for local alerts and warnings with Disaster Alert™ mobile app
- Explore DisasterAWARE® using the DIY Preparedness Lessons listed below
- Assemble or update a Disaster Supply Kit
- Learn more about hazards in your area
- Collect and safeguard critical documents
- Take time to teach your kids about disasters and preparedness
- Plan with neighbors to help each other and to share resources
- Participate in a preparedness discussion, training, or class
- Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards
Access the DIY Preparedness Series Developed for NPM:
- DIY Preparedness: Map Tips
- DIY Preparedness: Layer Navigation
- DIY Preparedness: Layer Controls
- DIY Preparedness: Area Brief
For more information:
- Visit the FEMA 2015 National Preparedness Month webpage, or
- Explore the DoD Preparedness Website
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