Photo illustration of a family reviewing an emergency checklist as part of their disaster preparedness plan.
As the year turns into fall, we reach the anniversary of one of our nation’s biggest tragedies: September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of 9/11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched National Preparedness Month in 2004.
National Preparedness Month is a national campaign that occurs every September. It aims to educate and empower Americans to respond to natural disasters or potential terrorist attacks. With September just beginning, learning more about what this campaign brings and what you can do to help make your community safer and better prepared for disaster is essential.
The primary emphases of National Preparedness Month are emergency planning, disaster kits and staying informed. An emergency plan has four primary parts: a sheltering plan, an evacuation route, a communication plan, and finally, a disaster kit. Families should personalize their plans, considering everyone’s ages, dietary restrictions, medications and more. This will ensure the family stays as safe as possible in an emergency.
To build a disaster kit, gather these basic items and put them in a box that can be quickly accessed:
Finally, staying informed is crucial. You can do this by signing up for emergency alerts on your phone, downloading the Red Cross Emergency App or tuning into NOAA Weather Radio. Social media can also provide information, although it is crucial to remember that not everything on social media is correct, so be sure to double-check the information. By staying informed and making a flexible plan for most emergencies, your family can stay safe during an emergency.
During National Preparedness Month, it is critical to start thinking through emergency plans, updating them or creating new ones. Take the step and start a conversation with your family, make a plan, sign up for emergency alerts and build a disaster emergency kit.
As we commemorate September 11 and mark National Preparedness Month, help ensure your community is prepared for disasters. Join the Red Cross, Citizen Corps or one of the many other organizations involved in emergency preparedness. Remember, taking a few hours to volunteer or talk with your family can keep your loved ones safe and possibly help save someone’s life.
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