Welcome to National Preparedness Month. Sponsored by the Ready Campaign, National Preparedness Month (“NPM”) is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
Weekly Themes
Each week in September, the campaign will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families and communities.
Week 1
1 SEP – 4 SEP
“Make A Plan”
Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the Coronavirus.
For additional information about Make a Plan, please visit Make A Plan | Ready.gov.
Week 2
5 SEP – 11 SEP
“Build A Kit”
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.
For additional information regarding Build a Kit, visit Build A Kit | Ready.gov.
Week 3
12 SEP – 18 SEP
“Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness”
Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either. Start today by signing up for alerts, safe-guarding important documents, and taking other low cost and no cost preparedness actions to lessen the impact of disasters and emergencies for you and your family.
For additional information on Financial Preparedness, visit Financial Preparedness | Ready.gov.
Week 4
19 SEP – 25 SEP
“Teach Youth About Preparedness”
Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
Get Tech Ready
Technology has made it easier than ever to prepare for emergencies, but it can be unreliable in an emergency if you haven’t kept your gadgets protected and powered up. Here are some tips to make sure you are tech ready: Get Tech Ready | Ready.gov.