September Is National Preparedness Month

Since 2004, September has been the National Preparedness Month, and this year is no exception. Sponsored by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), this month’s campaign aims to educate the general public about natural hazards and how to prepare for them.

The goal of this campaign is to help as many people as possible learn which hazards can strike in their area, how to stay safe and minimize damage, and increase their preparedness.

Individuals are invited to participate in activities and make disaster preparedness plans with their community and family. Working with others in the community gives people the opportunity to exchange information and do exercises and drills together, rather than individually. Here you can choose the activities you want to participate in, or make your own.

Each week is focused on the following disasters: floods, wildfires, hurricanes and power outages. The week of September 27-30 is focused on the last preparations that lead up to the National PrepareAthon! Day. For extensive disaster preparedness information, browse this page.

This month, we encourage you to help increase awareness about natural disasters that can strike in your area. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to get our preparedness tips and other valuable information to help you stay safe and become more prepared, then share them with your family and friends.