| September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a nationwide campaign established in 2004 and led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign to encourage individuals, families, and organizations to prepare for emergencies of all kinds. Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time, often without warning. National Preparedness Month underscores the importance of taking simple, proactive steps that strengthen personal and community resilience. Preparedness is a shared responsibility, and even small actions can make a meaningful difference.
The 2026 theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” highlights the nation’s spirit of resourcefulness, civic duty, and community support. It encourages every individual to take charge of their own readiness and contribute to a stronger, safer community.
Everyone can participate by creating or reviewing a family emergency plan that includes communication methods, meeting locations, evacuation routes, and considerations for seniors, children, and pets. Building an emergency supply kit with essentials such as water, food, medications, and important documents ensures that households are ready to sustain themselves for several days if services are disrupted. Staying informed is another critical step—signing up for local alerts and having multiple ways to receive warnings, including NOAA Weather Radio, can keep you aware of hazards that may arise unexpectedly. Communities also benefit when people get involved by volunteering, sharing preparedness information, and helping neighbors take their own steps toward readiness.
The month concludes on September 30 with National Preparedness Day, a nationwide call to action encouraging everyone to take at least one step that enhances their readiness for emergencies. |
