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Each September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign celebrates National Preparedness Month. Since 2004, the campaign has taken the month to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared.
This year’s theme is, “Americans Stand Ready.”
The theme reflects the spirit of unity, resilience and resourcefulness that make our country strong. It’s a reminder that each of us can make a difference by taking proactive steps before a disaster strikes, and encouraging loved ones to do the same, Americans can contribute to the safety and security of the entire nation.
Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, and sometimes without warning.
This year’s theme will focus on several distinct ideas that capture how Americans take pride in their ability to protect themselves and their families and work together to recover from disasters:
- Americans stand ready to uphold our patriotic duty: When individuals are prepared and self-reliant, we can bolster the work our brave first responders do to help people on their worst day.
- Americans stand ready to protect our family and friends: We know best how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong.
- Americans stand ready to help our communities: Taking a proactive approach to get your community ready contributes to the nation’s resilience.
Throughout the month of September, the Ready Campaign will share easy, affordable steps to take to stand ready, no matter what comes. Tips include:
- Be in the know. Make sure you know where to get information when you need it most. Download the FEMA App to get emergency safety alerts and resources.
- Make a plan to keep you and your family safe and prepared. The plan should include emergency contact information, emergency meeting places and medical information.
- Build a kit with the essential items your family needs to stay safe and comfortable if something happens.
- Be there for your community. From volunteering in your community to learning skills like first aid and CPR, you can take steps to prepare for disasters and keep your family safe and make your neighborhood and community more resilient. Take a training course through FEMA’s Training and Education Program, the American Red Cross, or your local emergency management agency to build or gain skills to protect yourself, family, friends and community.
Quick Links
Help your community stay safe and prepared by using easy-to-read messaging and other resources. Coming soon!
Learn what disasters and emergencies could affect your area and how to prepare.
Build a preparedness plan to help your business, employees, and customers stay safe.
Download these graphics and videos to share on you social media, newsletters and more.
Help children and teens prepare for disasters with games, curricula and other resources.
Download the free FEMA App in English or Spanish to get real-time alerts for your area and up to five locations.
More Steps You Can Take
Check Your Insurance Coverage
- Review, renew or sign up for homeowners, renters, flood or business insurance to make sure you have proper coverage for damages.
- Some insurance policies do not cover certain disasters or emergencies, and coverage may take up to 30 days to go into effect.
Make Sure Your Emergency Plan Fits Your Family's Needs
- Take simple steps to make an emergency plan. Plan early to reduce stress and save time and money.
- Consider everyone’s needs in your household like older adults, people with disabilities, and pets and animals, and include:
- Information about each person in your household, like names, phone numbers and email addresses, as well as any medical conditions.
- Steps for when and how to evacuate, to shelter in place or find the nearest shelter, to communicate with or find loved ones in case of separation.
- Every location you visit regularly in your plan like home, the workplace, school or daycare, places of worship or personal or public transportation.
Take Simple, Low-Cost Steps to Build Your Kit
- Building a well-stocked emergency kit doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. You can gather supplies over time, starting with items you may already have at home like canned food and first aid supplies. Visit ready.gov/kit for a list of items to include and how to tailor your kit to meet your family’s needs.
- Involve every member of your household in building the kit to make sure everyone has what they need.
- Check your supply kit frequently. Replace expired items or add to the kit as your needs change.
Resources
Additional Resources Coming Soon. Please check back soon.
