September is National Preparedness Month

Since its inception in 2004, National Preparedness Month has been observed each September in America. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools and communities.

FEMA’s Ready Campaign, the correlating public education outreach campaign, disseminates information to help the general public prepare for and respond to emergencies. This includes natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.

National Preparedness Month is part of a governmental effort to strengthen the United States preparedness capabilities. The national preparedness architecture encompasses the prevention, protection, response and recovery efforts to prepare the United States for all hazards, whether terrorist attack or natural disaster.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. government has taken steps to encourage all citizens to make their survival preparations.

September was chosen as National Preparedness Month, as the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared.

“I thought I was ready.”

You see it on TV and read about it in the paper, but it’s not until disaster strikes your city, your neighborhood, your family that it really sinks in. “l thought I was ready” is a common thought.

Be proactive in planning for and responding to all hazards. An emergency/disaster plan is not “one and done.” Your plan must be regularly revisited to account for your current situation.

We have worked hard and long for our things, but when it comes to you and your family, lives are more important than things. Please listen and move according to your local authorities. The ultimate goal is for Veterans, families, communities and the nation to stay safe and resilient in times of crisis.

Preparedness resources

Don’t forget your pets

Being prepared takes time. Take the time to use these links to very helpful information.

• Here’s the Department of Homeland Security Ready website with numerous pages of information on preparing for hurricanes.                                     
• National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Page.
• Select your state and city to find your evacuation zone or route in your community.
• This National Weather Service website provides a list of the supplies you will need to get through a story and the potential unpleasant aftermath. And a reminder to help your neighbor.
• Get an insurance checkup
• In the event of extreme weather or a disaster, would you know what to do to protect your pet? Pets left behind during a disaster are likely to be injured, lost, or worse. Prepare a disaster kit for your pet.
• Strengthen your home.
• Complete your plan.
• Find VA Locations | Veterans Affairs.
• VHA Office of Emergency Management Home (va.gov).
• National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov (va.gov).