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.

9-11 Patriot Day logoNational 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

Four small dogs

Don’t forget your pets

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

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