Sponsored by FEMA, this year’s National Disaster Preparedness Month theme is “Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.” The goal is to encourage communities and families to create their disaster preparedness plan.
The first goal of This month’s campaign aims to educate the general public about natural hazards. Each week spotlights a separate type of disaster. The schedule is as follows:
- Week 1: September 1-5th Flood
- Week 2: September 6-12th Wildfire
- Week 3: September 13-19th Hurricane
- Week 4: September 20-26th Power Outage
- Week 5: September 27-30th Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day (September 30th )
If people learn about natural disasters, and FEMA can help as many people as possible learn which hazards can strike in their area, they can also show them how to stay safe and minimize damage, and increase their preparedness. Southern California residents are particularly susceptible to earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. It’s important to make plans to protect yourself, your family, and your pets in the event of these disasters.
Ready to make a plan for your family’s safety? TheNational Disaster Preparedness Month website, created by FEMA, is full of valuable and downloadable information on disaster preparedness. They have put together some great material, including action plan guides and promotional guides and information on how to prepare for each type of disaster.
FEMA also recommends the following 10 action steps to prepare for a disaster:
- Access Alerts and Warnings
- Test Communication Plans
- Assemble or Update Supplies
- Drill or Practice Emergency Response
- Plan with Neighbors
- Participate in a Class, Training, or Discussion
- Conduct an Exercise
- Make Property Safer
- Document and Insure Property
- Safeguard Documents
Another way to prepare is to participate in a preparedness event. You can search for preparedness events in your area on the FEMA website as well. Working with others in the community gives you the opportunity to exchange information and do exercises and drills together. Visit the take action website, where you can choose the activities you want to participate in, or make your own.
Watch FEMA’s public service announcement on National Disaster Preparedness Month below.