National Preparedness Month Encourages Preparedness for All Types of Emergencies

Release Date Release Number
R3-20-NR-027
Release Date:
September 1, 2020

PHILADELPHIA – This week marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month (NPM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging communities across the nation to prepare for all types of emergencies and disasters which can occur, often with little notice.

As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and hurricanes in the mid-Atlantic, disasters don’t wait and being prepared makes the difference in how we respond. This year’s theme is "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today." During NPM 2020, take time to prepare for the emergencies you may experience, from the unexpected to the unavoidable.

In addition to the "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today” theme, four weekly themes can help individuals, businesses, communities, and others to prepare for emergencies:

  • Week 1: Sept. 1-5 - Make A Plan: Know how to prepare for disasters that include how you will communicate with family and friends during disasters, reviewing insurance papers, and much more. 
  • Week 2: Sept. 6-12 - Build A Kit: You’ll need items to survive during a disaster that includes supplies you may need at home as well as a go kit of items you may need if you must evacuate quickly to a safer location. 
  • Week 3: Sept. 13-19 - Prepare for Disasters: Find out the best way to limit the impacts a disaster may have, like having the right insurance coverage or what can you do to your home to make it stronger and more resilient.
  • Week 4: Sept. 20-26 - Teach Youth About Preparedness: Take the time now and talk with your children to reassure them. Teach them lessons on preparedness. Make family preparedness a fun annual event. 

NPM provides a great opportunity to talk with your family, co-workers and employees, and community at large about preparing for emergencies.

“Preparedness starts with everyone, and National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity to talk about the risks your community faces and how you can prepare for them before a disaster occurs,” said MaryAnn Tierney, regional administrator, FEMA Region 3. “Save early, make a plan, involve youth, and get involved to help make your communities more resilient. This month, take these steps to help make your family and community stronger before the next disaster strikes.”

Learn more at www.ready.gov/september

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Region 3 Office of External Affairs at (215) 931-5597 or at femar3newsdesk@fema.dhs.gov 

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