Disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, and sometimes without warning. September is a reminder to be ready before they do.
Every September since 2004, FEMA’s Ready Campaign has dedicated the month to encouraging Americans to prepare for emergencies. The idea is simple: small steps, taken now, make a big difference when it counts. The theme for this year is the idea of Americans Stand Ready. This theme emphasizes the importance of working together to build strong communities. The reminder is that each of us can make a difference by taking proactive steps before a disaster strikes, and by encouraging the people around us to do the same. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility, and that responsibility doesn’t wait for a convenient time to show up.
This year’s campaign is built around three distinct ideas:
- Americans stand ready to uphold our patriotic duty. When individuals are prepared and self-reliant, they can bolster the work 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 as a whole.
So what does actually being prepared look like? FEMA breaks it down into three straightforward steps.
- Educate yourself on where to find information when you need it, such as downloading the FEMA App to receive emergency alerts.
- Create a plan that includes important contact details, meeting points in an emergency, and the health records of all members of your household, which should include elderly people, people with disabilities, and pets.
- Prepare an emergency kit containing items that every family member will need in an emergency situation in order to remain safe and comfortable. The good news is that you don’t need to buy all the items at the same time. It’s possible to gather the items over a period of time, starting from things that can be found at home like canned foods and first aid kits.
Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. Visit Ready.gov to get started.
Morgan Peta, Marketing Intern