September is National Preparedness Month

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Situated about halfway through the hurricane season and in the anniversary month of the largest terrorist attack on our nation, National Preparedness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies, natural disasters, and man-made threats.

The primary goal is to encourage individuals, families, and communities to take concrete action before disaster strikes. It covers preparation for both natural disasters (like hurricanes, floods, and wildfires) and man-made incidents (such as terrorist attacks or active threats). Outreach campaigns focus on simple, life-saving steps: making a family emergency plan, building an emergency supply kit, staying informed through alerts, and getting involved in community resilience.

Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. government recognized an urgent need to empower ordinary citizens with personal survival and emergency plans. The Department of Homeland Security launched the public service Ready Campaign in 2003 to educate Americans on disaster readiness. Building on that momentum, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) formally established National Preparedness Month in September of 2004. September was purposefully chosen to anchor the annual observance because the anniversary of September 11 serves as a constant reminder of how quickly emergencies can arise and why readiness matters.

Emergency preparation begins at home in easy steps. To prepare for an emergency, you should gather basic supplies to last your household for at least three days. This checklist covers the fundamental essentials recommended by disaster safety organizations.

• Core essentials
  • Water: One gallon per person per day (for drinking and sanitation).
  • Food: A 3-day supply of non-perishable food (choose items that do not require cooking).
  • Can Opener: A manual can opener if your food supply includes canned goods.
  • Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
  • Flashlight: At least one reliable flashlight for power outages.
  • First Aid Kit: A fully stocked kit with bandages, antiseptic, and gauze.
  • Extra Batteries: Fresh backup batteries matching the sizes of your radio and flashlights.
  • Whistle: To signal for help if you are trapped or separated.
  • Dust Mask: To help filter contaminated air.
  • Sanitation: Plastic sheeting, duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties.
  • Wrench or Pliers: To turn off home utilities if necessary.
  • Local Maps: Physical maps of your area in case digital navigation is down.
  • Cell Phone Chargers: A backup battery pack or a solar/crank charger for mobile devices.
• Personal & Unique Needs
  • Medications: A 7-day supply of all prescription and critical over-the-counter medicines.
  • Glasses & Contact Lenses: Spare pairs and contact solution.
  • Infant Supplies: Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
  • Pet Supplies: Pet food, extra water, a leash, a collar with ID tags, and a carrier.
  • Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank records saved in a waterproof, portable container.
  • Cash: Small bills, as ATMs and credit card machines may not work during a power outage.
  • Warmth: One sleeping bag or warm blanket per person.
  • Clothing: A complete change of clothes, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes.
  • Hygiene: Soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, and feminine supplies.

Additionally, a family communication plan is essential, and is simple to create. The plan consists of two major parts:

1. Know Your Numbers: Memorize your home and entire family’s cell numbers and fill out “Know Your Numbers” contact cards and store them in a safe place that is always with you (i.e. wallet, backpack, purse, etc).
2. Know Where to Go and How to Get There: Pick a family meeting spot, draw a map of the spot, and know your emergency routes from the house and to the spot.

By taking a short amount of time for family discussion and planning, you can make great strides in protecting all of your loved ones in case of emergency or disaster.