September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.

Making a plan is the first step to being prepared for a disaster. Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Here are some steps you can take to make sure your household is ready:


1. Start your emergency plan. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

  • What is my shelter plan?
  • What is my evacuation route?
  • What is my family/household communication plan?
  • Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
  • Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
  • Get cloth face coverings (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check my sheltering plan.

    • 2. Consider specific needs of your household.

  • Different ages of members within your household
  • Responsibilities for assisting others
  • Locations frequented
  • Dietary needs
  • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
  • Languages spoken
  • Cultural and religious considerations
  • Pets or service animals
  • Households with school-aged children


    • 3. Fill out an emergency plan.

  • Use this sample plan: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/create-your-family-emergency-communication-plan.pdf


    • 4. Practice your emergency plan.

    For more information on how to create an emergency plan, visit: https://www.ready.gov/plan

    September 1, 2020 in Lynwood Spotlight