BE PREPARED: September is 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.

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) is Make A Plan week: 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) has the theme of 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), the focus is 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), the focus is 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.

Learn more at www.ready.gov/september