National Preparedness Month
|
|
|
National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” For the first time in its history, the Ready Campaign, in partnership with the Ad Council, identified the Hispanic community as a key audience, and will launch a series of Public Service Advertisements specifically designed to encourage preparedness within the underserved demographic. |
2021 Weekly ThemesWEEK 1: September 1-4: Make A Plan 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. WEEK 2: September 5-11: Build A Kit Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control. WEEK 3: September 12-18: Prepare for Disasters Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family. Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert. WEEK 4: September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved. |
History of Preparedness Month
Preparedness Month began when one of the most horrific events that the United States experienced and the world had ever seen; September 11, 2001. Three years later since that event, the Federal Emergency Management Agency created this holiday in September 2004 as a way to help its citizens be better prepared for emergencies in their homes and communities. FEMA, alongside other organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Department of Home Security, helped launch a Ready Campaign to help people get started in the way of preparedness against national emergencies.
Since its inception, it has widened its basis for preparedness, helping people all over cover topics in all hazard cases such as prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts. September was a month also chosen because it is the height of hurricane season in the United States. This month gives people the opportunity to learn about safety measures in cases of emergency and helps educate people overall about how to handle disasters when they come. FEMA and other organizations have many resources to help people get started, henceforth why this holiday is also a national holiday approved by the U.S government.
Additional Resources
- GCCCD Emergency Preparedness (Hazard Specific)
- Cal OES
- Ready.gov - Preparing for Disasters During COVID-19 (Videos)
- Listos California
- Download the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips.
- Sign up for preparedness text messages: Text PREPARE to 43362 (4FEMA) to receive preparedness tips (msg/data rates apply).
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
619-644-7010
Accessibility
Social Media Accounts
