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September 1 marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, an annual event to help people become more prepared for disasters and emergencies. This month-long celebration has been around since 2004 when it was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Its main goal is to encourage citizens to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being in any potential disaster situation. From making an emergency plan to stocking up on essential supplies, National Preparedness Month provides a great opportunity for everyone to get ready for whatever life throws at them.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of NPM</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes National Preparedness Month, encouraging the public to become more prepared for disasters and emergencies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Hurricane Katrina Highlights Importance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina underscores and amplifies the message of National Preparedness Month, spotlighting the importance of disaster readiness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>NPM Goes Digital</div><div class='timeline-text'>FEMA expands National Preparedness Month activities and resources online, making emergency preparation information more accessible to the public.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Do 1 Thing" Program Launched</div><div class='timeline-text'>FEMA launches "Do 1 Thing", an initiative aiming to encourage Americans to take one action each day towards disaster readiness during the month of September.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>NPM Highlights Tech Role</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Preparedness Month highlights the increasing role of technology in disaster preparedness and response, marking a significant shift in approach.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 & National Preparedness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical relevance of disaster preparedness, leading to a renewed emphasis and drive in National Preparedness Month initiatives.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create an emergency plan</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Creating an emergency plan with your family will give you peace of mind, knowing everyone is on the same page and knows what to do in the event of an emergency.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Update your supplies</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and food and water, and restock if necessary.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize documents</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Be sure to have all important documents in one place and organized, like insurance policies, birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a drill</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Participating in a disaster drill with your family or organization is a great way to practice what to do during an emergency.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Read up on natural disasters and other emergencies that may occur in your area, so you know what to expect and the best ways to respond.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It protects you and your family</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Preparedness Month is an important reminder to take safety precautions in case of any disasters or emergencies. Taking the time to create a plan for your family and equip them with the necessary emergency supplies will ensure that everyone remains safe and protected during times of crisis.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps reduce the impact of disasters</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Having an emergency preparedness plan in place can help limit the damage caused by a disaster, as well as reduce recovery time. Knowing what you need to have on hand and where it should be stored will make it easier to access when needed, allowing responders to focus their energy on those who need help most.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages community involvement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Getting involved in National Preparedness Month activities allows you to meet other people in the community who are interested in staying safe during disasters. Working together to create emergency plans and build an emergency supply kit can foster trust and understanding amongst neighbors, leading to stronger, more resilient communities.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Preparedness Month has Unique Weekly Themes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each week of National Preparedness Month has a unique theme. These themes each highlight a different element of preparedness, from making an emergency plan to learning life-saving skills.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>People Often Overlook the Importance of Financial Preparedness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Emergency preparedness isn't just about having survival supplies. Financial preparedness, including having a small stash of cash and important documents gathered and ready to go, can be crucial in a disaster.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pet Preparedness is an Essential Part of Family Readiness Plans</h3><p class='facts-content'>One third of pet owners fail to consider their pets in their emergency plans. However, ensuring you have appropriate pet supplies, carrier, and identifying a safe place to take your pet is an important component of a well-rounded family preparedness plan.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Special Consideration is Given to Individuals with Access and Functional Needs</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Preparedness Month advocates for the inclusion of special provisions for children, elderly, and individuals with physical or medical needs. This ensures that resources and plans encompass the diversity in the community's needs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Businesses are Encouraged to Participate in National Preparedness Month too</h3><p class='facts-content'>Companies are urged to join in on preparedness activities, creating emergency plans for their workforces, encouraging readiness amongst their employees, and taking measures to safeguard critical documents and infrastructure in the event of a disaster.</p></div></div>
National Preparedness Month is celebrated on September 1 every year. In 2024 National Preparedness Month will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 1
Friday
2024
Sep 1
Sunday
2025
Sep 1
Monday
2026
Sep 1
Tuesday
2027
Sep 1
Wednesday
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