Holiday Calendar
262 saved#645 of 6,224

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month - it's time to get ready and ensure your safety with emergency supplies, plans, and drills!

Tuesday
1–30
September 2026
Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?
YEARLY DATEAll of September
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYAwareness
SUBCATEGORYPublic Health
INTRO

Introduction

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.

Advertisement

TIMELINE

National Preparedness Month Timeline

Establishment of NPM

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establishes National Preparedness Month, encouraging the public to become more prepared for disasters and emergencies.

Hurricane Katrina Highlights Importance

The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina underscores and amplifies the message of National Preparedness Month, spotlighting the importance of disaster readiness.

NPM Goes Digital

FEMA expands National Preparedness Month activities and resources online, making emergency preparation information more accessible to the public.

"Do 1 Thing" Program Launched

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.

NPM Highlights Tech Role

National Preparedness Month highlights the increasing role of technology in disaster preparedness and response, marking a significant shift in approach.

COVID-19 & National Preparedness Month

The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical relevance of disaster preparedness, leading to a renewed emphasis and drive in National Preparedness Month initiatives.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Preparedness Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Create an emergency plan

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.

UPDATE

Update your supplies

Check your emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, first aid kits, and food and water, and restock if necessary.

ORGANIZE

Organize documents

Be sure to have all important documents in one place and organized, like insurance policies, birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a drill

Participating in a disaster drill with your family or organization is a great way to practice what to do during an emergency.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Preparedness Month is Important

It encourages community involvement

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.

It protects you and your family

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.

It helps reduce the impact of disasters

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.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Related holidays

MAY
02-08
May 2026
Hurricane Preparedness Week
AwarenessWeek-long

Hurricane Preparedness Week

Empower yourself this Hurricane Preparedness Week! Stay ahead of the storm with knowledge and readiness, because safety starts at home.

11Read
THU
17
Sep 2026
​Get Ready Day
Awareness

​Get Ready Day

Show your readiness for anything life throws at you on Get Ready Day - start by getting organized, setting goals and making plans!

103Read
FRI
05
Feb 2026
Disaster Day
Awareness

Disaster Day

Disaster Day is a reminder to prepare for the unexpected - make sure you have an emergency plan in place and stay safe!

103Read
TUE
13
Oct 2026
International Disaster Day
Awareness

International Disaster Day

Disaster Day is a reminder to always be prepared for the unexpected - join us in learning important safety tips and emergency protocols!

0Read
FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M
Monthly readers
5K+
Holidays tracked
Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API