Emergencies can happen with little warning, so preparing ahead is important. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to learn about potential emergencies and take steps to prepare.
What Is National Preparedness Month?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched the Ready Campaign in 2003 to encourage year-round emergency preparedness. National Preparedness Month followed in 2004 and is observed each September to encourage individuals, families, and communities to plan for emergencies.
The goal is simple: take steps now that can make a difference later. That includes making an emergency plan, signing up for alerts, and keeping essential supplies ready.
Because risks vary by location and season, knowing which emergencies could affect your area is an important part of getting prepared.
Common Disasters and When They Can Happen
Different emergencies can occur at different times of the year, and some areas face greater risks than others.
- Earthquakes: Earthquakes can happen at any time of year. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, earthquake hazards exist throughout the country, although some areas face much greater risks than others.
- Hurricanes: Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with most activity historically occurring between mid-August and mid-October. Communities along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts can be particularly vulnerable.
- Tornadoes: Tornadoes can happen year-round, but activity varies by region. The Plains and Midwest typically see more tornadoes in the spring and early summer. Parts of the South may see more activity later in the year.
- Floods: Flooding and flash flooding can develop quickly after heavy rainfall. Low-lying areas, communities near rivers and streams, urban areas, and wildfire burn scars may face increased risks.
- Wildfires: Wildfires can occur throughout the country. Western states often see more wildfire activity when conditions are dry or windy.
- Winter Storms: Winter weather can bring heavy snow, ice, strong winds, and dangerous cold to many parts of the country.
- Extreme Heat: Extreme heat can affect many communities. Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people without reliable access to cooling may face greater risks.
- Tsunamis: Coastal communities in parts of Alaska, Hawaii, the West Coast, and U.S. Pacific territories can face tsunami hazards following certain undersea earthquakes and other events.
Understanding the risks where you live can help you build an emergency plan that fits your household’s needs.
How to Prepare for an Emergency
You cannot always predict when an emergency will happen, but you can take steps to prepare.
Make a Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do, where to go, and how to communicate if you become separated.
Your emergency plan should consider:
- Children and older adults
- Pets and service animals
- Medical conditions and medications
- Disabilities or mobility needs
- Emergency meeting locations
- Evacuation routes
- How family members will communicate
Review the plan together so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Know the Risks Where You Live
Not every community faces the same hazards.
For example, people in California may need to prepare for earthquakes and wildfires. People along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts may need to prepare for hurricanes and flooding.
Learn about the hazards in your area and become familiar with local evacuation routes, shelters, and emergency procedures.
Stay Informed
Emergency alerts can provide important information about severe weather, evacuation orders, and other immediate dangers.
Ready.gov recommends having multiple ways to receive emergency information, including:
- Wireless Emergency Alerts
- The FEMA App
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local emergency alerts: Many cities and counties offer free notification systems that send emergency updates directly to your phone by text, call, or email. Visit your local city or county emergency management website to find your local system and sign up.
Build an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit should contain basic supplies your household may need if you lose power, need to evacuate, or cannot immediately access everyday necessities.
According to Ready.gov, a basic emergency kit may include:
- Water
- Nonperishable food
- First aid supplies
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Necessary medications
- Cell phone chargers and backup batteries
- Clothing and blankets
- Copies of important documents
- Pet food and supplies, if needed
Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, along with several days of supplies.
Your kit should also reflect your household’s specific needs, with additional supplies for children, older adults, pets, disabilities, or medical needs when necessary.
Preparedness Starts Before an Emergency
Emergencies can bring uncertainty, but being prepared can help you and your loved ones know what to do next.
Knowing your risks, making a plan, signing up for alerts, and keeping essential supplies ready are important steps toward staying prepared.
This National Preparedness Month, TORKLAW encourages individuals, families, and communities to take time to plan ahead and prioritize safety.
