Natural disasters and emergencies can occur at any time, so it’s important to be prepared. Every September, we recognize National Preparedness Month (NPM) to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year.
The 2020 NPM theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Below are ways you can begin planning to protect yourself, your family and your home.
- 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 (CDC) recommendations due to the coronavirus.
- 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 (CDC) recommendations due to the coronavirus.
- 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 CDC.
- 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.
- Become Flood Fluent: Disasters don’t wait and having flood insurance may be one of the most important parts of your emergency plan. Is your property protected? Fill up on flood facts at GetFloodFluent.org.
- Teach Youth About Preparedness: It’s important to talk to your children about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.
Preparedness is even more critical this year, as our city and world continue to struggle with the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more about how to prepare, including COVID-19 tips, at Ready.gov. You can also view a Ready.gov PSA about how to plan ahead for disasters during the coronavirus pandemic.
