Building Resilience: How to Stay Prepared During National Preparedness Month

Author: Stacey Markel, CHCM, CHSP, HEM

Every September, National Preparedness Month serves as a timely reminder that emergencies can happen at any time and being ready can make all the difference. This year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” encourages everyone to get back to the essentials, making sure people have the tools, plans and knowledge needed to respond confidently when disaster strikes. Having a plan and the right resources in place can reduce panic, minimize damage and even save lives.

How to Stay Prepared

For Individuals and Families

Basic steps every household can take to enhance overall preparedness include:

1. Build an Emergency Kit
   Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, medications, first aid supplies and important documents.
2. Make an Emergency Plan
   Identify meeting and shelter spots, emergency contacts and evacuation routes. Practice your plan regularly with all household members.
3. Stay Informed
   Sign up for local alerts and know the risks specific to your area.

For Communities

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Local governments and community groups can:

• Plan for Disaster Debris
  Prepare for large volumes of debris, like damaged buildings, trees and hazardous waste, to avoid environmental risks and disposal issues.
• Protect Water Systems
  Use EPA tools to safeguard drinking water and wastewater facilities from disaster or security threats.
• Engage the Community
  Host preparedness events, offer CPR/First Aid training and share resources in multiple languages to reach all residents.

For Businesses

Organizations can reduce disruption and protect employees by planning ahead:

• Develop Continuity Plans
  Ensure operations can continue or recover quickly after a disruption.
• Conduct Employee Training Exercises
  Practice evacuation, lockdown, shelter and shelter-in-place procedures.
• Communicate Clearly
  Keep employees and stakeholders informed before, during and after an emergency.

Additional Resources

Looking for more ways to stay prepared and share information with others? Explore FEMA’s 2025 National Preparedness Month Toolkit for downloadable guides and outreach materials designed to support individuals, families and communities.

Reach Out to an Advisor

From personal safety to organizational resilience, having professional guidance can help you build a plan that fits your unique risks and needs. For questions about emergency planning, business continuity or risk mitigation strategies, reach out to an advisor for support.