Monthly Feature September 2008: Are You Ready? September Is National Preparedness Month!

This September marks the fifth annual National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the initiative is to raise awareness about the nation's hazard risks and to promote behavior that fosters public preparedness for emergencies and disasters — both natural and manmade.

National and community service participants engaged in disaster preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery can use this time to revitalize and recognize their projects and their volunteers.

The Department of Homeland Security suggests that all citizens be prepared by taking the following four steps:

1. Get a kit

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, start by thinking about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth . Make sure you and your family members have an emergency preparedness kit. Find out how to make or get your kits.

2. Create an emergency plan

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance: How will you contact one another? How will you get back together? What will you do in different situations? Gather information about the kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, that are most likely to occur in your area and about how you will be notified. Also inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare, and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one.

3. Be informed

Different types of emergencies can occur in different geographic areas. The decisions you make and the actions you take will vary depending on where you live and the type of emergency. Learn about the emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government. Find resources on preparedness in your community.

4. Get involved

Find out more about Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making communities — and our nation — safer, stronger, and better prepared.

As of August 20, 2008 , more than 2,565 organizations across the country have signed up to partner with the Ready Campaign for National Preparedness Month 2008 to help educate the public about the importance of emergency preparedness. These National Preparedness Month coalition members have pledged to provide information, host events, and/or sponsor activities for their customers, members, employees, stakeholders, and communities throughout the summer and fall.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit the Ready Campaign website. Once you are registered, you can add your event to the National Preparedness Month calendar.

For additional information and resources please see the following:

From the Resource Center Website

From the Resource Center Lending Library

From the Effective Practices Collection