September is National Preparedness Month, and stakeholders are encouraged to take simple steps to get prepared before a disaster strikes. 

FEMA stresses the importance of creating an emergency plan.  Planning for a potential emergency can ease the stress of an emergency situation, and can ultimately save your life, or the life of someone you love.  Emergency plans normally answer these basic questions – where will we meet after a disaster?  How will you get in touch with others?  What if main roads are closed or cell phone service is unavailable?

Here are the things you can do to make a difference now:

1.      Make your own plan for your family or organization

2.      Practice your plan

a.       Discuss best ways to practice your plan on the NPM Discussion Page

b.      Think of fun events to get people to practice their plan

c.       Check the NPM Calendar for local events relating to practicing an emergency plan or post your own event

3.      Sign up to be a NPM Coalition Member and spread the preparedness message

Take this opportunity to be engaged with the thousands of National Preparedness Month Coalition members around the country and take the next step in getting prepared by creating your emergency plan.