September is National Preparedness Month
More than 1,150 national, regional, state and local organizations have joined the Department of Homeland Security in support of National Preparedness Month — a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies of all kinds in their homes, businesses, schools and communities.
This year, the department is putting a particular focus on family emergency preparedness, reminding individuals to make themselves and their loved ones better prepared.
“Take a few basic steps to ensure that [your] families are prepared before emergencies happen,” Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says. “Through events and activities across the country, every American will be reminded of the personal responsibility they have to keep their family safe if the unexpected occurs.”
More than 1,150 public and private sector organizations are promoting emergency preparedness through hundreds of events and activities in communities across the country. National organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, The Council of Better Business Bureaus, National Volunteer Fire Council, Home Depot, ASPCA and the American Red Cross and many smaller regional, state and local groups are taking part in the effort.
Throughout September, DHS and coalition members are highlighting the importance of individual emergency preparedness and encouraging Americans to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan and be informed about the different types of emergencies that may affect them.
The goal of National Preparedness Month is to educate Americans about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action.
While there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Americans have taken steps to prepare, there are indications of progress. A study conducted in June by the Advertising Council on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign recorded significant positive increases in preparedness behaviors, including notable increases in key preparedness behaviors from 2004 to 2006:
* Put together an emergency kit: 44 percent in 2004 to 54 percent in 2006
* Created a family emergency plan: 32 percent in 2004 to 39 percent in 2006
* Searched for info about preparedness: 28 percent in 2004 to 40 percent in 2006
For more information about the National Preparedness Month events taking place across the nation see the National Preparedness Month calendar at www.Ready.gov or contact your local Citizen Corps Council by visiting www.Citizencorps.gov.