Ready Campaign launches 2015 National Preparedness Month

Washington – “Don’t wait” to plan for an emergency.

That’s the message of this year’s National Preparedness Month campaign, which will run throughout September.

The initiative from FEMA’s Ready Campaign offers numerous resources for preparing for various disasters, including earthquakes, tornadoes and winter storms. Resources include a digital engagement toolkit, a template for an emergency communication plan and guides to prepare for specific events. Materials are available in various languages, including Spanish, French and Chinese.

Each week of the month will have a different theme:

  • Week 1: Floods
  • Week 2: Wildfires
  • Week 3: Hurricanes
  • Week 4: Power outages
  • Week 5: Lead-up to Sept. 30, National PrepareAthon! Day

The campaign provides the following steps to create an emergency communication plan:

  • Ensure all family members can receive emergency alerts and warnings.
  • Talk about disaster plans and decide where to go.
  • Save family members’ contact information.
  • Choose a safe place for the family to meet during an emergency.
  • Have every family member carry the emergency information and keep a copy in the home.
  • Practice the emergency plan.