Since its inception in 2004, National Preparedness Month is observed each September in the United States of America. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools, and communities. FEMA's Ready Campaign, the correlating public education outreach campaign, disseminates information to help the general public prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
Important Preparedness Steps
As Individuals
In 2016, a National Household Survey revealed that, while more that 75% of Americans surveyed report having supplies set aside in their homes just for disasters, less than 50% have a household emergency plan. National Preparedness Month serves to encourage individuals to take important preparedness steps including: getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about the different emergencies that may affect them, as well as taking the necessary steps to get trained and become engaged in community preparedness and response efforts.
As Businesses and Organizations
How quickly a company is able to get back to business after an earthquake, a fire, or a flood often depends on emergency planning and preparation done before the disaster strikes. The Ready Campaign highlights three steps to Business Disaster Preparedness: 1) Plan to Stay in Business; 2) Talk to Your People; and 3) Protect Your Investment. These steps underscore how important it is for businesses to document their property/equipment, back up business-critical information, and put a response team in place.
How YOU Can Get Involved In National Preparedness Month in Depoe Bay
The National Preparedness Month 2024 theme is “Preparing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities for Risks and Disasters."
While this is an important theme, the City Council of the City of Depoe Bay reminds residents and businesses that we ALL must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year. Take time to learn lifesaving skills − such as CPR and first aid, attend other training such as CERT, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes, and fires. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.
The winter storms, floods, and wildfires of the past years should remind Depoe Bayians the importance of preparing for disasters. YOU will be the first one in your home, business, and communy to take action after a disaster strikes and before first responders arrive, so it is important to prepare in advance to help yourself, your loved ones, co-workers and your community.
2024 Weekly Themes and Links to Preparedness Information and Important Dates
Week 1: Sep 1-4 Make a Plan
Week 2: Sep 5-11 Build a Kit
Week 3: Sep 12-18 Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness
Week 4: Sep 19-25 Ready Your Community
*September 3 the City of Depoe Bay will adopt September 2024 as "Emergency Preparedness Month" by Proclamation during the City Council Meeting.