USA.gov News

September Features on USA.gov

1. Hispanic Heritage Month
2. National Library Card Sign-Up Month
3. National Preparedness Month
4. Recalls and Consumer Protection
5. What’s New This Month?

1. Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15—a date that coincides with the anniversaries of independence in several Latin American countries.

During this annual celebration, take a look at some facts and figures about America’s Hispanic population. Did you know that more than 30 million American residents speak Spanish at home? For official government information, Spanish speakers can visit GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. government’s web portal in Spanish.

2. National Library Card Sign-Up Month

Do you have a library card? If not, sign up for one this month. To find your nearest library, visit USA.gov’s Libraries page and enter your ZIP code in the “Library Search” box.

Getting a library card is simple and allows you to borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and more. You can also benefit from the expertise of your local librarian whenever you have questions about doing research or using library resources.

3. National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. If you’ve been putting emergency planning on hold, let the procrastination come to an end! Visit Ready.gov for help getting prepared. You’ll find:

• A checklist of supplies for a basic emergency kit
• Guidance on developing a plan for emergency situations
• Information about different kinds of disasters and emergencies
• Separate preparedness sections for kids and businesses

With the hurricane season continuing through September and beyond, you might also check out USA.gov’s Hurricanes page. You’ll find help with emergency planning for hurricanes; a link to the National Hurricane Center; storm tracking updates from NASA; and more.

4. Recalls and Consumer Protection

Keeping track of recalls on toys, cars, and other products can be a challenge, but there are several government resources available to help you. Visit Recalls.gov to find the latest recalls and to search for past recalls. You’ll find information from the following sources:

• Consumer Product Safety Commission – Consumer Products
• Food and Drug Administration – Food, Medicine, Cosmetics
• Department of Agriculture – Meat and Poultry
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Vehicles and Car Seats
• Environmental Protection Agency – Pesticides
• U.S. Coast Guard – Boats

Sign up for free e-mail updates on USA.gov’s Consumer Guides and Protection page to stay informed on consumer issues. You’ll find the 2007 Consumer Action Handbook; information about identity theft; a list of common home hazards; and much more.

5. What’s New This Month?

You’ll notice some exciting new features on USA.gov, including a redesigned government website for kids, free publications on retirement and health, and a new public service announcement.

Kids.gov, the official kids’ portal for the U.S. government, has a new look and offers expanded resources. With links to more than 1,200 government web pages, Kids.gov makes it easy for children to learn, explore, and have fun.

During the month of September, you can order four free publications on retirement and health benefits. Just fill out this simple form on USA.gov to receive the publications by mail.

Check out USA.gov’s new public service announcement, "Ask the Government." This 60-second clip will appear on local TV stations across the country to help inform Americans about the benefits of USA.gov.