2014 National Preparedness Month (NPM)

"Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare"

September is National Preparedness Month - Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare.

During National Preparedness Month we ask you, your family, community and workplace to take action by planning a National PrepareAthon! Day on or around September 30th. We recommend using digital media tools as a way to promote National Preparedness Month, September 1-30th.

What you can do to promote National Preparedness Month:

  • Check out the How to Get Involved in NPM Quick Guide
  • Download the 2014 National Preparedness Month Digital Engagement Toolkit
  • Share NPM messages on Social Media
  • View and share the new Ready Campaign Public Service Announcements
  • Join the National Preparedness Community and download the high resolution NPM logo
  • Promote NPM by updating your Facebook and Twitter cover photo and profile image
  • For NPM materials in Spanish please visit: www.ready.gov/es/septiembre
  • Register for National PrepareAthon! Day: www.ready.gov/prepare
  • On September 2nd, nearly one thousand of your neighbors joined our Thunderclap message reaching over 6.7 million people, allowing their social network followers know that it’s National Preparedness Month. How does Thunderclap work? Once you've signed up, Thunderclap will sync your social media accounts to release an automatic Facebook post or Tweet.

    • Videos

    Ready.gov PSA - "Waiting (:30)"

    View in FEMA Multimedia Library
    View "Waiting (:30)" on Youtube

    Ready.gov PSA - "Waiting (:60)"

    View in FEMA Multimedia Library
    View "Waiting (:60)"" on Youtube

    Social Media

    Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare. September is National Preparedness Month

    We've enlisted the platform Thunderclap to reach as many people as possible with the #NatlPrep message. Please help us by adding your support and promoting #NatlPrep to your social media communities.

    Here's how:

    • On September 2nd, nearly one thousand of your neighbors joined our Thunderclap message reaching over 6.7 million people, allowing their social network followers know that it’s National Preparedness Month. How does Thunderclap work? Once you've signed up, Thunderclap will sync your social media accounts to release an automatic Facebook post or Tweet.
    • Use #NatlPrep in your social media messaging throughout 2014 to remind friends and followers to be prepared for emergencies all year long.
    • Share preparedness messaging from our Twitter accounts: @Readygov & @PrepareAthon

    Sample Tweets

    Sample Facebook Post

    National Preparedness Month (NPM) starts are on September 1st! This year’s theme is “Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare.” Take action by participating in America’s PrepareAthon! on or around September 30. Each week also has a preparedness them. Check them out.

    • Week 1 – How to… Reconnect with Family After a Disaster.
    • Week 2 – Know How To plan for specific needs before a Disaster.
    • Week 3 – How to… Build an Emergency Kit.
    • Week 4 & 5 – How to… Practice for an emergency.

    For more details about National Preparedness Month visit: www.ready.gov/september #NatlPrep

    America’s PrepareAthon!

    America’s PrepareAthon! Marketing Resources

    Congressional Co-Chairs

    2014 National Preparedness Month Co-Chairs

    Rep. Michael McCaul

    Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security

    "Disasters can strike at any time, and often with little notice. Last year, we witnessed the Boston Marathon bombing and the chemical plant explosion in my home state of Texas. Citizens around the country have also experienced hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and floods. We know that planning to be ready before a disaster strikes saves lives. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I once again urge individuals and families to take steps this month to enhance their preparedness.”

    Senator Tom Carper

    Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs

    “I often say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – and when it comes to being prepared for natural or manmade disasters, a little extra planning can go a long way. Being prepared can save money and save lives. As the Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I work hand in hand with my congressional colleagues to ensure that our government is prepared to respond to disasters and help save lives when the unexpected occurs. But being prepared for disasters cannot fall solely on the government. National Preparedness Month comes as reminder for all Americans to plan for the unexpected and think about how they can protect themselves and their loved ones when a disaster occurs. I encourage everyone to take a few moments this month to sit down with their families and come up with a plan.”

    Rep. Bennie Thompson

    Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security

    "I am honored to serve as a Congressional Co-Chair of 13th Annual National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to create or review your emergency plans, re-stock your emergency kits and spread awareness within your communities. I have witnessed first-hand the results of an unpredictable disaster and the resulting devastation when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast almost ten years ago. Now is the time to be vigilant, collaborate together as families and communities to make certain we are all prepared. Let’s be smart, take part and join together so we can stay safe and have peace of mind knowing we can stand strong in the event disaster strikes."

    Rep. Nick J. Rahall II

    Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

    "I'm pleased to once again serve as a Congressional Co-Chair of National Preparedness Month. While we can't prevent all disasters, there are steps we can take to reduce their impact. National Preparedness Month serves as a critical reminder to us all that no one is immune from a potential disaster and that having a plan in place for your family, workplace, and community can make a real difference. Being prepared for emergencies can save lives, and that's reason enough for us all to take stock of our situations and plan for the unforeseen."

    Senator Mark Begich

    Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Subcommittee on Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Relations, and the District of Columbia

    “National preparedness should a top priority for our nation, but achieving our goals can be done only when individuals and communities play an active role. Government officials, community leaders, teachers, students, and families must all be engaged to support a culture of preparedness. Alaskans know firsthand that our country faces a wide range of hazards, both natural and man-made, but the message of preparedness and risk-reduction is universal and resonates from Alaska to Maine and everywhere in between. In my role as chair of the Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management I will keep working every day to make sure emergency preparedness is a national priority.”

    Senator Mary Landrieu

    Chair, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Homeland Security

    "After the manmade and natural disasters Louisiana has experienced in the last decade, I know we've rebuilt a more resilient state. While we've improved our infrastructure, we must continue our rebuilding efforts and be prepared in the case of future disasters. I'd like to encourage my fellow Louisianians to join me by taking advantage of the resources available at Ready.Gov, to build a kit and have a plan if disaster strikes”

    Rep. Susan Brooks

    Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications

    "As a National Preparedness Month Congressional Co-Chair and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I urge all Americans to 'Be Disaster Aware, Take Action to Prepare.’ This National Preparedness Month, learn more about the hazards facing your community and be sure to make an emergency kit and plan. Also, consider taking a few minutes to follow your local emergency management agencies on social media. Taking these small steps now can make all the difference when disasters strike."

    Rep. Lou Barletta

    Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management

    “The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes. In 2011, after Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee hit Pennsylvania, I saw firsthand that a natural disaster can knock out power and telecommunication grids and leave people stranded until emergency response personnel can reach them. As co-Chairman of National Preparedness Month, I urge American families to review their emergency plans and make sure they have emergency kits prepared so they are ready in advance. Proper preparation saves lives, protects families, and helps communities get back on their feet after a disaster.”

    Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.

    Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications

    “As Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security Committee Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I am pleased to serve as Congressional Co-Chair of National Preparedness Month. I have witnessed first-hand the tragedy that can occur from man-made disasters like the terrorist attacks on 9/11 or a natural disaster like Hurricane Sandy, and I want to use this opportunity to encourage communities to establish, evaluate, and update emergency preparedness plans. As communities take inventory of their preparedness capabilities, I urge community preparedness leaders to make sure that the needs of the most vulnerable are adequately addressed in emergency preparedness planning. And, as National Preparedness Month overlaps with the beginning of the academic year, I urge cities and towns across the United States to work to ensure that schools have plans in place to keep our children safe when disaster strikes.”

    Rep. Andre Carson

    Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

    "We cannot always control Mother Nature, but we can do our best to prepare ourselves for disasters. This National Preparedness Month, I encourage families and business owners to learn more about the hazards facing their communities and make sure they are prepared in case disaster strikes. Preparation is key to ensuring the safety and security of loved ones. I hope you will join me this month in developing a plan to stay safe in a disaster."

    Additional Resources

    Share Preparedness Resources

    Consider the following resources to display or highlight when you plan a preparedness event. You can access many of these online at Ready.gov and Ready.gov/prepare.

Last updated: 09/12/2014 - 04:19 PM