National Preparedness Month

Get ready during National Preparedness Month! Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime. Having emergency plans and supplies protects families and communities during crises.

preparednessemergencySeptembersafetyawarenessdisasterplanning

National Preparedness Month - Get ready during National Preparedness Month! Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime. Having emergency plans and supplies protects families and communities during crises.

About National Preparedness Month

Get ready during National Preparedness Month! Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime. Having emergency plans and supplies protects families and communities during crises.

History & origins

National Preparedness Month is an American awareness observance held each September, created to encourage people to plan for emergencies, build supplies, and know how to respond before disaster strikes. FEMA says the national campaign launched in 2004 and was tied to remembering the events of 9/11, with the Ready Campaign helping spread the preparedness message. It is an informal public-awareness campaign rather than a traditional holiday, and it has been promoted through DHS and FEMA materials ever since.

Why it matters

The observance matters because household preparedness can reduce injuries, confusion, and delays during storms, power outages, fires, and other emergencies. It also supports community resilience by encouraging neighbors, schools, businesses, and local groups to plan together, which can make response and recovery faster.

How to celebrate

Create emergency plans. Build emergency kits. Learn first aid and CPR. Practice evacuation routes. Share preparedness resources.

Facts

60% of Americans don't have emergency plans
Disasters can strike without warning
Simple preparations save lives
Emergency kits should last 72 hours minimum
Community preparedness strengthens resilience

Frequently asked questions

When is National Preparedness Month in 2026?

National Preparedness Month is in September 2026. The observance runs for the full month, beginning on September 1, 2026.

What is National Preparedness Month?

It is a September awareness campaign focused on emergency planning and disaster readiness. The goal is to help people prepare for hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms, outages, and other crises before they happen.

Who started National Preparedness Month?

National Preparedness Month was launched by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security in 2004. It grew out of the Ready Campaign and was meant to promote preparedness each September.

How do you celebrate National Preparedness Month?

The best way to observe it is to make or update an emergency plan, build a go-bag, and check supplies like water, medications, batteries, and flashlights. It is also a good time to review evacuation routes, sign up for local alerts, and practice family communication plans.