National Preparedness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.

This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” Let’s #PrepareTogether 

Virtual Sessions

In partnership with the state emergency management offices and community partners in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, FEMA Region 10 is hosting several virtual sessions throughout the month for you and your family to attend.

• Twitter Spaces Preparedness Chat on September 13 from 12 – 1 p.m. PT
• R10 Family Prep Night Webinar on September 14 from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. PT
• Livestock & Large Animals Preparedness Webinar on September 17 from 10 – 11 a.m. PT

Visit the FEMA Region 10 Individual and Community Preparedness Dashboard for additional information on how to attend these virtual events.

Do something to get better prepared during this month!

Click here to view Sammamish's Emergency Preparedness Resources.

Weekly Themes

Week 1: Sept. 1-4         Make A Plan

Week 2: Sept. 5-11       Build A Kit

Week 3: Sept. 12-18     Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

Week 4: Sept. 19-25     Engage Your Community on Preparedness

Week 1: Make A Plan

This week focuses on making an emergency plan. You are encouraged to do the following this week:

• Talk with loved ones about the types of disasters that can impact you. This can be a conversation around the dinner table or a zoom call.
• Plan how to contact one another and have an out-of-area contact. Remember texts are more likely to go through over calls.
• Know how you and your loved ones will reconnect if separated.
• Consider the specific needs in your household when making your plan, including disabilities or accesses and functional needs, medical equipment, medications, etc.
• Practice your plan with everyone involved including your pets!
  
  

Week 2: Build a Kit

• Create or update your emergency supplies with this list: www.ready.gov/kit
• Make sure your emergency kit is ready to go in case you need evacuate. Include:
  • Enough food and water to last several days.
  • Medication, face masks and disinfectant for everyone in your household.
  • Pet supplies.
• When building a kit, people with disabilities should consider the items they use daily, as well as life-sustaining items. www.ready.gov/disability
• Have medication for at least three days in your emergency supplies.
• Check the expiration date on your emergency supplies, and replace any old items. 
• Get the kids involved in building their own emergency kit: www.ready.gov/kids/build-a-kit
• Kids bored? We can help. Check out our online Ready Kids Build A Kit game: www.ready.gov/kids/games 
• Include your child's favorite stuffed animals, board games, books or music in their emergency kit to comfort them in a disaster.

Week 3: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

• Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. www.ready.gov/publications
• Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly
• Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan. Plan ahead: www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan 
• Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list: www.ready.gov/kit and see how many items you can check off
• Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Visit: www.ready.gov/be-informed

Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness

• Review your family emergency communications plan with kids at your next household meeting.
• Kids, parents, & educators, visit the Ready Kids web pages in Spanish: www.ready.gov/es/ninos
• Need tips for talking to your kids about natural disasters? Visit www.ready.gov/kids/parents
• Many Americans aren’t familiar with their child’s school evacuation & reunification plans. Are you?
• Kids can become Disaster Masters with this @Readygov preparedness game: www.ready.gov/kids/games 
• Get involved in Teen CERT. Find opportunities by learning about Teen CERT online: www.ready.gov/kids/teen-cert
• Your community needs YOU! Find opportunities to help your community here: www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness

Find additional activities on Ready.gov.