Preparedness Starts at Home: Four Steps You Can Take Today

Every year, National Preparedness Month helps remind us how important it is to prepare for disasters. This year's theme is Preparedness Starts at Home and focuses on simple ways you can begin preparing today.

Here are four key actions you can take:

Know your risk

No matter what part of the U.S. you live in, there are disaster risks. It's important to know what they are in your area so you can learn more about how to stay safe.

One way to do this is to check your state and local emergency management websites for tips on how to prepare. Another way is through the FEMA app. This app lets you set up alerts specific to your area and learn more about the disasters common in those areas. You can also sign up for other types of emergencies and alerts that will help you stay informed.

Make a family emergency plan

Knowing what to do before an emergency or disaster strikes can reduce stress and save both time and money. You can begin by creating a free Family Emergency Plan quickly and easily with our fillable form.

Keep these factors in mind when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household.
• Ways to assist others.
• Locations frequented.
• Dietary needs.
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment.

Build an emergency supply kit

Having enough food, water and medicine can help you to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives. Having what you need can prevent injury, help you stay safe and comfortable and prevent damage to your home.

Build a go-bag with all the essentials you might need, so you don't need to scramble in an evacuation situation. In addition to food and water, consider including items such as:

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
• Flashlight.
• First aid kit.
• Extra batteries.
• Whistle (to signal for help).
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air).
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place).
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation).
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities).
• Manual can opener (for food).
• Local maps.

Find a list of supplies at Build A Kit on FEMA.gov.

Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies

Emergencies can happen fast, and emergency responders aren't always nearby. You may be able to save a life by learning ways to quickly help in these types of situations. You can do this by taking a first aid class through non-profit organizations or local government groups.

Take a free online independent study course through FEMA's Emergency Management Institute or a CPR course through the American Red Cross to learn more about how to help your community become more prepared.

You can also consider joining a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and get trained on basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations.

For more information on how you can begin preparing today, visit Ready.gov.