September is National Preparedness Month: make a plan

September is National Preparedness Month: make a plan

Published on September 08, 2026

Emergencies can separate families and disrupt familiar routines. During National Preparedness Month, create a household emergency plan so everyone knows how to communicate, where to meet and what to do if you cannot return home.

An emergency plan helps turn uncertainty into action. Earthquakes, flooding, wildfire smoke, power outages, severe weather and other incidents may affect roads, utilities, schools, workplaces and communication systems. Family members may be in different locations when an emergency occurs, making it important to decide in advance how everyone will reconnect.

Start by discussing the emergencies that could affect your household and the protective actions each situation may require. Some incidents may require evacuation, while others may require you to remain indoors and shelter in place. Make sure everyone understands the difference and knows where to find reliable information.

Your household emergency plan should include:

• Contact information for every household member
• An out-of-area contact who can relay information
• Two meeting places - one near your home and another outside your neighborhood
• Evacuation routes from your home, workplace and school
• Plans for children, older adults, people with disabilities and anyone requiring additional assistance
• Arrangements for pets and service animals
• Important medical, medication and mobility information
• Copies of identification, insurance information and other essential records

Text messages may be more reliable than phone calls when networks are congested. Ask everyone to contact the same out-of-area person if local communication becomes difficult. Household members should carry a printed copy of important phone numbers in case a phone is lost, damaged or without power.

Your plan should also address situations when family members cannot immediately return home. Identify who can pick up children, check on pets, assist a family member or secure the property. Confirm that emergency contacts are authorized with schools, childcare providers and care facilities.

A plan is only useful when people understand it. Practice your plan, review evacuation routes and update the information whenever phone numbers, addresses, medical needs or household members change.

This week, choose your household meeting places and designate an out-of-area contact. A short conversation today can make it easier to act confidently during an emergency.

Learn more from menlopark.gov/prepared and Ready.gov.

• Announcements
• Public notices