September was declared National Preparedness Month back in 2004. It was a response to the tragic events of 9/11. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as other agencies, recognized the need for an increase in civilian emergency preparedness.
Once upon a time, the United States had a Civil Defense program. It was absorbed by FEMA in the late 1970s and wasn’t really replaced with anything at the time.
History of National Preparedness Month
It took a couple of years for National Preparedness Month to really gain some footing. In 2006, FEMA partnered with several other agencies to create the Ready campaign. This campaign offered all manner of information being sent out to the public, from how to build an emergency kit to how to monitor information in a crisis.
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The goal was, and still is, to educate the general public on how to handle disasters and emergencies. The better equipped people are to handle things on their own, the more resilient communities will be.
Over time, National Preparedness Month has involved a huge range of entities, including school systems, non-profit agencies, businesses, and various government agencies.
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2026 National Preparedness Month Theme
Each year, FEMA selects a theme for National Preparedness Month. This year, the theme is America Stands Ready. As it states on Ready.gov:
When Americans take steps to prepare for disasters and keep their families safe, every neighborhood and community is more resilient. Throughout National Preparedness Month in September, FEMA will celebrate and encourage American resourcefulness and civic responsibility.
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When we stand ready to be self-reliant, it frees up first responders to help those truly in need. We’re also able to help protect ourselves and our loved ones. One of the other key elements happens to be a drum I beat regularly myself. If we work together, we’re able to make our communities stronger and more resilient.
What Can You Do?
Here are a few ideas of things you can do during National Preparedness Month.
If you’re active on social media, make a couple of posts about preparedness. Remind people to check the batteries in their smoke detectors, for example. Or suggest they seek out a Stop the Bleed class.
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You could contact your county’s Emergency Management team and ask what they’re doing to promote National Preparedness Month. Maybe even volunteer to help, if there’s something you could do.
Find media mentions of National Preparedness Month and use them to start conversations with family and friends. Encourage them to start prepping for their own families. The idea is just to get them moving forward and then let momentum carry them.
The more we can do to encourage others to prep, the fewer the number of people who will need outside help when something happens.
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While you’re at it, take some time to revisit your own emergency plans. Inspect your kits and make sure everything is there that should be there, and that it’s all in good condition. Consider running an evacuation drill with your family. Or spend a weekend pretending you’re experiencing a power outage.
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