We have quite a collection of special awareness months in the United States.

Apparently, someone felt strongly enough about oatmeal and pet dental health to run the bureaucratic gauntlet and have them officially declared each February. Other interesting observances are Be On‐Purpose month (January) and May as Ultraviolet Awareness month. (I can attest that it is a challenge to be aware of something that is both invisible and has no odor, so I appreciate this reminder.) I’m having a little more difficulty imagining why we needed Go Wild During California Wild Rice month or why strategic thinking should only occur in September.

The more meaningful monthly events are those created by presidential designation. One we would all do well to give some attention to is September as National Preparedness Month. Although the timing may be a bit off for our publication date, there is no penalty for undertaking these important actions at another time.

National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, schools and communities. September was chosen after the tragedies of September 11 highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared.

Individuals and households

A 2009 Citizen Corps National Survey revealed that only 57 percent of Americans surveyed report having supplies set aside in their homes just for disasters and only 44 percent have a household emergency plan.

National Preparedness Month serves to encourage individuals across the nation to take three important preparedness steps: Get a kit (a family emergency kit); make a plan (a household emergency plan); and be informed (understand what the threats are where you live). The Ready.gov website (link information below) provides all the tools needed for your household to achieve these three essential steps.

Businesses and organizations

How quickly a company is able to get back to business after a tornado, a fire or other event often depends on emergency planning and preparation done well before the disaster strikes. The Ready Campaign (see below) highlights three steps to business disaster preparedness: plan to stay in business, talk to your people, and protect your investment.

Businesses are also being asked to become a National Preparedness Month coalition member and join others in committing to a preparedness activity or event in September. Sign up today, get prepared at ready.adcouncil.org and download an excellent toolkit that includes posters and instructional materials including videos, checklists, preparedness messages for your company newsletter, check stuffers and a variety of other items.

Communities

Many communities now have robust emergency plans in place. Most have assessed their environment and understand the major threats they face, and have planned and trained to respond and recover from them. The success of a community plan, however, depends on the preparation and success of the legs it stands on—individual and organizational preparedness. National Preparedness Month is our reminder and opportunity to be sure we are doing all we can, in our households and organizations, to be ready.

Help and resources

You cannot be passive and prepared—you must take the initiative. There are a number of great resources to assist you. Regardless of the calendar month, make a commitment to your personal and organizational emergency planning. Start with these sites:

Ready.gov. For many, Ready.gov will have all the information they need. This site includes general information for individuals and public and private organizations. It also includes planning assistance for special groups such as military families, children, older Americans, people with disabilities and even pet owners. A variety of templates and tools are also available for download.

Redcross.org. The main site for the Red Cross covers similar ground as Ready.gov. In addition, this site presents quality discussions on specific types of threats such as fires, floods, chemical emergencies, power outage and many others. And of course, information is available on the excellent first aid and CPR training offerings of the Red Cross.

		Joe DeFors, BS, MPA is a cofounder and principal officer of Comprehensive Emergency Management Associates (CEMA). CEMA is an East Lansing-based, full-service emergency planning firm specializing in emergency planning, training and disaster exercise services for schools, organizations and communities. DeFors can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .