National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is a time that reminds all American citizens to be prepared for both man-made and natural disasters. The events held during this month are aimed at minimizing the consequences of major emergencies.

History

The word “catastrophe” has Greek roots, meaning ‘bad star’, which implies that bad events occur due to the unfavorable alignment of the planets. Disasters can cause extensive damage to people, nature, and the economy, and may be either short-term, like a hurricane, fire, flood, or earthquake, or have long-lasting effects. Some natural events can change history.

One of the most catastrophic events in American history was the Great Flood on the Mississippi River in 1927. More than 165 million acres were flooded as a result of the dam failure. Following this, Congress passed a flood control bill. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established National Preparedness Month as an annual event three years after the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Interesting Facts

• September was chosen for National Preparedness Month because this time marks an increased risk of hurricanes from the Atlantic.
• More than 75% of Americans have supplies in case of an unforeseen disaster, but many do not have a prepared safety plan.
• Every enterprise is encouraged to participate in National Preparedness Month.
• Statistics show that the frequency of natural disasters is increasing each year, partly due to climate change. Consequently, the number of insurance policies issued against natural disasters is also on the rise.

How to Join National Preparedness Month

Be prepared for any sudden event. Learn how to prepare for various disasters, as their frequency increases every year. You can find detailed instructions on thematic websites. It’s crucial to know how to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Conduct safety drills to ensure your plan is effective. Discuss safety measures with your children and explain what they should do in case of a disaster. Consider volunteering for the Red Cross to help those in difficult situations.

When is National Preparedness Month in 2024?

National Preparedness Month is observed on September 1 each year.

Observations