National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder for all Americans to be ready for both man-made and natural disasters. The activities held throughout the month are designed to minimize the consequences of major emergencies.
History
The word “catastrophe” has Greek origins, meaning “bad star,” reflecting the ancient belief that disasters occur due to unfavorable planetary alignments. Disasters can cause significant harm to people, the environment, and the economy, and may be short-term, like hurricanes, fires, floods, or earthquakes, or have long-lasting impacts. Some natural events have even changed the course of history.
One of the most catastrophic events in American history was the Great Flood of the Mississippi River in 1927, when more than 165 million acres were flooded due to a dam failure. Afterward, 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 it marks the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic.
- More than 75% of Americans have supplies for emergencies, but many lack a clear safety plan.
- All businesses are encouraged to participate in National Preparedness Month.
- The frequency of natural disasters is increasing each year, partly due to climate change, which has also led to a rise in the number of insurance policies issued against such events.
How to Join National Preparedness Month
Be ready for unexpected events. Learn how to prepare for different types of disasters, as their frequency is rising each year. Detailed instructions are available on specialized websites. It’s important to know how to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Conduct safety drills to test your preparedness plan. Talk to your children about safety and explain what they should do in case of an emergency. Consider volunteering with the Red Cross to help those in need.
When is National Preparedness Month in 2025?
National Preparedness Month is observed on September 1 each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Monday | September | 1 | 2025 |
Tuesday | September | 1 | 2026 |
Wednesday | September | 1 | 2027 |
Friday | September | 1 | 2028 |
Saturday | September | 1 | 2029 |