“Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” is this year’s theme during September, National Preparedness Month. Not only is it important for communities to be prepared to face disasters and emergencies, but it is also important for individuals and families. Everyone has a role.

Why is it important to prepare?  Disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, including when you are away from home.  Being prepared can reduce the impact and losses of the disaster or emergency.  It can also lessen the fear and anxiety that accompany these types of events, and help you build skills to better adapt to the events. Preparing for disasters and emergencies helps protect those you love.

Disasters and emergencies can take many different forms from home fires, severe weather, wildfires, to pandemics. It’s important to understand not only the regional risks, but also your personal risks. Remember to consider your unique personal needs when building your plans.  You may find that you need to brush up or learn a new, practical skill to protect yourself and those you love in an emergency, like hands-only CPR or a Stop the Bleed class.

There are several agencies that include preparedness information on their websites, including the CDC, FEMA’s Ready.gov, Washington State Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross.  It’s important to start acting now, before a disaster or emergency occurs. Do something each week or each month to build your preparedness.

Learn about “Making a Plan, Building a Kit, Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness, and Teaching Youth to Prepare for Disasters” at Ready.gov.