Untitled Document

Coalitions launch National Preparedness Month

A broad coalition of more than 50 national organizations will launch National Preparedness Month on Sept. 9 to increase awareness and participation in emergency preparedness.

Major partners include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the America Prepared Campaign, the American Red Cross, the National Association of Broadcasters and the U.S. Department of Education.

The launch event at the U.S. Capitol is co-chaired by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) and Reps. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.) and Jane Harman (D-Calif). In addition, all 56 state and territorial governors have pledged to mark National Preparedness Month with local events.

“National Preparedness Month brings together an amazing coalition of partners to make citizen preparedness a priority for every city, every neighborhood and every home across America,” said former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge.

“Homeland security is a shared responsibility, and I am pleased that so many organizations and so many national leaders are working together to help get this information out into communities across the nation.”

National Preparedness Month will provide Americans with a variety of opportunities to learn more about ways they can prepare for an emergency, get an emergency supply kit, establish a family communications plan, and become better aware of threats that may impact communities.

It will also provide citizens with several opportunities to volunteer or get first aid or CPR training. State and local governments, individual communities, private businesses and nonprofit organizations will host events or promote preparedness steps around the country this month to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.