National Preparedness Month, 2018
Published: September 4, 2018
The goal of National Preparedness Month is to increase the number of individuals, families and communities that engage in preparedness actions.
In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security launched the National "Ready Campaign" to promote preparedness through public involvement, by empowering Americans to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies including natural and manmade disasters. This year's theme focuses on planning, from learning life-saving skills such as CPR to taking practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas. (Source: Department of Homeland Security, ready.gov )
Did you know that three major hurricanes, Harvey, Irma, and Maria, made landfall in the United States and its Caribbean territories over the course of two months in late summer 2017? This was the first time the United States experienced three Category 4 or greater hurricanes during a single hurricane season. (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control – Public Health Preparedness and Response, 2018 National Snapshot )
Related Publications
42 U.S.C. 68 - DISASTER RELIEF
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H. Rept. 115-233 - NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM ACT OF 2017
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H. Rept. 115-276 - REPEATEDLY FLOODED COMMUNITIES PREPARATION ACT
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88 Stat. 143 - Disaster Relief Act of 1974
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102 Stat. 4689 - Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988
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120 Stat. 1725 - Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006
An act to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency
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Resources
- Explore Homeland Security’s ready.gov (English), or (Spanish) website for numerous downloads to share on Being Informed, Planning Ahead, and Taking Action.
- FEMA’s Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information to Get Ready brochure
- "You Are the Help Until Help Arrives" (FEMA) Learn five simple steps that may save a life.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Office of Public Health Preparedness & Response
- Join FEMA’s America’s Preparedness Portal to register your event and get connected to preparedness programs.
- Homeland Security’s educational resources for children, parents and educators and, brochures and other free publications for you and your community.
- The National Flood Insurance Program - Make sure you know what your insurance policy covers before an emergency.
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness Clearinghouse (CDC) - A central repository for emergency preparedness-related statutes, regulations, orders, reports, and legal tools, the Clearinghouse is intended to aid jurisdictions considering updates and clarifications to their public health emergency legal preparedness activities.
- The American National Red Cross website
- The American National Red Cross – Create a Family Game Plan
- Visit the U.S. Government Publishing Office Bookstore’s website to find more publications related to emergency and disaster preparedness.
- Check out GPO's Government Book Talk blog, August 13, 2018, on "Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters," as well as other archived blogs related to disaster preparedness.