Why This Month Matters
September is more than the end of summer and the start of fall—it’s National Preparedness Month, a nationwide reminder that disasters don’t wait for a convenient time to strike. Each year, FEMA and Ready.gov lead this campaign to help families, businesses, and communities strengthen their ability to withstand emergencies.
My mission is clear: to prepare families and communities to face life’s storms with resilience and confidence, so they can protect what matters most and live without fear. This month is your opportunity to take small, actionable steps that will have a lasting impact on your future security.
In this article, you’ll learn what National Preparedness Month is, why it’s essential for families and communities, and how to take practical steps to protect what matters most.
What is National Preparedness Month?
National Preparedness Month, observed every September, is designed to raise awareness about the importance of disaster readiness. Its goal is simple: to encourage individuals and families to plan ahead, build emergency kits, and practice safety measures that can save lives.
The 2025 theme, “Fortifying Your Future,” emphasizes resilience—ensuring families and communities are not only able to survive emergencies but to recover and thrive afterward.
👉 Learn more from FEMA’s official campaign: https://www.ready.gov/september
Why Preparedness is Essential
Disasters Don’t Wait
Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and even financial crises can hit with little warning. According to FEMA, 60% of Americans are not prepared for a major disaster, leaving families vulnerable to confusion, loss, and long-term hardship.
Preparedness isn’t about fear—it’s about peace of mind. When your family has a plan, chaos is replaced with clarity, and panic gives way to confidence. Preparation is the process of getting ready in advance for an event, task, or situation. At its core, it’s about anticipating needs, reducing uncertainty, and positioning yourself for success. Preparation can be broken into several key areas:
Mental Preparation – Developing the right mindset, visualizing outcomes, and reducing anxiety.
Physical Preparation – Gathering tools, supplies, or training necessary for the task.
Practical Preparation – Making plans, setting timelines, and organizing resources.
Emotional Preparation – Building resilience, patience, and adaptability for unexpected challenges.
Good preparation builds confidence, minimizes risks, and improves results—whether for daily tasks, emergencies, or long-term goals.
As Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
The Six Pillars of Family Preparedness
1. Build a Family Emergency Plan
Every family should have a communication plan in place. Identify safe meeting spots, assign out-of-town emergency contacts, and make sure children know basic safety steps.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked kit includes food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications, and cash. Tailor your kit for your family’s specific needs—whether that’s baby supplies, pet essentials, or medical equipment.
👉 Internal Resource: Download the Family Emergency Kit Checklist
3. Protect Your Finances
Financial resilience equals disaster resilience. Set aside an emergency fund, review insurance policies, and keep critical documents organized and accessible.
👉 Internal Resource: Document or Disaster – Emergency Organizer
4. Stay Informed
Use local alert systems, weather apps, and official news sources. Information is your first line of defense when emergencies unfold.
5. Secure Your Home and Business
Reinforce your home against risks like wildfires, floods, and power outages. For business owners, create a continuity plan to keep operations running, even under pressure.
6. Practice and Review Your Plan
Preparedness is not a “set it and forget it” activity. Conduct family drills twice a year and update your plan as circumstances change.
Community Preparedness: Stronger Together
Preparedness doesn’t stop at your front door. Communities that prepare together recover faster and stronger. Explore your local CERT programs (Community Emergency Response Teams), neighborhood safety groups, or faith-based organizations.
Preparedness is contagious—when one family takes action, it inspires others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of resilience.
How to Take Action This September
Here are three simple steps you can commit to during National Preparedness Month:
Download a preparedness checklist and put together or update your emergency kit.
Schedule a family meeting to talk through your emergency plan.
Commit to one new preparedness action each week—small steps build big resilience.
Conclusion: Fortify Your Future with Preparedness
National Preparedness Month is not just a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. By taking small steps now, you’re building resilience that will protect your family, strengthen your community, and give you peace of mind when challenges come.
Ready to take the next step? Download your Family Emergency Kit Checklist and begin building your plan today.
Additional Information: Our Children Are The Future
For a more personalized approach, schedule your complimentary consultation with me at www.talkwithdaniel.com
Together, we’ll turn preparation into peace of mind.
Till Next Time
Stay Informed and Stay Safe
Daniel Kilburn
Americas 5-Star Leadership Coach