Natural disasters can occur anywhere—when we are at home, work, school, places of worship, traveling, sleeping, exercising or sick. September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM), to prompt everyone to take action to prepare—now and throughout the year—for the types of emergencies that could affect you where you live, work and visit. The theme for 2016 is “Don’t Wait—Communicate” as a reminder to have a game plan in place when and if a disaster strikes.
As more people seek information from their mobile devices, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is tapping into social media platforms and encouraging Americans to install and become familiar with the FEMA app. The app allows users to receive weather alerts for up to five different areas, offers an emergency preparedness checklist and provides safety tips for numerous emergency scenarios. In addition, in the case of a disaster, the app lists open shelters and gives users the ability to upload and share photos from roads, parks and other public places to assist emergency personnel in determining areas where help is needed.
Taking the steps to prepare for a natural disaster is vital, no matter what part of the world you live in. Check out a list of brief, helpful tips along with additional resources on the right.
Click here for more information about insurance coverage.
Click here for more information about pet protection.
Other language resources
Russian: Learn how to build a preparedness kit and make a plan for emergencies.
Spanish: Learn how to build a preparedness kit and make a plan for emergencies.
If you’d like to learn additional tips or research other resources, check out this page courtesy of the American Red Cross.
Click here for 10 ways to take action now.