National Preparedness Month: Is Your Household Ready for an Emergency?

Every September, National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that emergencies can happen at any time. Severe weather, fires, power outages, medical emergencies, transportation disruptions, and other unexpected events often occur with little warning.

Preparedness is not about expecting the worst—it is about ensuring your family can respond calmly and safely when normal routines are interrupted.

The good news is that becoming better prepared does not require expensive equipment or weeks of planning. A few simple steps can significantly improve your household's readiness.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

The most important preparedness tool isn't something you buy—it's a plan.

Every member of your household should know:

1. How to contact one another

2. Where to meet if separated

3. Who your out-of-area emergency contact is

4. How to evacuate your home if necessary

5. Where important medical information is kept

Children should understand the parts of the plan that are appropriate for their age, and everyone should know what to do if phones or internet service become unavailable.

Practice your plan periodically so it becomes familiar rather than something discussed only during an emergency.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

You don't need an elaborate disaster bunker to be prepared.

A basic emergency kit should include:

1. Drinking water

2. Non-perishable food

3. Flashlights

4. Extra batteries

5. First aid supplies

6. Prescription medications

7. Portable phone chargers

8. Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

9. Personal hygiene items

10. Copies of important documents

Review your supplies twice a year and replace expired food, medications, and batteries.

Prepare for Power Outages

Power outages are one of the most common emergencies affecting households.

Charge electronic devices before severe weather arrives and keep backup battery packs available.

If someone in your home depends on electrically powered medical equipment, develop a backup plan before an outage occurs.

Know where you can safely relocate if electricity is unavailable for an extended period.

Stay Informed

Reliable information helps people make better decisions.

Enable emergency alerts on your mobile devices and monitor trusted weather and emergency management sources during developing situations.

Avoid spreading unverified information on social media during emergencies.

Accurate information helps protect both your family and your community.

Learn Basic Emergency Skills

Emergency responders provide outstanding care, but they cannot be everywhere immediately.

Knowing CPR, AED use, basic first aid, and bleeding control can help you assist someone during the critical first minutes of an emergency.

Preparedness is not only about having supplies—it is also about having the knowledge and confidence to act appropriately until professional help arrives.

Preparedness Is an Ongoing Process

Preparedness should evolve as your family changes.

Review your emergency plan after moving, changing schools, welcoming a new family member, or when medical needs change.

Small updates made regularly are easier than trying to build a plan from scratch after an emergency has already occurred.

Preparedness Takeaways

1. Develop and practice a family emergency plan.

2. Build and maintain an emergency supply kit.

3. Prepare for extended power outages.

4. Keep emergency contact information updated.

5. Enable emergency alerts on your mobile devices.

6. Learn CPR, first aid, AED use, and bleeding-control skills.

7. Review and update your plan throughout the year.

8. Encourage preparedness conversations within your family and community.

A Stronger Community Starts at Home

Prepared communities are built one household at a time.

When families understand emergency procedures, maintain basic supplies, and develop practical emergency-response skills, communities become more resilient during disasters and everyday emergencies.

National Preparedness Month is an excellent opportunity to review your plans, refresh your supplies, and strengthen the habits that help keep everyone safer.

BVAC Rescue Response Training Center supports community preparedness through CPR, first aid, bleeding-control, AED, and emergency-response education that helps individuals become more confident and capable during emergencies.