National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that that can happen at any time and help to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. For the first time in its history, the Ready Campaign, along with the Ad Council, has identified the Hispanic community as a key audience and will launch a series of Public Service Advertisement (PSAs) specifically designed to encourage preparedness within this underserved demographic. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved. The 2021 NPM theme is: “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” The month is broken down into four weeks to help your patients and their families prepare for disasters.
- Week 1 – September 1-4: Make-A-Plan
- Week 2 – September 5-11: Build A Kit
- Week 3 – September 12-18: Prepare for Disasters
- Week 4 – September 19-25: Teach Youth about Preparedness
Visit the ReadyPA website for more information. This month is also a great time to review your health center’s preparedness plan and to get involved with your local and regional emergency preparedness coalitions if you aren’t already. Should you need to know whom to contact in your region, visit the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) Emergency Management website .