NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH: SEPTEMBER 2020

From Ready.gov, National Preparedness Month:

“National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved this September.”

The 2020 NPM theme is: ‘Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.’

• Make A Plan: Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.
• Build A Kit: Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.
• Prepare for Disasters: Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.
• Teach Youth About Preparedness: Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.”

When major disasters strike, visit the U.S. Census Bureau’s Emergency Management page to access demographic and economic data for the impacted areas. You will also find our mission critical tools: Census Business Builder, OnTheMap for Emergency Management, COVID-19 Interactive Data Hub, local Weather Forecasting Offices and more.