National Preparedness Month
A Time to Remember
A Time to Prepare
Being prepared goes hand-in-hand with being organized, and it is fitting that NAPO would be part of a nationwide event aimed at better emergency preparedness. NAPO has again joined forces with the Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign for the tenth annual National Preparedness Month (NPM), held during September, As a national coalition member for the eighth consecutive year, NAPO strives to educate the public through individual member and chapter informational events held during National Preparedness Month.
Did you know?
- Only 57% of people report that they have readiness items set aside in their homes for use in a disaster
- Just 34% of people have readiness supplies in their car
- Less than half of households have an emergency plan and yet...
- 42% of individuals report that they would need help during a disaster
This year, NPM will focus on A time to Remember, A Time to Prepare and will help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready for emergencies that may arise at home, at work, or in the world. Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks, and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: preparing an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses, and getting involved in community efforts.
In 2010, NAPO was one of nearly 4,000 groups or organizations to partner with the Ready Campaign to highlight the importance of public emergency preparedness. This year, NAPO members and chapters can do their part to improve upon last year's success by offering a variety of emergency preparedness events and information sessions for clients and the public in their communities, schools, and workplaces. Here are some examples of such initiatives:
- Include preparedness activities in professional organizing events. Make emergency preparation demonstrations or handouts part of an organizing discussion or workshop.
- Host an emergency preparedness fair for your clients and community. Invite local officials, first responders, and your local Citizen Corps Council to give a brief emergency preparedness presentation at a community center or library. During the event, demonstrate how to build an emergency kit using the Ready emergency supply checklist and explain how to develop a family emergency plan.
- Encourage clients to back up important information. While you're helping clients become more efficient in the home office, encourage them to keep organized and accurate records of important documents, including insurance papers, wills, and bank account information.
- Host a business preparedness review. Organize an emergency preparedness procedures review of your client's emergency plans and practice emergency drills with employees.
- Host a business preparedness workshop. Coordinate with your local Chamber of Commerce to host a workshop for business leaders regarding the importance of business preparedness. This also serves as a great networking opportunity and fosters professional organizing prospects.
For more information about NPM and access materials and resources you may need to prepare for and respond to emergencies throughout the year, visit the Ready Web site, www.ready.gov.
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