National Preparedness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Preparedness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Preparedness Month is observed on September 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Preparedness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about National Preparedness Month.

📅 What day is National Preparedness Month 2024?

In 2024, National Preparedness Month is on Friday, September 1st. It is the 1st Friday in September; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the cool details and facts about September 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each September, the United States observes National Preparedness Month with the aim of encouraging all Americans to be ready for potential disasters, be they caused by humans or nature, that could impact individuals, their homes, communities, or businesses. The objective of this month is to ensure that people of all ages are well-prepared to minimize the impact of major catastrophes.

📜 National Preparedness Month History

A catastrophe, which can also be called a tragedy or an emergency, is an event that causes significant harm to people, property, the economy, and/or the environment. This can occur over a short or long period of time. Natural disasters like earthquakes, storms, floods, fires, and even terrorist attacks are examples of catastrophes. Regardless of the cause, these tragedies have a devastating impact on society and can change life as we know it. In some cases, disasters have even altered the course of history.

The Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927 stands out as one of the largest tragedies in American history. It occurred when a levee broke, leading to a massive flood that destroyed additional levees downstream, affecting approximately 165 million acres of land. As a result, Congress passed the Flood Control Act, which granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the responsibility of managing flood control on the Mississippi River.

Following the September 11 attacks, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established National Preparedness Month (NPM) to encourage all Americans to plan for emergencies. The Ready Campaign, led by FEMA, is responsible for organizing and sponsoring this month. September was chosen due to its historical significance and the fact that it falls within the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.

FEMA has been in operation since the 1800s, initially as a legislative act, and was officially established as an agency in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. The September 11 attacks led to the creation of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with FEMA becoming a part of it.

✅ National Preparedness Month Facts

🔖 Yet, many don’t have a safety plan
According to the 2016 National Home Survey, a majority of Americans have not taken the necessary steps to create an emergency plan for their homes.

🔖 Preparedness for businesses
Organizations have the opportunity to become part of the National Preparation Month Coalition by committing to engage in a preparedness activity or event during the month of September.

🔖 Americans are better prepared now
Based on the 2016 National Household Survey, it was found that three-quarters of Americans possess emergency supplies in their households.

👍 Why Is National Preparedness Month Important

In the case of a disaster, every second counts. During National Preparedness Month, we can create lessons and a safety plan to help every household be better prepared for various disasters.

Learning how to defend oneself is the most prudent move you can make to assist your neighborhood. The more people who are prepared, the faster your community will recover from the disaster’s effects.

The disaster’s losses are exacerbated by fear and panic. Simple preparedness activities such as floodproofing the house and securing items that could shake loose in the event of an earthquake can help mitigate the damage.

🙂 How To Observe National Preparedness Month

⚡ Support community preparedness

⚡ Get ready for any event
As natural disasters become more common, it is important for everyone to be ready. You can find valuable information on how to reduce risks to life and property during major disasters by visiting official government websites like Ready.gov, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

⚡ Run mock safety drills
Look around, and we are confident you will discover several opportunities to participate long before calamity comes. You may volunteer with the Red Cross, your neighborhood watch, the local fire station, or even the Citizen Corps to learn more about how your skills can be put to use.

📅 When is National Preparedness Month?

Explore all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Preparedness Month. So be sure to check back soon.