06/25/2025
When Moments Matter
We don’t often think of ourselves as potential heroes. Yet September offers two opportunities to protect and even save lives — simply by being prepared.
National Preparedness Month - Natural disasters and extreme weather can strike without warning — floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and more. National Preparedness Month reminds us to take time now to plan for emergencies that could affect our families and communities. Even small steps — like conducting an annual home safety check — can make the difference in an emergency.
Steps to prepare:
- Know your risks: Identify the most common disasters in your area. Conduct an audit of risks in your home.
- Create an emergency kit: Include essentials like water, food, medications, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies.
- Plan for evacuation: Establish routes and identify a family meeting place in case you’re separated.
- Protect vital information: Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, vital documents, and important contacts in a secure digital location.
- Learn lifesaving skills: Consider taking a CPR course and building a home first-aid kit.
Helpful resources:
- Ready.gov: Guides for disaster planning and response.
- Grist Disaster 101: Free downloadable guide to extreme weather preparation and recovery.
- FEMA and Red Cross Apps: Provide local alerts and step-by-step safety instructions.
Key September Dates
- Baby Safety Month
- Healthy Aging Month
- National Recovery Month
- World Alzheimer’s Month
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- 9/1 – Labor Day
- 9/7 – Grandparents Day
- 9/15 – 10/15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
- 9/22 – 9/26 – Falls Prevention Awareness Week
- 9/29 – World Heart Day