National Preparedness Month 2025: Preparedness Starts at Home Published Sept. 3, 2025 By Samantha Childers 788th Civil Engineering Emergency Management WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide observance designed to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. Launched in 2004 by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, National Preparedness Month educates and empowers Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. The observance culminates Sept. 30 with National Preparedness Day, a call to action for all communities to strengthen their readiness. The FEMA theme for NPM 2025 is ‘Preparedness Starts at Home,’ emphasizing the fundamental aspects of being ready. We all have responsibilities for our families, pets, neighbors, and community. By taking proactive steps now, you can better protect yourself and those you care about before, during, and after a disaster. Consider your needs and how your social network can support each other. National Preparedness Month is an ideal time to take small, impactful steps toward greater readiness. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res This year’s theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home,” underscoring the responsibility each person has to protect their families, pets, neighbors and community. By taking proactive steps now, individuals can better protect themselves and those they care about before, during and after a disaster. Four steps to greater readiness Know your risk Understanding the hazards most likely to affect your area is the first step. At Wright-Patterson, tornadoes, thunderstorms, floods and extreme temperatures pose the greatest threats. The 2019 Memorial Day tornadoes in the Miami Valley highlighted the destructive power of severe weather and the need for preparation. Learn more about hazards at www.beready.af.mil/Disasters-Emergencies. Make a family emergency plan Having a plan can reduce stress, save time and minimize costs during a disaster. Visit www.ready.gov for free templates and guidance on creating a comprehensive emergency plan tailored to your household. An early-morning EF1 tornado touched down Feb. 28 on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, knocking down power lines and trees while causing damage to several Area B buildings, including the Air Force Research Laboratory and a National Museum of the U.S. Air Force restoration hangar. No one was hurt. Base first responders and work crews were quickly dispatched for damage assessment, recovery actions and cleanup.(U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Peterson) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Build an emergency supply kit A well-stocked kit is essential for safety and comfort after a disaster. Supplies should include food, water, prescription medications, infant care items, pet food and contact lens solution, tailored to your family’s specific needs. Consider preparing a smaller, portable version to keep in your vehicle. Get involved in your community Emergency responders may not be able to reach everyone immediately during a disaster. Empower yourself by taking first aid and CPR classes, joining a Community Emergency Response Team, or completing FEMA’s free online courses through its Emergency Management Institute. Learn more at Wright-Patt The Wright-Patterson Emergency Management team will host informational booths across the installation throughout September. Members are encouraged to stop by and learn more about disaster preparedness. Building 840, Area B – Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kettering Hall, National Museum of the U.S. Air Force – Sept. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Building 830, Medical Center Atrium, Area A – Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This National Preparedness Month, make readiness a priority. Take time to know your risks, make a plan, build a kit and get involved. By working together, we can strengthen resilience across the Wright-Patterson community. For more information, visit www.ready.gov or stop by one of the informational booths on base.