September is National Preparedness Month: Americans Stand Ready Published Aug. 31, 2026 By Samantha Childers Wright-Patterson Office of Emergency Management WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Established in 2004 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Month (NPM) is observed every September. NPM spreads awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and calls for Americans to take the appropriate steps to prepare for emergency situations in their local communities. This year’s National Preparedness Month theme - Americans Stand Ready. When Americans take steps to prepare for disasters and keep their families safe, every neighborhood and community is more resilient. Throughout National Preparedness Month in September, FEMA will celebrate and encourage American resourcefulness and civic responsibility. This year’s theme will focus on several distinct ideas that capture how Americans take pride in their ability to protect themselves and their families and work together to recover from disasters: Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The theme for National Preparedness Month 2026 is Americans Stand Ready. This year’s theme echoes the can-do American spirit of resourcefulness and duty, and the distinct idea that Americans take pride in their ability to protect themselves and their families. Each week of September has been assigned a topic. The topics for the first two weeks of September are: Week 1 (1-4 September): Duty to Yourself Week 2 (7-11 September): Duty to Loved Ones During week one of NPM, the focus is Duty to Yourself - Individual Reliance and Preparedness. A major part of emergency preparedness is being proactive instead of reactive. It’s important to start preparing for a disaster well before any disaster actually occurs. Have Insurance – Insurance that covers your home and belongings can help with a quicker and more complete recovery after an emergency. Disasters can happen at any time, anywhere, and sometimes without warning. Be in the Know – Be aware of the types of disasters or emergencies that are most likely to occur in your area, including the different risks in each season. Make a Plan – Creating a plan for your household helps your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves during a disaster. Know where you’ll go if you need to leave your home and learn your evacuation routes so you can get there safely. Sign-up For Alerts - Disasters don’t always come with a warning, so it’s important to have multiple ways to get alerts and notifications. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) both provide alerts. Build a Kit – Do you have what you need to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives? While creating a fully stocked emergency supply kit may seem difficult or expensive, you can start with items you may already have at home, like first aid kits or canned goods, then gather the rest of the supplies over time. Not every family looks the same, so not every family will require the same items in their emergency kits. You may need to make special accommodations if your family includes children, older adults, people with disabilities, or pets. After a disaster you may not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It’s crucial to plan for your daily needs and know what you would do if they became limited or unavailable. For week two of NPM, the focus expands to Duty to Loved Ones – Family Planning and Protection. In addition to preparing yourself and your home for a disaster, you should: Create a Family Communication Plan - A communication plan will help you stay connected and reunite quickly and safely if a disaster separates your family. Schools and Childcare – Know the evacuation and reunification plans of your children’s school or childcare. Make sure these facilities have your most up-to-date contact information and know who should be contacted in the event you cannot be reached during an emergency. Ready Kids – Disasters and emergencies are scary for anyone, but especially for children who may not understand. Talk to your kids about your family’s emergency plan in an age-appropriate way. There are plenty of children’s resources available on ready.gov, including free printable workbooks and disaster preparedness themed games. Being prepared before a disaster is crucial because it saves lives, reduces economic losses, and ensures communities and individuals can respond effectively and recover quickly from emergencies. According to the results of FEMA’s 2024 National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness, 83% of American households have taken at least three basic preparedness actions, like gathering supplies or having an emergency plan compared to only 57% in 2023. While this progression shows growing awareness on the importance of disaster preparedness, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Taking actionable steps today ensures our personnel, families, and surrounding communities remain resilient and mission-ready when challenges arise. Want To Learn More? Meet The WPAFB Emergency Management Team! The WPAFB Emergency Management Team will be hosting informational booths across the installation throughout September. We encourage you to stop by and learn more about disaster preparedness. Here’s where you can find us: Building 840, Area B – September 2nd, 1200 – 1400 Kettering Hall at NMUSAF – September 11th, 1200 – 1400 Medical Center Atrium, Area A – September 16th, 1200 – 1400 This National Preparedness Month let's stand ready and make preparedness a priority. Take the time to know your risks, make a plan, build a kit, and get involved. By working together, we can create a safer and more resilient WPAFB. Visit www.Ready.gov/ or stop by one of our booths to learn more and take the first step today!