National Preparedness Month 2026: Americans Stand Ready

Published September 2026

FEMA’s Ready Campaign has observed National Preparedness Month every September since 2004 to encourage individuals, families, and businesses to prepare for unexpected disasters and emergencies.

This year’s official theme—Americans Stand Ready—celebrates American resourcefulness, civic responsibility, and local resilience. Whether responding to severe weather, power grid failures, or unexpected disruptions, taking proactive steps today protects what matters most tomorrow.

At The Curtwill Group, we know that enterprise and organizational resilience begins at home. When individuals, families, and local leaders are prepared, our workplaces, infrastructure, and communities are far better equipped to withstand and recover from any crisis.

Core Pillars of the 2026 Theme

FEMA’s 2026 initiative focuses on three foundational ideas that highlight our collective ability to prepare and recover together:

• Upholding Our Patriotic Duty Through Self-Reliance: When individuals and households are prepared and self-reliant, we reduce pressure on local emergency services and bolster the critical work our brave first responders perform on our worst days.

• Protecting Our Family and Friends: We know best how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong. Establishing communications, securing proper insurance, and assembling supplies ensure your household is ready for any scenario.

• Helping Our Communities Build Resilience: Emergencies can happen fast and without warning, making neighbors the true first responders. Taking a proactive approach to community preparedness strengthens local recovery and nationwide resilience.

Key Actions to Take This September

• Review Your First Line of Defense: Ensure your home, renters, or business insurance policies accurately cover localized hazards and property risks before a disaster strikes.

• Be in the Know: Sign up for local community warning systems, monitor NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, and download the official FEMA App for real-time weather and emergency alerts.

• Make a Household Plan: Create an emergency plan that accounts for your family’s unique needs, evacuation routes, and pet care. Get started with FEMA’s fillable Family Emergency Plan form.

• Build an Emergency Kit over Time: Gathering supplies doesn't have to be expensive. Start with items you already own and add necessities like clean water, non-perishable food, flashlight batteries, and first aid items over time. Explore checklist guidance at Build A Kit and low-cost strategies at Ready.gov Low and No-Cost Tips.

• Develop Actionable Safety Skills: Expand your readiness by taking basic first aid and CPR courses through the American Red Cross, or join a local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to gain hands-on training in fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations.

Take the Next Step

Explore additional preparedness toolkits, independent training courses, and downloadable resources:

• FEMA Emergency Management Institute: Complete free, online training through FEMA EMI.

• Ready Campaign Toolkits: Download community graphics and outreach tools at Ready.gov Stand Ready.