September is National Disaster Preparedness Month
09-19-2025
Disasters and emergencies can happen at any time—are you prepared? National Preparedness Month is a time to raise awareness and take proactive steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community before disaster strikes.
This year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” focuses on getting back to the essentials of preparedness.
Plan ahead
Emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether it’s a severe weather event, power outage, or other disruption, having a plan in place helps you respond quickly and confidently.
At home, that might mean knowing where your emergency supplies are, how to communicate with loved ones, or what to do if you need to shelter in place. At work, it means understanding your building’s evacuation procedures, knowing who to contact and being familiar with your department’s continuity plans.
Preparedness isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about being ready for it. By focusing on the essentials and starting with your home, you’re not only protecting yourself but also contributing to a more resilient community.
Stay informed
One of the most effective ways to stay safe during an emergency is to stay informed. The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) is a national system used by authorized public safety officials to send emergency alerts through multiple channels, including mobile phones, radio, television and internet services.
IPAWS ensures that critical information reaches you quickly, whether it’s a weather warning, evacuation notice or other urgent alerts. Make sure your mobile device is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts and stay tuned to trusted local news sources during emergencies.
Take a few minutes to review FEMA’s Guide for Alerts and Warnings, which has information about common hazards and protective actions you can take to stay safe.
Take action today
Hennepin County employees are encouraged to watch the on-demand National Preparedness Month presentation in APEX. Just search “National Preparedness Month” to find the 45-minute training from Emergency Management and Workplace Safety.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:
Understand alerts and warnings
Identify evacuation routes
Build a disaster supply kit
Review your insurance coverage
Additional resources to help you prepare
Visit the Emergency Procedures page for staff-specific resources.
Make a plan and build a supply kit tailored to your needs.
Review the Staying Connected During a Crisis fact sheet.