Disaster Preparedness Month: Protect Your Family and Home Before an Emergency Strikes

Emergencies can happen, and if they do, the better you are prepared, the faster you can act and help protect your home and family. Being prepared means not only having a plan but also staying informed about and connected to your community. 

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, a time to take stock of your readiness and make sure you and your household are equipped to act quickly if something unexpected happens. Whether it's a wildfire, hurricane, severe storm, or flood, the steps you take today can make all the difference when it matters most. 

What is Disaster Preparedness Month? 

Quick Answer: National Disaster Preparedness Month is an annual campaign observed every September that encourages individuals, families, and communities to prepare for emergencies before they happen. 

National Disaster Preparedness Month highlights the idea that emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. It's not just about first responders. It's about everyday people making intentional choices that help them act quickly and stay safe when the unexpected occurs. 

The month encourages learning about emergency preparedness strategies for your home and business, connecting with neighbors and local agencies, taking stock of your current readiness and identifying gaps, and getting involved in community-level safety initiatives. You don't need to overhaul your entire routine. Even one or two new habits can make a meaningful difference.

How You Can Stay Informed During an Emergency

Quick Answer: Following local news, keeping your phone accessible for Emergency Alert System messages, and using digital tools like the Neighbors App help you receive real-time updates as situations develop. 

Emergency situations can change quickly, and being informed of the latest developments in real time can help you stay safe and make better decisions for your household. 

Here's how to stay informed before, during, and after an emergency: 

Use the Neighbors App to stay connected to your community with real-time alerts from your neighbors and local agencies. If a wildfire breaks out near you, in partnership wth Watch Duty, Fire Watch will alert you if visible signs of fire or smoke are detected. You can share snapshots with first responders, providing insights during the emergency event. 

Follow local TV news and trusted online sources for up-to-the-minute updates on developing situations. 

Keep your phone handy for Emergency Alert System messages from state and local public safety officials during natural disasters. 

Check your Ring devices remotely to stay directly connected to your home or property during an emergency, even if you've evacuated or can't be there in person. Ring devices let you check in on your property through Live View, receive motion notifications, and communicate with anyone on-site with Two-Way Talk, giving you real-time awareness even when you've been evacuated. 

How to Make an Emergency Plan

Quick Answer: Start by identifying the emergencies most likely to affect your area, then build a plan that covers shelter, evacuation routes, communication, and supplies for your household. 

It's best to make a plan before you might need it. Here are a few tips from Ready.gov to help you put an emergency plan together: 

Discuss key scenarios with your household. Think about shelter plans, evacuation routes, and how you'll communicate as a family if you're separated. Consider which emergencies are most likely in your area (wildfires, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, earthquakes) and plan accordingly. 

Consider your household's specific needs. Discuss dietary and medical considerations, age-specific needs of household members, who's responsible for pets, and any mobility or accessibility factors that could affect your plan. 

Fill out a Family Emergency Plan. Use this template from Ready.gov to document your plan in one place so every household member can reference it. 

Build a disaster supply kit. Include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight with fresh batteries, first-aid items, medications, important documents, and phone chargers. Use this checklist to get started, and plan to prepare kits for home, work, and your car if applicable. 

Practice your plan. Run through your evacuation route. Make sure everyone knows where to meet. Test your communication plan. The more familiar your household is with the steps, the faster you'll be able to act when it counts. 

How to Stay Connected with Neighbors During a Disaster

Quick Answer: A combination of the Neighbors App, shared contact lists with your immediate neighbors, local news sources, and Emergency Alert System messages keep you informed and connected when it matters most. 

During an emergency, communication can be the difference between confusion and clarity. Here's how to make sure you're connected: 

Download the Neighbors App. It's free, requires no Ring device, and gives you access to hyper-local updates from fellow residents and local agencies. During emergencies, neighbors often share real-time information about road closures, evacuation zones, and available resources. 

Exchange contact info with your immediate neighbors. A group text thread can be invaluable during a fast-moving situation. Know who is home, who's evacuated, and who might need help. 

Follow your local agencies on the Neighbors App. In some areas, local agencies post directly to the app, giving you verified information alongside community updates. 

Keep a battery-powered radio as a backup. If power and cell service go down, a NOAA weather radio can keep you informed when digital tools aren't available. 

Share what you know. If you have footage, updates, or information that could help your community, post it on the Neighbors App. Factual, timely updates help everyone make better decisions. 

How to Prepare for Disaster Preparedness Month

September is the perfect time to take action. Start by creating or updating your Family Emergency Plan, building a disaster supply kit, and exchanging contact information with your immediate neighbors. Download the Neighbors App to stay connected to your community, make sure your Ring devices are charged and positioned for optimal coverage, and run through your evacuation route with your household. Be prepared before something happens. Visit Ready.gov for more tips and resources on emergency preparedness.

Be prepared if something happens and start planning today for emergencies, so you'll be safe. Connect to your community on the Neighbors App and visit Ready.gov for more tips and details about emergency preparedness.