National Preparedness Month: Let’s Prepare Together!
Every September, National Preparedness Month is observed to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. This year’s theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
Educating and empowering people to be prepared can save lives! That’s why The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched National Preparedness Month in 2004. The aim is to promote a heightened sense of planning and preparedness to respond to all types of emergencies and disasters.
Preparing for disasters ensures public health needs are met and emergency response systems are in place for individuals, families, and communities in emergencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports emergency preparedness efforts. Public Health institutions are encouraged to take action before, during, and after an emergency.
Health workers must be ready to respond to natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and chemical or radiological releases. In observance of National Preparedness Month, the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) publishes a digital media toolkit annually to support public health departments.
NextGenU.org proudly participates in this national call to action to promote preparedness for individuals, families, and communities vulnerable to emergency situations.
The question is not "if" a disaster will occur, but "when!"
Our Disaster Management and Emergency Planning course introduces different aspects of planning and preparedness, and helps train participants to assess the hazards, reduce the risks of a disaster, and devise effective emergency response plans in the event of disasters. Enroll or browse our course materials for free to learn how to manage disasters within a developing world context.