09/01/2026
FEMA Kicks Off National Preparedness Month 2026, Empowers Americans to Stand Ready to Protect Their Loved Ones During Emergencies and Disasters.
This Year’s Theme Celebrates American Resourcefulness, Self-Reliance and Resilience
Washington, D.C. - Today, FEMA’s Ready Campaign launches National Preparedness Month 2026. This year’s theme—Americans Stand Ready—empowers individuals to take charge of their own readiness. Observed since 2004, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared – and to promote preparedness in your communities.
“Across this nation, our people are our greatest strength. Their resourcefulness and civic duty bring them together after a disaster, supporting their communities through selfless acts of service,” said FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton. “When Americans take steps to prepare for disasters and keep their families safe, every neighborhood and community is more resilient. That’s why it’s so important for everyone to take steps to learn the skills that will help their families and neighbors, so they can stand ready to help when things go wrong.”
This year’s theme highlights that preparedness is a civic responsibility and patriotic duty. It also celebrates the self-reliant, resourceful spirit of the American people. In the face of disasters like tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes, Americans can take simple, practical steps to keep themselves and their families safe. By proactively preparing, Americans make the nation stronger and more resilient.
Throughout National Preparedness Month, FEMA’s Ready Campaign will celebrate and encourage American resourcefulness by sharing simple, affordable steps to take to stand ready:
Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves during a disaster. Consider the unique risks where you live and the needs of your family. Know where you’ll go if you need to leave your home and learn your evacuation routes so you can get there safely.
Be in the know. Sign up for your community’s warning system. Disasters can happen suddenly, so it’s important to have multiple ways to get alerts. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
Build a kit. We know how to keep our loved ones safe when things go wrong, but do you have what you need to stay safe and comfortable until help arrives? You may think building a well-stocked emergency kit is difficult or expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. You can gather supplies over time, starting with items you may already have at home like canned food and first aid supplies. Visit ready.gov/kit for a list of items to include and how to tailor your kit to meet your family’s needs.
FEMA encourages everyone to celebrate National Preparedness Month this September by visiting Ready.gov for updated resources and to learn how to start their disaster preparedness journey.
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
