Author: Bree Maloney
Every September, Americans observe National Preparedness Month, a reminder that emergencies can happen at any time. Whether natural disasters, public health crises, or other emergencies, taking proactive steps now can make all the difference.
2025 Theme: Preparedness Starts at Home
The 2025 theme from FEMA’s Ready campaign is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” This theme emphasizes the fundamental steps that individuals, families, and communities can take in their home environments to withstand emergencies better. The idea is that you are the first line of response for yourself, your family, and your neighbors. FEMA highlights four actions: know your risk, make a family emergency plan, build an emergency supply kit, and get involved in your community.
How to Take Action and Be Prepared
To know your risk, research local hazards such as wildfires, earthquakes, power outages, and floods. Find out what alerts or warning systems your county uses and stay up to date with weather forecasts and emergency bulletins. To make a plan, choose family meeting places both near and far from home. Plan communication by deciding who calls whom and how to reconnect if separated. Include medical needs, elderly family members, and pets in your plan. Review evacuation routes and know the plans at your workplace, schools, and community centers. To build a supply kit, gather water, food, medications, and first aid supplies for at least three days. Add flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, phone chargers, and copies of important documents. Do not forget pet supplies and items for infants or special medical needs. To get involved in your community, consider learning CPR or first aid, joining or learning about local Community Emergency Response Teams, volunteering, or checking on neighbors who may need extra support.
Tips to Get Organized
- To make preparedness more manageable, start small by focusing on one task or area each week.
- Use checklists so you do not forget important items.
- Store all emergency supplies in one place, such as a clearly labeled bin or backpack, and check expiration dates regularly.
- Use technology by storing digital copies of documents and downloading apps for alerts, maps, and emergency contacts.
- Budget gradually for preparedness by spreading out purchases over time.
Local Alert and Emergency Notification Resources
- In Orange County, residents can sign up for AlertOC (https://www.alertoc.com), which is the county’s mass notification system. By registering, you can receive text, phone, and email alerts in case of emergencies. ReadyOC (https://www.readyoc.com) also offers a text alert system and preparedness resources.
- In San Diego County, the AlertSanDiego (https://www.alertsandiego.org) system provides emergency notifications by phone, text, and email. The city of San Diego participates in this system, which also includes accessibility options. For public health updates, residents can sign up for CAHAN San Diego, which provides advisories and alerts.
Additional Resources
Ready.gov offers national resources and toolkits. The California Office of Emergency Services provides state-level alerts and disaster resources. Local emergency management offices offer maps, evacuation routes, and shelter information. The American Red Cross shares preparedness tips, training opportunities, and shelter locations.
Why It Matters
During emergencies, access to medical care and medications may be disrupted. Patients with chronic conditions are particularly vulnerable. Clear family plans and access to trusted alert systems reduce stress and improve outcomes. Healthcare facilities can play a role by sharing preparedness information and communicating with patients about what to do in emergencies.
Preparation is not about fear. It is about being ready and protecting your family. September’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” reminds us that every action matters. By knowing risks, making a plan, assembling supplies, staying informed, and participating in community readiness, we build resilience.