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National Preparedness Month

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

What is it?

National Preparedness Month is an annual event to focus the nation’s attention on the importance of taking action to prepare for potential emergencies and disasters. This year’s theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.” Saturday, September 15th is the National Day of Action when citizens are encouraged to participate in emergency preparedness activities such as learning about the hazards that affect their community and ways to increase self-resiliency through education and preparedness.

What has the Army done/is doing?

The Army supports National Preparedness Month as part of its enduring culture of preparedness and resilience. To promote these concepts, the Army:

  • Maintains the Ready Army website, a one-stop shop of useful tools and information to help Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members prepare for emergencies by encouraging Families to be informed, make a plan, build a kit and get involved.

  • Through Department of the Army Pamphlet 525-27, Army Emergency Management Program, the Army provides a comprehensive method for planning, organizing, training, equipping, and exercising the force in preparation for emergencies Soldiers may face.

  • Established a Facility Working Group to address the unique emergency preparedness needs of the Army’s off-installation facilities such as recruiting stations, ROTC detachments, and Army-operated dams, locks, and similar infrastructure.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army is working with the American National Standards Institute to develop a Certified Army Emergency Manager credential. This initiative will create a cadre of Army Emergency Management professionals who can carry their expertise to Army commands worldwide.

The Army is the executive agent for developing an improved mass warning and notification capability, and will field a system to better inform personnel of potential threats to missions, personnel, and infrastructure.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army needs a ready force to carry out its mission. Through participation in activities like National Preparedness Month, the Army mitigates mission risk by encouraging its Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members to be proactive in preparing for life’s inevitable emergencies and disasters.

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Events

September 2018

National Preparedness Month

Sept. 11: Patriot Day

Sept. 15- Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month - Visit Hispanics in the U.S. Army

Sept. 30: Gold Star Mothers Day - Visit Gold Star Survivors