September is National Preparedness Month. This annual observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. During this month, federal government agencies and other organizations remind their partners of the resources available to help protect themselves and strengthen their resilience to disasters.

The 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” which focuses on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation. While the theme does not focus on organizations and businesses, WaterISAC reminds its members that employee readiness is essential for organizational readiness. 

Indeed, from natural disasters to active shooter events, emergencies can strike anytime, anywhere at varying degrees throughout the year. Emergency preparedness requires constant vigilance. It ensures that equipment is maintained, and that plans are reviewed and tested regularly. Proper planning and prevention can reduce the catastrophic impact of a natural disaster or hostile event. A critical aspect of emergency preparedness is making sure your organization is aware of the potential natural disasters or man-made hazards that could occur in your area. Other important considerations for emergency planning include knowing where to get emergency alerts, where to evacuate to in the event your facility is impacted, and ensuring your organization has a plan for all emergency contingencies, which can be identified during a risk assessment.

Some resources to consider for National Preparedness Month include FEMA’s Ready.gov website, EPA’s Drinking Water and Wastewater Resilience webpage, the Small Business Administration’s Prepare for Emergencies webpage, and the Tools section of the WaterISAC portal.