September 2023 has been proclaimed National Preparedness Month to raise awareness of the importance of being prepared for sudden disasters and emergencies.
President Biden’s proclamation issued on August 31, 2023, stressed the need to work together to help prepare for and recover from disasters.
The proclamation stated, “In America, we pride ourselves on emerging from every crisis stronger than when we entered it. That is because our people are resilient — and when we invest in preparing them for disasters seen and unforeseen, we can meet every challenge together.”
Read President Biden’s full proclamation for National Preparedness Month here.
ARRL Director of Emergency Management Josh Johnston, KE5MHV, said National Preparedness Month is a good time for hams to make sure they are ready for emergencies. Johnston offered the following advice: “During the month of September, we encourage hams to check their preparedness and ensure they are ready for any type of event. Check your go-kit, charge your batteries, and ensure everything is working properly and ready to go if the need arises. The need could be right at home, and your backup gear or go-kit may be all you have to get on the air.”
Johnston also advised hams to check more than radio gear, stating, “Make sure you have enough food and water to get by for a period of time. Have your medications listed, and pack that list in your go-kit or somewhere you will have it available. Prepare for anything. It is important to make sure your family is safe before you begin any possible activation.”
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that their 2023 Ready Campaign’s theme, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” focuses on preparing older adults in communities that are disproportionally impacted by all-hazard events.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated, “With the Atlantic hurricane season now underway, it is imperative that we advocate for the well-being of our nation’s older adults and champion them as valued, honored, and respected members of our communities.”
Emergency managers, and all those who work with and support older adult communities, now have access to new FEMA web pages in English (Ready.gov/older-adults) and Spanish (Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores). For information on helping people with disabilities prepare for disaster events, visit Ready.gov/disability (English) or Ready.gov/es/discapacidad (Spanish).
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