America’s PrepareAthon! is a national community-based campaign for action to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific drills, group discussions, and exercises.
Ready.gov explains the goal of America’s PrepareAthon! is to build a more resilient nation by increasing the number of individuals who understand…
- which disasters could happen in their community;
- know what to do to be safe and mitigate damage;
- take action to increase their preparedness;
- and participate in community resilience planning.
The spring and fall events are designed to encourage Americans to practice preparedness before an emergency or disaster strikes. For example, each year the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills encourage millions of people to physically practice what to do during an earthquake, and America’s PrepareAthon is modeled on the same principle. Participants must commit to take action and take at least one step (or more!) to prepare for a hazard they may face.
As mentioned above, the PrepareAthon! will occur twice a year — once in the spring and once in the fall — with the 2014 events planned on April 30 and September 30. Each event will concentrate on specific hazards and themes, but communities, organizations and families are encouraged to use the various resources throughout the year since disasters can happen anywhere and anytime.
According to Ready.gov the first National Day of Action is scheduled for April 30, 2014 and will focus on taking actions to prepare for four specific hazards:
— Tornadoes
— Wildfires
— Floods
— Hurricanes
Agencies, organizations, businesses, schools and individuals can visit www.ready.gov/prepare and register to participate in America’s PrepareAthon! During the signup process organizers would like to know a few details about activities you are planning for the April call to action (similar to registering for ShakeOut events), plus you can join the National Preparedness Community to post events and network with others in the forum.
Also America’s PrepareAthon! organizers are providing customizable guides, social media tools and promotional materials for families and groups to use whether you just do the National Day of Action on 4/30 or hold drills or exercises year-round. The key is turning knowing into doing!
Additional Resources
In addition to the above and below links, consider learning more about FedHealth’s customizable disaster preparedness and first aid manual for your public outreach efforts too.
Our IT’S A DISASTER! book qualifies as community education on grants and provides about a $3 or $4-to-$1 return on match since we discount it up to 70% off list (or as low as $4.50 each) and customize it for free.
Plus we have collaborative funding ideas to help first responders, nonprofits and schools and educate local communities while saving people money! It’s a whole community approach to resilience and preparedness that can complement your Awareness campaigns. Learn more and download a free ebook
Some other informational tools include…
FLOOD resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mold cleanup tips
EPA’s 20-page guide, “Mold, Moisture and Your Home”
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (Floods)
HURRICANE Resources
Hurricanes 101 (hurricane basics and resources) / a 2013 post on our IAD blog
Florida’s Foundation “Make Mitigation Happen” (21-pg PDF for FL but could help most everyone)
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (Hurricanes)
NOAA Tropical Cyclones Preparedness Guide (12 pg PDF)
TORNADO Resources
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (Tornadoes)
WILDFIRE Resources
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (Wildfire)
National Interagency Fire Center
US Fire Administration Wildfire safety
Or download a free portion of our It’s A Disaster! book … or visit your state or local Emergency Management, Health or Fire or Police or Sheriff department’s website to find local emergency information, safety tips and tools to help you and your loved ones get prepared.
And again… learn how to take action and get involved with America’s PrepareAthon at www.ready.gov/prepare and follow them on Twitter @PrepareAthon or Facebook.
Fedhealth blog 