September 2021 National Preparedness Month theme and resources

National Preparedness Month encourages and promotes family and community disaster planning throughout the month of September, and provides many tools to help Americans continue preparedness habits year round.

The 2021 NPM theme is: “Prepare To Protect” since preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.

Use the following weekly topics suggested by FEMA’s Ready campaign to help your family, friends, co-workers and fans get more prepared for emergencies and disasters:

Week 1: Sept 1-4  — Make A Plan (Discuss how you would communicate with family and friends before, during and after disasters or emergencies, designate meetup places in case you are separated, review insurance papers, etc.)

Week 2: Sept 5-11 — Build A Kit (make various kits for family members for your home, office or school locker, and vehicles, plus a grab & go kit (B.O.B.) in case you have to evacuate quickly to a safer location. Do this with all family members – from kids to seniors and pets)

Week 3: Sept 12-18 — Prepare for Disasters (Find out the best way to limit the impacts an emergency or disaster may have like having the right insurance coverage, and take some steps to strengthen or improve home, garage and landscape to mitigate or lessen damage from floods, high winds, earthquakes, wildfires and more)

Week 4: Sept 19-25 — Teach Youth About Preparedness (Talk to kids about the types of disasters that happen where you live and travel. Teach them lessons on preparedness so they can be prepared, not scared by practicing fire, earthquake and tornado drills often and making kits together then updating kits twice a year on daylight savings weekend. Find kid-friendly educational resources and activities here and here, and make family preparedness fun, positive and encouraging throughout the year.)

With knowledge comes power so, if more people would learn what to do before, during and after certain types of scenarios, it could alleviate a lot of problems, anxiety, fear and loss, as well as lessen the burden on local emergency services during and after emergencies and disasters.

Learn more about NPM at Ready.gov and download our free 67-page ebook to help your loved ones and communities do the above steps and get more prepared and resilient.

Also consider getting some customizable 266-page “IT’S A DISASTER!” preparedness and first aid books (or PDF ebooks) for your staff, volunteers, students, customers or communities … or, if you have a large reach, request a custom ebook for your volunteers, members and fans and help a charity of your choosing!

Learn more and download a free portion of our preparedness and first aid book in PDF at fedhealth.net . Stay safe ~ j & B

September National Preparedness Month theme and resources

National Preparedness Month (NPM) was created to encourage and promote family and community disaster planning throughout the month of September, and provides tools for families and others to continue preparedness habits year round.

The 2020 NPM theme is: “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today” and below are the weekly topics being encouraged by Ready.gov…

Week 1: Sept 1-5  — Make A Plan (Designate meetup places in case you’re separated, know how to communicate with family and friends during disasters, review insurance papers, etc.)

Week 2: Sept 6-12 — Build A Kit (make various kits for family members for your home, office or school locker, and vehicles, plus a grab & go kit (B.O.B.) in case you have to evacuate quickly to a safer location. Do this with all family members – from kids to seniors and pets!)

Week 3: Sept 13-19 — Prepare for Disasters (Find out the best way to limit the impacts an emergency or disaster may have, like having the right insurance coverage, and take some steps to strengthen or improve home, garage and landscape to mitigate damage from floods, high winds, earthquakes, wildfires and more)

Week 4: Sept 20-26 — Teach Youth About Preparedness (Talk to your kids about the types of disasters that happen where you live and travel. Teach them lessons on preparedness so they can be prepared, not scared by practicing fire, earthquake and tornado drills often and making kits together then updating kits twice a year on daylight savings weekend. Find kid-friendly educational resources and activities here and here, and make family preparedness fun and encouraging.)

Learn more about NPM and find resources for each week at Ready.gov and download our free 60-page ebook to help your loved ones and community get more prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Also consider getting some of our customizable 266-page “IT’S A DISASTER!” preparedness and first aid manuals (or PDF ebooks) for your staff, volunteers, students, customers or local communities, and we will donate 15% of bulk orders back to your local volunteer fire department or group of your choosing (plus proceeds also benefit the U.S. First Responders Association.)

Learn more and download a free portion of our book in PDF at www.fedhealth.net

National Preparedness Month 2019 (Get #PreparedNotScared)

Although we encourage preparedness year-round, September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) when Americans can take action to prepare for various types of emergencies that could affect people where they live, work, and visit.

The Ready Campaign’s 2019 theme is “Prepared, Not Scared” and their social media toolkit provides graphics, hashtags, and content that can be customized to your needs.

Please use and share the weekly suggestions below to focus on your preparedness efforts and encourage others to get prepared too:

• September 1-7:  Save Early for Disaster Costs
• September 8-14:  Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters
• September 15-21:  Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters
• September 22-30:  Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness

Learn more about NPM and find resources for each week at www.ready.gov/september to help your loved ones and community get #PreparedNotScared.

Also learn how to order our customizable 266-page “IT’S A DISASTER!” preparedness and first aid manuals (and download a free 60-page portion of it in PDF) or get our ebook at www.fedhealth.net.

Stay safe ~ j & B

Become more #CyberAware during October Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to inform the public of the importance of cyber security.

America’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) campaign – under leadership from the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small and medium-size businesses, corporations, educational institutions, and young people across the nation.

Fedhealth has been a proud Champion of NCSAM since 2004 promoting awareness about online safety on our blog and enews.

Cybersecurity begins with a simple message everyone using the Internet can adopt: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Take security and safety precautions, understand the consequences of your actions and behaviors online, secure your IoT devices , and enjoy the benefits of the Internet.

NCSA has resources, weekly themes and social media tools to help families, businesses and educators get #CyberAware and involved at staysafeonline.org/ncsam. Follow NCSA on Facebook or on Twitter @STOPTHNKCONNECT and @StaySafeOnline and search #CyberAware for more cyber safety tips and resources.

Canada’s Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM) was created to educate Canadians about Internet security and the simple steps individuals can take to protect themselves online.

Canada’s #CSAM campaign is divided by themes which highlight different aspects of cyber security each week. Learn more at getcybersafe.ca and follow @GetCyberSafe or #CSAM on Twitter.

And the European Union advocacy campaign European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) aims to raise awareness of cyber security threats, promote cyber security among citizens and organizations; and provide resources to protect themselves online, through education and sharing of good practices.

Visit http://cybersecuritymonth.eu/ to learn more and to find events in Europe and follow @CyberSecMonth and ‪#‎cybersecmonth on Twitter.

Whether you use one computer, a smartphone or a massive network, it is critical to keep systems protected from viruses and attacks. Some things you can do include…

• Make sure computers and all wireless devices have current anti-virus and anti-spyware software and firewalls … and schedule them to scan daily or weekly. Also set virus patterns, operating systems and browsers to update automatically. Encourage employees to protect their personal home devices too.
• Set security preferences as high as possible on Internet browsers and anti-virus packages.
• Use a strong password to protect your home wi-fi router and create a “Guest” password for people who visit and need internet access.
• Be aware some flash drives may have trojans or viruses, or be used to copy sensitive data off secure systems, so consider limiting access to critical files and/or systems.
• Although it is best to not open emails or attachments from unknown sources, that’s not feasible in the business world. But implement precautionary procedures like having employees save attached files into a temp directory and scan them before opening.
• Discourage accessing financial institutions from mobile devices using apps or email links. Instead, visit banking and credit card sites directly using a browser window.
• Be aware there are lots of “scareware” scams online! Do NOT download or click on a screen that says it found “X number of viruses or spyware on your system” suggesting you download their package — it will most likely be a virus.
• Use long passwords (using both numbers and letters [and special characters if possible]) on banking, social media and other systems, change them often, and don’t share them with others.
• Backup data often and keep a daily or weekly backup off-site.
• Make sure someone knows how to download patches or fixes in case a computer or system gets infected. And have a backup plan in case that person (or team) is not available.
• If your business is hacked, file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
• Stay current on cyber threats by joining DHS’s US Computer Emergency Readiness Team www.us-cert.gov and visit NCSA’s www.staysafeonline.org

Please share these resources with others and post your #CyberAware tips in comments below.

Happy, safe surfing, j & B

Get Ready for September 2018 National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) when Americans are encouraged to take action to prepare ~ now and throughout the year ~ for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and visit.

The Ready Campaign’s 2018 #NatlPrep theme is “Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How.”

Use the month to focus on your preparedness efforts for various disasters and emergencies, and encourage others to get prepared too.

Ready‘s 2018 NPM social media toolkit provides graphics, hashtags, and content that can be customized to your needs. In addition to the theme for the month, each weekly theme highlights different preparedness actions.

Help promote preparedness using these #NatlPrep tools and themes:

• September 1-8: Make and Practice Your Plan
• September 9-15: Learn Life Saving Skills
• September 15: National Day of Action
• September 16-22: Check Your Insurance Coverage
• September 23-29: Save For an Emergency

Learn more at www.ready.gov/september.

Also consider getting our disaster preparedness and first aid manuals for your family, co-workers, customers, neighbors, events and training sessions for only $4.50 U.S. each delivered (70% off $14.99 list) on 10 copies & up and we can customize them for free!

The 266-page paperback provides quick-reference instructional bullets in 2-color format with tips on what people should think about and do before, during and after specific types of emergencies and disasters (e.g. hurricanes, hazardous material spills, nuclear incidents, active shooter scenarios, etc.), as well as how to administer basic first aid.

Fedhealth can ship red books within 24 hours of your order … plus we donate a portion of bulk book orders to the U.S. First Responders Association in support of our nation’s first responders and veterans.

Learn how to order “IT’S A DISASTER!” books (and download a free 56-page portion of it in PDF) or get our 280-page ebook in PDF at www.fedhealth.net … or call Fedhealth at 520-907-2153.

Please share these tools with others and stay safe out there, j & B

Fire Prevention Week is Oct 8-14, 2017

Did you know fire kills more Americans every year than all natural disasters combined? Fire spreads quickly so there is NO time to grab valuables or make a phone call.

That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan.

Some key FPW messages from the National Fire Protection Association include:

• Draw a map of your home by using NFPA’s grid in English (PDF) or Spanish (PDF) with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Find more Home Fire Prevention and Safety Tips  … and learn more about FPW at www.firepreventionweek.org

Resources for Sept 2017 National Preparedness Month + America’s PrepareAthon

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM) when Americans are encouraged to take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and visit.

The Ready Campaign recently released the 2017 NPM theme “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.” and toolkit, which includes graphics, hashtags, and social media content to help spread the word to others.

In addition to the overall theme, FEMA and the Ready campaign will be promoting different preparedness actions each week:

• Week 1:  September 1-9 – Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends.
• Week 2:  September 10-16 – Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community.
• Week 3:  September 17-23 – Practice and Build Out Your Plans.
• Week 4:  September 24-30 – Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger.

Learn more about National Preparedness Month at www.ready.gov/september.

Also consider getting our disaster preparedness and first aid manuals for your family, co-workers, customers, church members, neighbors, events and training sessions for only $4.50 U.S. each in bulk (70% off $14.99 list) and we can customize them for free!

The 266-page paperback provides quick-reference instructional bullets in 2-color format with tips on what people should think about and do before, during and after specific types of emergencies and disasters (e.g. hurricanes, hazardous material spills, nuclear incidents, active shooter scenarios, etc.), as well as how to administer basic first aid.

Fedhealth can ship red books within 24 hours of your order … plus we (Bill & Janet Liebsch) will donate a portion of bulk book orders to the U.S. First Responders Association in support of our nation’s first responders and veterans.

Learn how to order “IT’S A DISASTER!” books (or our 280-page ebook in PDF) or call Fedhealth at 520-907-2153. Stay safe out there, j & B

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Join REMS TA Center #PrepareAthonForSchools Twitter Chats July 27 and August 31, 2017

Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center (REMS TA Center) will be hosting 2 preparedness Twitter chats featuring stories, lessons learned, and key resources from states, localities, and additional Federal partners.

The 2017 topics include:

• July 27: Engaging Family and Community in Back to School Preparedness
• August 31: National Preparedness Month Preview

Here is how you can participate:

• Follow @remstacenter on Twitter. They will start posting chat questions at 3:00 p.m. ET on each of the dates listed above.
• Tweet your responses to questions live on Twitter using the 140-character count format.
• Share information about the #PrepareAthonForSchools Twitter chats with your followers in advance. REMS TA Center suggests using the following tweet:  Join @remstacenter for monthly #PrepareAthonForSchools chat series through August to discuss #emergencypreparedness .
• If you cannot participate live, read and contribute anytime on Twitter by searching #PrepareAthonForSchools.

Both July and August Twitter chats will be held from 3p to 4p EDT and share this post with others to help spread the word.

Learn about Building a Safe Room (FEMA Webinar 22-May-2017 2p EDT)

FEMA’s Building Science Branch is hosting a one-hour webinar on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 2 p.m. EDT to provide consumer and construction guidance for residential and small business safe rooms.

Participants will use the 2014 publication, “FEMA P-320 Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business,” as resource to learn about background on FEMA safe rooms, new guidance, and revised construction plans.

Those interested in participating in the webinar can register online.

The following topics will be addressed:

• assessing the need for safe rooms;
• planning for safe rooms;
• consumer guidance;
• how to use the FEMA P-320 construction plans;
• and safe room tools and resources.

Webinar participants will receive a Certificate of Completion indicating one Professional Development Hour for those who wish to self-report for professional licensure. Register for FEMA’s webinar

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Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Week is May 7 to 13, 2017 #epweek

Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is an annual event that takes place each year during the first full week of May. This national event is coordinated by Public Safety Canada, in close collaboration with the provinces and territories and partners.

This year, the theme is Plan. Prepare. Be Aware. It is meant to help Canadians take action to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.

Through the Get Prepared campaign, Canadians can learn to know the risks, make a plan, and get an emergency kit. This year’s theme highlights the importance of having these measures in place but specifically emphasizes the need to keep up to date on current conditions, like the weather, that might impact you.

Find EP Week resources, toolkits, provincial listings and more at https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/ … and share with others to help build a more resilient and safer Canada.

Also download a free 56-page portion of our IT’S A DISASTER! book and share the PDF and link with others.