How to "Stand Ready" for Any Emergency
Updated: Sep 30
Every September, FEMA’s Ready Campaign hosts National Preparedness Month to remind individuals, families, and communities that taking small proactive steps today makes a massive difference when disaster strikes.
This year’s national campaign theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” highlights a core truth: preparedness is a shared responsibility. By taking action to safeguard our homes and loved ones, we support the work of first responders and build a more resilient nation.
3 Core Principles of Standing Ready
The "Americans Stand Ready" initiative focuses on three main pillars:
Upholding Our Patriotic Duty: Being self-reliant during the initial hours of a crisis lightens the load on local first responders, allowing them to focus critical resources where they are needed most.
Protecting Family and Friends: You know your household's needs better than anyone. Preparing in advance ensures you can keep children, older adults, and pets safe during unexpected events.
Strengthening Communities: Resilience spreads locally. Helping neighbors prepare or training in basic emergency skills strengthens the entire community's recovery capacity.
Essential Action Steps You Can Take Today
You don't need a massive budget or endless hours to get your household ready. Focus on four manageable steps:
Be in the Know
Sign up for local emergency alerts and stay informed about the specific hazards in your geographic area (such as floods, wildfires, or severe winter storms).
Action: Download the free FEMA App (available in English and Spanish) to receive real-time weather alerts and emergency shelter locations for up to five locations.
Tailor Your Household Emergency Plan
A good plan accounts for every member of your home—including pets, older adults, and individuals with disabilities or medical needs.
Document details: Write down contact numbers, medical info, and emergency meeting spots (both near your home and outside your neighborhood).
Map out locations: Detail plan steps for every location your family visits regularly, including school, work, and daycares.
Build an Emergency Kit over Time
Gathering supplies doesn't need to happen all at once. Start by collecting items you already own and add to them gradually.
Water & Food - 1 gallon per person per day (3-day minimum), non-perishable canned foods, manual can opener
Power & Light - Flashlight, extra batteries, portable power bank for cell phones, battery-operated radio
Medical & Hygiene - Basic first aid kit, 7-day supply of critical medications, personal sanitation supplies
Safety & Survival - Multi-tool, whistle (to signal for help), emergency Mylar blankets, local paper maps
Review Your Insurance and Build Community Skills
Financial preparedness is just as critical as physical supplies:
Check your coverage: Standard homeowners and renters insurance often exclude flood or earthquake damage. Remember that new policies can take up to 30 days to take effect.
Learn vital skills: Take a CPR, first aid, or Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) course through local emergency management agencies or the American Red Cross.
Take Action This Month
Disasters rarely offer advanced warning, but getting prepared doesn't have to be overwhelming. Pick one task this week—whether downloading an emergency app, stocking extra water, or reviewing your family meeting plan—and take your first step to Stand Ready.
For additional toolkits, graphics, and checklists, visit official resources at Ready.gov/stand-ready.
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