In September, National Preparedness Month provides local health department (LHD) and Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit leaders, staff, and volunteers with an opportunity to foster greater community understanding and support for the critical role of local public health in supporting emergency preparedness. It also provides an opportunity to foster preparedness internally among staff and volunteers. By hosting preparedness-themed education and outreach activities throughout September, LHDs and MRC Units can promote year-round community vigilance and strengthen collective resilience. In addition, local health officials and MRC Unit volunteers can sharpen their preparedness knowledge and facilitation skills as a result of leading Preparedness Month events.
Resources to Get Involved
NACCHO encourages LHDs and MRCs to take advantage of Preparedness Month to engage families, communities, businesses, staff, volunteers, and other regional partners in preparedness activities.
The 2026 National Preparedness Month campaign by Ready.gov is focused on several distinct ideas that capture how Americans take pride in their ability to protect themselves and their families and work together to recover from disasters. The 2026 theme is “Americans Stand Ready.”
Resources
You can find many resources on Ready.gov to help you raise awareness in your community.
- 2026 National Preparedness Month Partners Toolkit
- Preparedness Month Graphics
- Information about how to stay safe before, during and after disasters and emergencies
- Guides for people with disabilities, caregivers, older adults, pets and animals, and more
- Free, downloadable publications
- Activities for children at Ready.gov/kids
- Preparedness plans for businesses
If your health department is planning activities to promote preparedness, NACCHO would like to feature your work through its publications. Please let Senior Communications Specialist Beth Hess ([email protected]) know if you have activities planned.
