Governor's NPM Proclamation
Facts Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions

September is National Preparedness Month and the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security is asking all Tennesseans to take time this month to get Ready.

During National Preparedness Month, OHS hopes to change Tennesseans’ perceptions about emergency preparedness and explain what it truly means to be Ready.

Preparedness goes beyond fire alarms, smoke detectors, dead-bolt locks and extra food in the pantry. Being Ready includes: getting an emergency supply kit; making a family emergency plan; being informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and getting involved in community efforts such as Citizen Corps. By following the simple, yet necessary, steps below, you’ll make sure you and your loved ones are ready for emergencies.

Step 1: Get a Kit

The first step toward emergency preparedness is creating a basic emergency supply kit. It should include at least a three-day supply of basic necessities, such as water, non-perishable food and any special needs of family members, such as prescription medications. Checkout a list of items recommended for a basic emergency supply kit.

Step 2: Make a Plan

Keep in mind that your family may not be together when disaster strikes. That’s why it’s important to create a family emergency plan in advance so you will know how to contact one another, how you will get back together, and what to do in different situations.

Step 3: Be Informed

It’s also important you stay informed about the emergencies that can happen in your region and community and how to respond to them. In Tennessee, there is potential for a wide range of natural disasters that span the seasons, including tornadoes, flooding, snow storms and earthquakes. Man made disasters, including acts of terrorism, also remain a valid threat for our state and the country. Contact your local emergency management office with specific questions.

Step 4: Get Involved

Finally, OHS encourages everyone to get involved in their local community preparedness efforts through Tennessee’s Citizen Corps programs. Citizen Corps provides local opportunities for Tennesseans of all abilities to prepare, train and volunteer to help address all types of natural and man-made hazards. Five programs fall under the Citizen Corps umbrella, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training, Fire Corps, Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Service.

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign and is held each September to raise public awareness about emergency preparedness. Ready is a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. The goal of the campaign is to get the public involved and ultimately to increase the level of basic preparedness across the nation. Visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for additional information.