Preparedness Starts at Home

CSFA Community Risk Reduction

There are No Shortage of Disasters – Why Preparedness Is Our Greatest Ally

In today’s world, disasters no longer knock—they barge in. From flash floods in desert towns to wildfires that leap across highways, the frequency and intensity of emergencies are escalating. Climate shifts, aging infrastructure, and global instability have created a landscape where “unexpected” is now expected.

But here’s the truth: while we can’t prevent every disaster, we can prepare. And preparation isn’t just about stockpiling supplies, it’s about protecting lives, preserving dignity, and strengthening community bonds.

National Preparedness Month National Preparedness Month, observed each September, was established by FEMA in 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters. Managed by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, the resources and information shared during National Preparedness Month can be used by anyone at any time to get prepared for whatever may come their way.

The Ready Campaign aims to ensure all our friends and neighbors have the tools they need to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes. National Preparedness Month 2025 Theme This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is Preparedness Starts at Home.

We are asking people to take four key actions to prepare for any disaster they may face:

• Know the different types of emergencies that could happen and appropriate responses to stay safe.
• Make a family emergency plan.
• Build an emergency supply kit.
• Get involved in their community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.

National Preparedness Month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared. Getting yourself, your family and your home ready for emergencies like earthquakes, wildfires, power outages, hazmat incidents, and floods means you’re more prepared for disasters.

We all have responsibilities for our families, pets, neighbors and communities. By taking steps now, you can be in control of both your safety and those you care about before, during and after a disaster. Think about what you’ll need and how the people in your social circles can help each other. A great place to start is by knowing the risks where you are. Then, make a plan and build an emergency supply kit to help keep yourself and those you love safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. Finally, get involved by keeping up to date with your community’s emergency and disaster plan and working with neighbors to prepare.

Here is your National Preparedness Toolkit to Help You and Your Community Become Prepared: https://binged.it/46q9dKq

When making your plans, make sure you consider any unique needs of those you care for, whether it be medical conditions, loved ones with disabilities, your pets, and any neighbors who might need help getting prepared.

Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Flashflood Safety during our summer monsoon months. This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction, or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com