September is National Preparedness Month
September 1, 2020
National Preparedness Month occurs each September to help communities plan for disasters that may come up throughout the year. This year’s theme is “Disasters Don’t Wait – Make Your Plan Today.” 2020 has proven how important it is to be ready for any disaster, even those that are unexpected. Use this month to make sure your department is ready to respond to all types of emergencies.
An article in the National Volunteer Fire Council’s (NVFC) latest issue of Firefighter Strong explains the importance of adopting an all-hazards approach to fire department planning. Read the article on pages 8-9 here. You can also find resources to help your department with the ongoing pandemic response here.
In addition, utilize these resource from the NVFC to make sure you and your department are prepared now and in the future.
- Prepare your department by taking online training through the NVFC Virtual Classroom. All courses are free to NVFC members.
- Prepare yourself by getting healthy, fit, and ready to respond with the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program.
- Prepare your crew by focusing on exposure risk reduction, behavioral health support, and other health and safety issues to help personnel Serve Strong.
- Prepare your community through the use of Fire Corps volunteers to provide emergency preparedness and fire prevention education, develop preparedness plans, conduct home safety checks and smoke alarm installations, assist with disaster drills, and more.
- Prepare for the future of your department with the Make Me A Firefighter recruitment and retention campaign and the National Junior Firefighter Program.
- Prepare for disasters with the Wildland Fire Assessment Program and the Fire Department Pipeline Response Emergency Planning & Preparedness Toolkit.
Join the NVFC and get access to additional benefits that can help you be personally prepared for the unexpected, including a $10,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy, eligibility to join the FASNY Federal Credit Union, eligibility to apply for the Volunteer Firefighter Support Fund, special options for critical illness coverage and home and auto insurance, and much more. You’ll also get access to the NVFC’s online community, Volunteer Voices, where you can connect with other responders from across the country to get advice, tips, and best practices to help strengthen and prepare your department.
