September is National Preparedness Month

seattle dot gov

September is National Preparedness Month

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

2022 National Preparedness Month Theme: A Lasting Legacy

The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family. National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could disrupt your normal routine. This year’s national public service announcements are being developed and will be released throughout the country this September, to help get preparedness information into the hands of those who live in underserved communities.

Preparedness Classes In September

Virtual Classes 

9/1 - 6:30pm - 8:00 pm, Disaster Skills: The Basics

9/12 - 6:30pm - 8:00 pm, Disaster Skills: The Basics

9/28 - 6:30pm - 8:00 pm, Disaster Skills: The Basics

Register Here


In-Person Classes for your Community

OEM offers a variety of free in-person emergency preparedness classes you can request for your community group, neighborhood, or workplace:

  • Hands-On Skills Trainings: fire extinguisher use, purifying water, and making an emergency toilet
  • Workplace Preparedness and Continuity
  • Neighborhood Preparedness with SNAP - Seattle Neighbors Actively Prepare
  • Stop the Bleed - bleeding control and safety

Learn More

Protecting Your Legacy

One way to protect your legacy, is to have a plan in place. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

  • How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  • What is my shelter plan?
  • What is my evacuation route?
  • What is my family/household communication plan?
  • Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Older Couple Preparing for Emergencies

Be smart and protect your critical documents and valuables.


Sign up for free emergency alerts

Stay informed and be prepared by signing up for emergency alerts and notifications at alert.seattle.gov. Sign up today!

Alert Seattle Emergency Alerts and Notifications graphic

Consider specific needs in your household

A family preparing for emergencies

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.

Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

  • Different ages of members within your household
  • Responsibilities for assisting others
  • Locations frequented
  • Dietary needs
  • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
  • Languages spoken
  • Cultural and religious considerations
  • Pets or service animals
  • Households with school-aged children

Learn more about National Preparedness Month and the easy ways you can prepare for the unexpected ready.gov.