Ready Together: Plan for the Unexpected in National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, a timely opportunity to assess how ready you, your loved ones, and/or your business are for disasters and emergencies.

This year’s national Ready campaign theme is “Americans Stand Ready.” This theme focuses on ideas that capture how you can take pride in your ability to protect yourself and your families and work together to recover from disasters.   

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” said William Flagler, Director of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. “The more Arlington neighbors and businesses prepare, the more resilient our community becomes in the face of disasters and unexpected emergencies.”

Take these steps today:

1. Make a plan. Be sure that your household, including your pets, knows what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves during a disaster.
2. Be in the know. Sign up for Arlington Alert to receive real-time local alerts about weather, emergencies, County operation status and more. Make sure to turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phone and know your local TV and radio stations.
3. Build a kit. You can gather supplies over time, starting with items you may already have at home like canned food and first aid supplies.
4. Take the next step. Volunteer and training opportunities such as Until Help Arrives, are available year-round to help neighbors prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Visit the County’s Preparedness Month webpage to explore preparedness resources for the home, workplace and community follow @ReadyArlington on X and Bluesky.

About Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management

The Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) is dedicated to enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness through strategic communication, coordination, and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Arlington residents by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies.

Media Contact

Aisha Mbowe
Ambowe@arlingtonva.us

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