More than 1,150 national, regional, state and local organizations are taking part in National Preparedness Month, which began Sept. 1. This nationwide effort urges Americans to prepare for emergencies of all kinds in their homes, businesses, schools and communities. This year, the Department of Homeland Security is focusing on family emergency preparedness, reminding individuals to make themselves and their loved ones better prepared.

The goal of National Preparedness Month is to educate Americans about the importance of emergency preparedness and encourage individuals to take action. Throughout the year, DHS promotes individual emergency preparedness through its Ready campaign and Citizen Corps as part of a broader national effort conducted by the department’s Directorate for Preparedness.

In a message to all DHS employees last week, Under Secretary for Preparedness George Foresman urged employees to vigilantly prepare themselves to handle a terrorist attack as well as any natural disaster. “This is the time for components to practice their COOP plans, and this is the time for us to practice fire drills or evacuation plans both at our workplace and at home,” the under secretary said as part of his message.