Preparedness Starts at Home

Emily Fay

September 24, 2025

September is National Preparedness Month! This year’s theme, Preparedness Starts at Home, focuses on getting back to the essentials of preparedness. There are four key actions your family can take to prepare for any disaster.

1) Know Your Risk

It’s important to know what could happen where you and your family live. Is your state, city, or even neighborhood likely to experience certain types of weather? Understand what could impact your family and make a plan for each scenario. More information about hazards and how to prepare is available at BeReadyLexington.com/Hazards.

2) Make a Family Emergency Plan

Creating and practicing your Family Emergency Plan before disaster strikes can reduce stress and save time and money. There are even fillable forms to help your family make a plan.

Every family has different needs, so every family’s emergency plan is a little different. Sit down with your family and discuss what you will do in the event of an emergency. You can find more information on creating a family emergency plan (and other types of plans) here.

3) Build an Emergency Supply Kit

In an emergency, it may take a few days for first responders to reach your house, depending on the severity of the damage/disaster in your area. Make sure your family’s emergency kit contains everything your family needs to survive for up to 72 hours. This includes food, water, medicines, and supplies for any pets. Your family’s kit should be easy to move if you need to leave your home. For more information, including a list of items to include in your kit, visit BeReadyLexington.com/build-a-kit.

4) Get Involved with Your Community by Taking Action to Prepare for Emergencies

Emergencies can happen fast and without warning. First responders aren’t always nearby and may be unable to reach you immediately after a disaster. However, you can make a difference and potentially save a life by preparing now. Consider taking a first aid class or joining your local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Lexington’s CERT program is offered twice a year and includes learning first aid and disaster response skills. You can learn more about Lexington’s CERT program and how to sign up at BeReadyLexington.com/CERT.