National Preparedness Month (NPM), recognized each September, reminds us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year.

The purpose of NPM, designated annually by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is to raise public awareness about the importance of being

prepared for disasters of any kind. The goal of the initiative is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions.

This year, the overarching NPM theme is "Prepare to Protect." NPM is the reminder to everyone to be prepared for the unexpected; to learn lifesaving skills, such as CPR and first aid; and check insurance policies and coverage for hazards you may face, like floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. As the nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no time like the present to ensure you and your family are prepared for any emergency.

The City of Alexandria encourages everyone to learn how to prepare for emergencies by being ready, involved, and informed. In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the Office of Emergency Management strongly recommends registering to participate in the the upcoming fall 2021 session of Community Emergency Response Team(CERT) training.

CERT Training

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) also encourages the community to consider becoming members of CERT. The CERT program educates you to prepare yourself, your family, and your community to address hazards that may impact the City of Alexandria and to respond to emergency situations. Learn basic disaster response skills such as damage assessment after a disaster, triage and giving first aid to victims, extinguishing small fires, performing light search and rescue, and providing much needed assistance in times of crisis.

Become a part of something larger by getting involved in preparedness activities at your workplace, campus, or place of worship. Consider volunteering for the Medical Reserve Corps, Citizens Corps Council, or other community groups. Visit the City's Get Involved webpage to find these and other volunteer opportunities.

During an emergency, it is vital to stay informed by monitoring local media and government information for official news and information. Visit the City's Be Alert webpage to learn about the many ways to stay in touch with local government and emergency authorities during an emergency, ranging from the free Alexandria eNews service to social media channels. Another useful resource is Smart911. The City of Alexandria joined the nationwide "Smart911" service, which lets residents, businesses, and visitors provide information to 911 dispatchers in advance of emergencies. Learn more about this free service by visiting the Smart911 webpage.