National Preparedness Month 2027

What is National Preparedness Month?

National Preparedness Month is held every September and is led by FEMA through its Ready campaign. It encourages households, businesses and communities to plan for emergencies such as severe weather, fires, floods, power outages and chemical releases.

Why it matters for workplaces

Emergencies rarely give warning, and plans that exist only on paper tend to fail under pressure. OSHA requires many employers to have an emergency action plan covering how people report emergencies, evacuate and are accounted for. Preparedness month is a good time to test that plan and the people behind it, using a clear structure such as the Incident Command System.

Ways to take part

1. Run an evacuation drill. Time it and check that everyone, including visitors and contractors, is accounted for.
2. Update your emergency action plan. Check names, phone numbers, assembly points and alarm systems.
3. Assign emergency roles. Name who leads on each shift and who backs them up.
4. Plan for your local risks. Cover the hazards most likely in your area, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires or floods.
5. Check supplies. Inspect first aid kits, flashlights, radios and backup power.

Frequently Asked Questions: National Preparedness Month

When is National Preparedness Month?

It runs for the whole month of September every year.

Does every employer need an emergency action plan?

Many OSHA standards require one. Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally instead of in writing.