This year, NPM focuses on encouraging you and other Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. We have to work together, as a team, to ensure that individuals, families and communities are ready. Make a plan, get an emergency supply kit, stay informed, and work together as a team to keep everyone safe.

We’re taking steps as an organization to become educated, trained and better prepared, and we urge you to take time this month to do the same at home, at work, and for your community. There are simple steps you can take to better prepare yourself and your family. I encourage you to visit www.ready.gov (for Spanish visit www.listo.gov ) to learn more about how to prepare yourself and your family. FEMA also has a website that provides valuable information for parents and teachers, as well as for kids of all ages: www.fema.gov/kids/index.htm.

It is our desire that you take the opportunity to visit one of the websites listed above, read the “Tip of the Day” and brush up on the skills you need to take care of yourself and your loved ones.