National Preparedness Month: "A Time to Remember. A Time to Prepare."

September is National Preparedness month, and this year NPM 2011 is a call to action urging our nation to remember the disasters of our past while preparing for the disasters of the future. And, although that original September 11th disaster is a prominent part of National Preparedness Month 2011, it is very important to also stress that preparedness is needed for ALL hazards, both natural and man-made.

FEMA is encouraging everyone to help prepare their business, family and community for emergencies of all kinds. (Item #1)   Staying in business means you have to be ready to take on any emergency that arises. (Item #2)   Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere. That is why this holiday season, you should Resolve to be Ready. (Item #3)  

The Federal government encourages everyone to prepare for the worst. (Item #4)   Use National Preparedness Month as an opportunity to ensure you are prepared for whatever may happen. (Item #5)   If you're wondering how to help your employees become more aware of preparedness, here are some ideas. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. FEMA Encourages Americans to Participate in September's National Preparedness Month

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Ready Campaign, in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, today announced the launch of new web tools that will make it easier for individuals and organizations throughout the nation to join the 2011 National Preparedness Month (NPM) coalition and pledge their support to help prepare their families, businesses and communities for emergencies of all kinds.
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=56745

2. Plan to Stay in Business

Business continuity planning must account for all hazards (both man-made and natural disasters). You should plan in advance to manage any emergency situation. Assess the situation, use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers and your business's recovery.
http://www.ready.gov/business/plan/index.html

3. Resolve to be Ready Toolkit

Ready.gov asks that you please consider using the enclosed messages to invite your members, employees, constituents, customers, family, friends, and community to make this important New Year's resolution with their fellow Americans. The Ready Campaign has provided web banners for your organization's website, posters, sample e-mails, and articles that you can share with your constituents.
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/resolve11/resolve2011_toolkit.pdf

4. National Preparedness Month: Expect the unexpected

September is National Preparedness Month in the United States. Inspired by Hurricane Katrina which struck the golf coast in 2005, the Federal government is encouraging small businesses to prepare for the worst. Every small business owner should constantly evaluate his or her emergency response plan. Here are a few suggestions.
http://www.activefilings.com/business-trends/expect-the-unexpected/

5. To Be Secure, Be Prepared: Small Business Owners Should Prepare for Emergencies during National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is led by FEMA's "Ready Campaign," in partnership with Citizen Corps and The Advertising Council. According to FEMA, National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort encouraging individuals, families, businesses and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.
http://www.businessknowhow.com/security/emergencies.htm

6. Three easy things a business can do to promote National Preparedness Month

The greater the awareness of disaster preparedness, the more apt people will be to take it seriously. When a disaster strikes, they will be happy they did. So what can a business - no matter how large or small - do to spread the message to their employees? Here are three easy things that can be done.
http://hartmaninventory.com/blog/three-easy-things-a-business-can-do-to-promote-national-preparedness-month/