In the near future, we plan to introduce a resolution recognizing September 2025 as “National Preparedness Month” in Pennsylvania.
 
Recognized nationally each September, National Preparedness Month raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. National Preparedness Month is an annual campaign led by FEMA’s Ready Campaign that encourages individuals, families, and communities to take proactive steps to prepare for disasters. The initiative promotes actions such as developing an emergency plan, assembling a supply kit, staying informed about local hazards, and engaging with community preparedness programs. 

In this year alone, our country and our Commonwealth have experienced an unprecedented amount of extreme storms, tornadoes, deadly flooding, rampant wildfires, record-high extreme heat across the country and gas explosions destroying homes and lives. As the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events caused by decades of greenhouse gas pollution from the use of fossil fuels increases, it is more important than ever for all residents to understand how to be prepared in the event of an emergency.  No community is immune or protected from the devastating impacts and our emergency responders need additional resources to ensure timely and adequate response following a hazardous incident.

National Preparedness Month will raise awareness of the need for all residents to prepare for disasters and the extreme weather events that we are facing with increasing frequency.  It is also another way to show our support for all first responders --  our first line of defense when catastrophes threaten our homes, businesses, schools, communities and families.
 
Please join us in recognizing our first responders and raising awareness for emergency preparedness by cosponsoring this resolution.