September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness

National Preparedness Month, observed every September in the United States, is a time dedicated to encouraging Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters that could happen at any time. The month-long observance focuses on raising awareness about the importance of being ready for various types of emergencies, from natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires to man-made incidents like power outages and cyberattacks.

History and Significance

National Preparedness Month was first recognized in 2004, spearheaded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of the broader efforts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This initiative was launched in response to a growing recognition of the need for greater public awareness and preparedness following the heightened focus on national security after the events of September 11, 2001. The campaign emphasizes the idea that preparedness is a shared responsibility that involves everyone, from individuals and families to communities and businesses.

Key Themes and Focus Areas

Each year, National Preparedness Month has a specific theme that guides the outreach and educational efforts. These themes are designed to address different aspects of preparedness, such as making a plan, building an emergency kit, staying informed, and getting involved in community preparedness efforts. The goal is to ensure that individuals and communities are not only prepared for emergencies but are also resilient enough to recover from them.

Why It Matters

The observance of National Preparedness Month is crucial because it helps mitigate the impact of disasters. When people are informed and prepared, they are better equipped to protect themselves, their families, and their property. This preparedness can significantly reduce the number of injuries, deaths, and financial losses that often accompany disasters.

How to Participate

There are many ways to get involved in National Preparedness Month, including:

• Creating an Emergency Plan: Businesses can develop a plan that includes communication strategies, evacuation routes, and how to stay safe during a disaster.
• Building an Emergency Kit: A kit should include essentials like water, food, medications, flashlights, and important documents.
• Staying Informed: Sign up for alerts from local emergency management agencies and stay updated on potential threats in your area.
• Community Involvement: Participate in local preparedness events or volunteer with organizations that help communities recover from disasters.

Conclusion

National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder that disasters can strike at any time, and being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. By taking proactive steps during September, you can ensure that you are ready to face whatever challenges may come your way.

FEATURED Solution Selling Show Supplier:

(This section will cover a different supplier each month that has been a guest on our podcast)

Brite-Strike is a leading manufacturer of high-quality tactical lighting solutions and personal safety products designed to help individuals stay prepared for a variety of emergency situations. Founded by former police officer Glenn Bushee , Brite-Strike has built its reputation on innovation, durability, and reliability, making its products a go-to choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and civilians alike.

Key Products and Their Benefits

• APALS® (All Purpose Adhesive Light Strips): These innovative light strips are a versatile tool for both safety and emergency preparedness. They can be attached to clothing, gear, or vehicles to provide visibility in low-light conditions. Great alternative to chem lights! Whether you’re on a camping trip, out for a night hike, or dealing with an unexpected roadside emergency, APALS® ensure you’re seen and safe.

• Brite-Rescue™ is an emergency lighted signaling system. Its ultra-compact size of 1.5”x5” easily fits into a neoprene pouch and unrolls to 10’ long. It has 6 international amber APALS-AIR®, 2 photo-luminescent tape strips, 2 Solas radar reflective tape strips and offers over 200 hours each of signaling capabilities. The APALS-AIR® has two strobe modes, a steady on and can be turned off and reused. The LED’s can be seen for 2 horizontal miles and 3 by air. It can be used on land and floats on water so don’t take off on your outdoor adventure without one.

Being prepared means having the right tools at your disposal, and Brite-Strike’s products are specifically designed to meet that need. Whether it’s providing light in the darkest of times, enhancing your personal safety, or ensuring you’re visible in an emergency, Brite-Strike helps you stay ready for whatever comes your way. Investing in their products is a proactive step towards ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you.

Reading Corner

(This section covers what I am currently reading each month)

Business Book

This month I am starting Gary Vaynerchuk 's Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too. I have been waiting impatiently to read a book by Gary for years, and finally the time has come! I am super excited to read this one to learn from him and have the rest of his books on my wish list to read later as well.

Recreational Read

This month I am reading Bill O'Reilly's, Killing Lincoln on the weekends and my free time. I started this book in the middle of August, and so far am thoroughly enjoying it. It's a book that was gifted to me many years ago that I am finally getting around to reading.

"We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer's wreckage. We will welcome summer's ghost." - Henry Rollins

James' Jam: My 2024 Garden

As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the cooler months ahead. Fall gardening allows you to enjoy a final harvest of cool-season crops like kale, spinach, and carrots, while also setting the stage for a successful spring.

Start by clearing out any spent summer plants and adding compost to enrich the soil. Planting cover crops, like clover or rye, can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil health over the winter. Don’t forget to mulch around perennials to protect them from frost.

Winter preparation is also crucial for maintaining the health of your garden. After your final harvest, clean up debris to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. Consider insulating tender plants with frost blankets or moving potted plants indoors.

It’s also a good time to prune trees and shrubs, making sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. By taking these steps, you’ll not only protect your garden during the winter but also ensure it’s ready to thrive when spring arrives.