Resources You Can Use: Preparedness Month 2025

Posted by Sarah Levin-Lederer on September 15th, 2025 Posted in: Blog
Tags: Emergency Preparedness (EPP), resources

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September is National Preparedness Month. Past emergency preparedness blog posts have looked at preparedness from many different angles including preparing for specific weather events, low/no cost preparedness, pet preparedness, and more.

This September, we’re focusing on what comes after a disaster or emergency. Once the immediate danger has passed, do you have what you need to recover? What resources and services are available to help?

Preparing before a disaster or emergency helps people, families and communities stay safer during an event. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster or emergency, getting back to normal is the goal. Prepare now to recover after.

Stay Healthy After an Emergency

After an emergency, people need to be careful with food and water safety, as well as debris that can pose health risks during cleanup.

• Safety Guidelines: Floodwater (CDC)
• Make Water Safe Factsheet (CDC)
• Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency (CDC)
• Tips for Handling Food Following a Disaster (FDA)
• Guidelines for Cleaning Safely After a Disaster (CDC)
• What You Can Do to Protect Your Respiratory Health During Disaster Cleanup (CDC)

Moving Forward

Find resources that help plan for recovery and services that provide financial, shelter and reunification support.

• Recovering from Disaster (ready.gov)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS)
• Disaster Assistance (DHS)
• Reunification Services (Red Cross)
• Financial Preparedness (ready.gov)
• Include important documents in your kit (ready.gov)

Support Mental Health

Living through a disaster or emergency can be a traumatic experience. Learn more about how emergencies can affect mental health and resources for coping.

• Coping with Disasters (MedlinePlus)
• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event Factsheet (CDC)
• Disaster Distress Helpline (SAHMSA)

Preparedness Resources from NNLM

Check out these resources from NNLM to help start or continue the conversation on preparedness with your community.

• Find helpful links for all stages of preparedness with the NNLM Emergencies and Disaster Guide
• NNLM Disaster Forum 2025 continues until 9/25.
• Resources and books from NNLM Reading Club—Disasters and Emergencies