September is National Preparedness Month: Are You Ready?

Published on September 02, 2025

ARLINGTON, VA – September is National Preparedness Month, and Arlington County is urging all residents to take steps now to prepare for emergencies and disasters, whether natural or human-made. 

The 2025 theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home”, which focuses on getting back to the essentials of preparedness. 

Preparing your household is easy and can be done by taking a few simple actions.  

1. Stay Informed and Sign Up for Arlington Alert: Know your risk and stay informed during emergencies by signing up for Arlington Alert at arlingtonalert.com. Get free, real-time updates on weather conditions, road closures, emergencies, and much more!
2. Make a Plan: Develop a household plan that includes evacuation routes, communication strategies, and meeting points. Regularly practicing this plan ensures everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Build a Kit: Stock up essential items like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Don’t forget to include items for pets, infants, and anyone with special needs.
4. Get Involved : Learn how to prepare for emergencies or save lives while waiting for first responders. Take a class or join the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn how you can help your community.   

“Preparedness is not about predicting the future but about empowering ourselves to face it with confidence,” said William Flagler, Director of the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management. “We can all participate in this shared responsibility by identifying ways to prepare at home and in our communities to better protect ourselves and our loved ones.” 

For more information on how to prepare during National Preparedness Month, visit www.arlingtonva.us/prepmonth and follow @ReadyArlington on social media. 

About Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management 
The Arlington County Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management (DPSCEM) is dedicated to enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness through strategic communication, coordination, and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of all Arlington residents by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies.