Prepared Together: Arlington Preparedness Month Kicks Off in April

Published on April 01, 2026

Arlington Preparedness Month, held every April, highlights the importance of preparing for disasters, emergencies, and the unexpected. From severe weather events to public health emergencies, being prepared can significantly reduce risks, protect lives, and strengthen community resilience.

This month, begin or enhance your preparedness journey by signing up for Arlington Alert to receive free alerts about weather, traffic, and local emergencies. This is also a great time to build an emergency kit and create an emergency plan. Follow @ReadyArlington on social media, and visit Arlington’s preparedness webpage to learn how you can prepare for a variety of situations.
Weekly Themes for Arlington Preparedness Month

Week 1 – April 1-7: Flooding 101

• April showers bring May flowers, but they can also bring floods. Discover how to get ready for floods and take steps to safeguard yourself and your property from potential flood damage and expenses.

Week 2 – April 8-15: Family Preparedness

• Emergencies may be unsettling, particularly for children. It is important to discuss emergency preparedness with them to help ensure they remain composed and act promptly if a situation arises.
• Attend a free family preparedness performance event with 123 Andrés on Saturday, April 11, at Central Library.

Week 3 – April 16-23: Get Involved and Take a Class

• No one knows how to help a community better than its residents. That is why joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or taking a class to learn new skills is essential to building a resilient community.
• Sign up for a free Until Help Arrives class on April 28 to learn life-saving skills to act confidently in emergencies.
• Registration for the next CERT Basic Training opens April 3. Participants receive free training in disaster preparedness, triage, first aid, fire suppression, disaster psychology, terrorism awareness, and more.

Week 4 – April 24-30: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

• Emergency preparedness doesn't need to cost much. Simple steps include talking with your family about communication plans, signing up for alerts, identifying local hazards, and storing important documents online.

About the Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management Department

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.