
September is National Preparedness Month and a good time to consider putting a plan in place so you and your family are prepared in the event that you’re affected by a natural disaster.
What Is Classified as a Natural Disaster?
A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the earth. Examples include:
- Floods
- Hurricanes
- Tornadoes
- Volcanic Eruptions
- Earthquakes
- Tsunamis

What Can I Do to Plan Ahead?
During the month of September, ready.gov, an official website of the Department of Homeland Security, offers a useful toolkit, that includes weekly themes related to planning ahead and being prepared for a disaster.
We encourage you to review this toolkit and make a plan to talk with your family throughout the month of September.
Topic suggestions when talking with your family:
- Discuss how to prepare and respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work, and play.
- Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and how you will work together as a team.
- Practice as many elements of your plan as possible.
Our thoughts are with all the people in Houston who were hit with a powerful hurricane and are dealing with heartbreaking and catastrophic events.