Gov. David Y. Ige has declared September National Preparedness Month.

 “Hawai’i is often threatened with natural disasters during hurricane season and preparedness is key to our survival as a state and as a people. With the addition of COVID-19, being vigilant with proper health and safety in mind is paramount.” Ige said in a press release.

During the month, the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) encourages all Hawaiians to take simple but important steps to prepare for both natural and human-caused disasters to ensure all communities are ready for an emergency. This includes getting vaccinated for COVID-19, making a plan for how to communicate and reconnect with family during an emergency, taking time to learn about household and workplace hazards and creating an emergency go-bag, and a 14-day supply of water and food. 

 National Preparedness Month is a call to action, and HI-EMA encourages every business, nonprofit, classroom, religious institution, and home to commit to becoming more prepared.

Photo credit: State of Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office