September is National Preparedness Month
Posted September 2, 2025
Posted by Emergency Management and Public Relations
The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed September 2025 as Preparedness Month in Pottawattamie County, joining the larger campaign led locally by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
The theme, “Are You Ready, Iowa?” encourages residents to take four steps to get prepared:
- Be aware of hazards in your area. Learn about the emergencies our community may face and how to respond. Sign up for emergency notifications through Alert Iowa at alert.iowa.gov.
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Make a plan. You and your household may not be together when an emergency happens. Identify a meeting place and out-of-town contact, and make sure everyone knows how to stay in touch.
- Build a kit. Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, medications, hygiene items, and pet/childcare needs. Plan for 3–7 days and include a grab-and-go option.
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Get involved. Lend a hand to neighbors, volunteer with community organizations, or participate in training opportunities. A stronger, more connected community can recover faster after a disaster.
“Emergency preparedness is something every resident can play a role in,” said Doug Reed, Emergency Management Director for Pottawattamie County. “Taking a few steps now can make a significant difference when the unexpected happens.”
To further support residents in being prepared, Pottawattamie County Emergency Management is hosting the 2025 Preparedness Fair on Thursday, September 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Pottawattamie County Emergency Operations Center. The free, family-friendly event will feature interactive educational opportunities, preparedness resources, and information from local emergency response partners across all facets of preparedness.
National Preparedness Month is observed each September across the United States. In Iowa, the campaign is coordinated by the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with counties and communities participating statewide.
For more information about emergency preparedness in Pottawattamie County, visit pottia.gov/preparedness-month. You can also follow preparedness updates on social media at facebook.com/PottCoEMA.