The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) is recognizing September 2020 as National Preparedness Month and urging Tennesseans to get prepared for disasters.

“We have seen how vital emergency awareness, information, and preparedness can be in keeping our citizens and communities safe,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “Have a plan, keep an emergency kit stocked, and follow the instructions of local officials in emergencies are simple measures all Tennesseans can take to be ready for disasters.”

“The time to prepare is now to ensure ourselves and our families are ready for emergencies,” said Patrick Sheehan, director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. “National Preparedness Month is an opportunity for all individuals to take meaningful action and be active partners in disaster readiness.”

Disaster planning during the coronavirus pandemic will be the key theme of National Preparedness Month with different topics, such as youth preparedness and building an emergency kit, highlighted each week in September. The planning topics include:

Week 1, Sept. 1 to Sept. 5: Make A Plan
Week 2, Sept. 6 to Sept. 12: Build A Kit
Week 3, Sept. 13 to Sept. 19: Prepare for Disasters
Week 4, Sept. 20 to Sept. 26:  Teach Youth About Preparedness

More information on emergency plans and preparedness can be found at www.ready.gov, with sections that include family emergency communication plans and emergency plans for kids.