Every September, National Preparedness Month (NPM) serves as a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen at any time. Preparedness isn’t just a one-month activity though—it’s a commitment that keeps children, families, and communities safe throughout the year.
Disasters don’t follow a calendar. Hurricanes, wildfires, power outages, and public health crises can strike in January, July, or November. That’s why the most effective preparedness strategies are built into daily routines, classroom practices, and program planning all year long.
This year’s theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home," encourages us all to take basic steps such as knowing our risks, making a family plan, and building a supply kit to prepare for disasters.
Why Prepare Year-Round?
Natural disasters and emergencies are unpredictable, which is why preparation is always essential. By embedding readiness into everyday practice, schools and early learning programs can:
- Respond quickly and calmly during unexpected events.
- Minimize disruption for children and families.
- Reduce trauma by having familiar routines and recovery steps in place.
- Model resilience for children, teaching them that safety comes from preparation.
Preparedness is protection—not just every September but every day of the year.
Gryphon House Resources for Educators
Gryphon House author Andrew Roszak, JD, MPA, EMT-P, has worked full time on emergency preparedness and response in the early childhood sector for over a decade. His Preparing for the Unexpected book trilogy and his interview on Gryphon House’s Early Childhood Chapters podcast offer educators valuable advice about how to prepare classrooms and centers for natural disasters, emergencies, and more.
“As a teacher, it’s important to think through different scenarios so you’re better prepared—and these are really life skills. Don’t keep them to yourself. Share them with your friends, family, kids, and loved ones, and practice them. We never truly know when an emergency is going to happen.” —Andrew Roszak
Make Preparedness Part of Every Season
While September brings national attention to preparedness, the real work happens year-round. Here are some ways to keep readiness top-of-mind:
- Quarterly updates: Revisit your plan each season to account for new risks.
- Monthly drills: Practice evacuation or lockdown routines regularly so they become second nature.
- Family engagement: Share preparedness tips with families at parent nights or through newsletters.
- Professional learning: Dedicate a staff meeting to one chapter or activity from a Gryphon House resource.
Preparedness is not about reacting to disasters—it’s about building a culture of safety and resilience every day.
Emily Garman (she/they) works in the Gryphon House Books marketing department. She is passionate about environmental education and getting kids outside. When she's not writing or shooting video, you'll probably find her volunteering somewhere or singing in her community choir.
