September is National Preparedness Month 2025

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Each year in September ReadyWV encourages citizens to take steps to prepare for any type of emergency or natural disaster. Taking time to prepare BEFORE a disaster strikes, helps to better protect you, your home and your loved ones. Below are the three basic steps you can take to get prepared. 

1. Be informed – be familiar with likely hazards in your community. Follow local news and sign up for official alerts and warnings. Download How to be Prepared for any Hazard.
2. Make a plan – Fill out ReadyWV's  Family Emergency Plan and talk with your family about what you will do in case of an emergency.
3. Build a kit – put together an emergency kit with supplies that will meet your basic needs. Download the ReadyWV Emergency Kit Check List to help you get started.  

This year ReadyWV encourages West Virginians to focus on Financial Preparedness. It is a critical step in making you and your family more resilient in times of disaster.  There are three main things to consider.

1. An Emergency Fund – Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place. It is important to have small bills on hand because ATMs and credit cards may not work during a disaster when you need to purchase necessary supplies, fuel or food.
2. Important Documents – Gather and copy financial documents and critical personal, household, medical, and insurance information. Store them in a waterproof/fireproof container with your emergency kit.  Or you could scan and store digital copies in a secure cloud-based service for easy access. You will need these documents when filing insurance claims or applying for disaster assistance. Learn more about how to Safeguard Critical Documents and Valuables. 

1. Insurance Coverage - Obtain property (homeowners or renters), health and life insurance if you do not have them. Not all insurance policies are the same. Review your policy to make sure the amount and types of coverage you have meets the need for all possible hazards.

• Homeowner's Insurance – review your coverage with your agent. Know what is and is not covered. Most homeowner policies DO NOT include flood coverage.

• Flood Insurance – even if you are not in a high-risk flood zone, consider getting coverage. Nearly a third of National Flood Insurance Program claims are from outside the high-risk zone.
• Rental – if you don't have it, consider getting it to protect your assets.

For more financial preparedness tips, download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to get started planning today. ​

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