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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has observed National Preparedness Month since 2004. In 2026, the National Preparedness Month theme is “Americans Stand Ready,” with a focus on neighborhood and community resilience through simple disaster preparation steps [1].

Individuals and communities can prepare for emergencies and disasters using the following FEMA resources:

Make a Plan: https://www.ready.gov/plan

Build A Kit: http://ready.gov/kit

Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities: https://www.ready.gov/people-disabilities

Take the Next Step for Your Community – FEMA Training: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/training

When disasters or emergencies hit an area, underserved communities are often hit hardest and longest [2]. When equity is incorporated into emergency management, communities can become more resilient. Incorporating prevention and preparation can lessen the impact of emergencies [3].

Transportation networks are crucial in disasters, and barriers to transportation remain a risk for vulnerable groups [4]. As transportation professionals we can work to ensure that our transportation networks are resilient and serve all communities, especially in emergencies. This includes evacuation planning that includes public transit-reliant populations, incorporating climate change risks at both the project and regional level, and prioritizing equitable emergency planning.

REFERENCES

[1] FEMA - National Preparedness Month: https://www.ready.gov/september

[2] Incorporating a Public Transit Equity Lens in Evacuation Planning: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385024675_Incorporating_a_Public_Transit_Equity_Lens_in_Evacuation_Planning

[3] Core Principles of Equity and Emergency Management: https://naacp.org/resources/core-principles-equity-and-emergency-management

[4] Evacuation and Transportation Barriers Among Vulnerable Populations in Natural Hazard-Related Disasters - A Scoping Review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12652914/

OTHER RESOURCES

Living with Climate Change - Integrating Equity into Emergency Management Policies to Anticipate Threats and Build Preparedness: https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/071422climatechange

FEMA’s Approach to Equity and Emergency Management - Disaster Declarations and Policy Considerations: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47244

From Stranded to Safe - Redesigning Transportation to Consider Vulnerable Communities During Climate Disasters: https://greenlining.org/2025/redesigning-transportation-for-communities-facing-climate-disasters/

 

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