During National Preparedness Month, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Services is reminding Fairfax County residents and child care programs about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies.

In 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched National Preparedness Month to remember the events of September 11th and highlight the importance of being prepared to the nation. The 2022 theme is “A Lasting Legacy. The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.”

Instead of thinking “it will never happen to me,” Fairfax County encourages residents to use the Community Emergency Response Guide (CERG) to help prepare. It includes four steps: Make a plan, make a kit, stay informed, and get involved.

State-licensed and county-permitted child care programs, in particular, are required to have an emergency preparedness plan in place. Take time to update your plan, share it with families, and post your plan and emergency phone numbers in a visible location at your program site. For resources to help child care programs prepare for an emergency, visit the NCS website.