WASHINGTON, DC—Disasters can strike at any time. September is National Preparedness Month. This month empowers everyone to recognize the importance of preparedness and work together to enhance our resilience and readiness.

Just in the past year, the Forest Service has seen major flooding from atmospheric rivers in California, destructive tornadoes throughout much of the south, catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii, a record-breaking tropical storm in southern California, and an above average hurricane season in the Atlantic.

As part of preparedness, the Forest Service participated in the annual Eagle Horizon exercise to test its ability to carry out its mission essential functions of firefighting and law enforcement through its Continuity of Operations plan. Chief Randy Moore attended the exercise, which simulated a solar storm event that resulted in widespread power outages and degradation in communications capabilities.

Just as the agency prepares to respond to a disaster such as the one simulated in the Eagle Horizon exercise, you should take actions to prepare as well:

• Assess your risk: Understand the types of hazards in your area. Based on those hazards, determine what you, your family and your pets will need during an emergency. This may include medications, important documentation, food and water. 
• Make a plan: Make a plan to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours in the event of a emergency. You can find family emergency plan templates at www.ready.gov/plan. If you have a plan, review it and exercise it!
• Engage your support network: When disaster strikes, know who to contact for assistance. This may include your family and friends, your local government, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and resources provided by the Forest Service within its legal authority. 

Visit www.ready.gov for more information on disaster preparedness. For other ways you can be better prepared as a forest, please contact the Office of Safety and Occupational Health Emergency Management team at SM.FS.EM@usda.gov.