- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessSafety
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 30
- Holiday emoji:
- 🚨
National PrepareAthon Day rallies individuals and communities every April 30 to enhance emergency preparedness. This initiative, launched by President Obama, emphasizes proactive planning for disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and pandemics. Take action today by creating an emergency kit, developing a family communication plan, and staying informed about local risks.
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Expected National PrepareAthon Day Deals
National PrepareAthon Day focuses on community resilience rather than commercial deals, but many organizations offer resources and support. Look for free workshops and webinars from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross on emergency planning. Retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s often promote sales on emergency supplies such as generators, first-aid kits, and non-perishable food items. Brands like Goal Zero (portable power) and LifeStraw (water filtration) may highlight essential gear. We will update this page with confirmed live resources and promotions as April 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for National PrepareAthon Day
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PrepareAthon to share quick tips, infographics, and links to preparedness resources. Engage in discussions about local emergency plans.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PrepareAthon. Share personal preparedness stories, host a live Q&A with local emergency services, or promote community events.
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #PrepareAthon. Discuss business continuity plans, workplace safety, and corporate social responsibility initiatives related to disaster readiness.
National PrepareAthon Day Hero
Barack Obama
History of National PrepareAthon Day
When emergencies and disasters happen in our lives, they don’t leave us with enough time to plan, leaving us to make on-the-spot, immediate decisions. We find ourselves figuring things out as we go, and that leads us to dealing with difficult, sometimes even unredeemable side effects. But even though you can’t be completely prepared, it is always easier to navigate things when you have a plan in place, rather than throwing caution to the wind. This is what this holiday is all about — to remind us that crises happen suddenly, usually with no warning, and if you find yourself in the middle of an earthquake, flood, hurricane, or even a pandemic, preparedness will be the calm in the storm.
There are small actionable steps you can take to avoid being blindsided by unplanned and unfortunate predicaments. Things like owning an emergency kit and practicing emergency drills and protocols place you at an advantage when going through emergencies, while other steps like setting up insurance and securing your documents and valuables give us a softer landing afterward. An emergency kit is one of the easiest ways, and usually the first step towards a more prepared future. Think of it as a first aid kit for emergencies, only more packed. An emergency kit should typically have sustenance items to last at least 72 hours. These items may include non-perishable food and snacks, bottled water, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, as well as a first-aid kit.
National PrepareAthon! Day is an initiative that was started by President Barrack Obama to trigger global awareness of the necessity of emergency preparedness. This holiday, as well as National Preparedness Month, were part of his National Preparedness Initiative.
National PrepareAthon Day timeline
The International Association of Emergency Managers (I.A.E.M.) is established.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is established as part of the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S.).
The Freedom Corps is established by President G. W. Bush to encourage voluntary participation in matters of homeland security.
The White House declares April 30 as National PrepareAthon! Day under the Preparedness Initiative by President Barack Obama.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National PrepareAthon Day
Local businesses can play a crucial role in National PrepareAthon Day by educating their employees and customers on emergency readiness. Consider hosting a preparedness workshop, distributing emergency checklists, or partnering with local first responders for a safety demonstration. Retailers could offer discounts on emergency supplies, while service businesses might provide free consultations on securing property or data in case of a disaster. Small businesses can also review and update their own business continuity plans.
National PrepareAthon Day FAQs
When is National PrepareAthon Day?
In 2027, National PrepareAthon Day will be observed on Friday, April 30, offering another opportunity to assess and improve personal and community readiness. It’s a key date for reviewing emergency plans and supplies.
What types of emergencies should I prepare for?
Beyond common natural disasters, consider preparing for extended power outages, severe winter storms, and even cybersecurity incidents that could disrupt essential services. A well-rounded emergency plan addresses both common and less frequent, high-impact scenarios.
How many Americans have an emergency plan?
Despite consistent messaging, a significant portion of the population still lacks critical emergency supplies or a designated meeting point. The goal for 2027 is to boost engagement, especially among younger demographics and those in high-risk areas, to ensure more families are truly ready.
What is the 'PrepareAthon!' campaign?
Originally designed to foster a culture of preparedness, the ‘PrepareAthon!’ campaign provides actionable steps like knowing your risks, getting an emergency kit, making a plan, and getting involved. It emphasizes a proactive approach to mitigate the impact of disasters.
How to Observe National PrepareAthon Day
Set up an emergency kit
An emergency kit is one of the first steps towards a future of preparedness. Each family’s needs are different and the kit should be set up to meet those needs. Take some time out today to take steps toward a fully set-up emergency kit, whether it's getting the box or updating your current emergency kit.
Set up your insurance
Another great way to stay prepared and secure in the face of disaster is to set up your insurance. These days, almost anything you own, including your life and valuables, can be insured. So pick up your phone, make an appointment with an insurance agent, and start the processes towards a more insured future.
Visit the FEMA website
FEMA is the official organization geared toward emergency preparedness and management. They have valuable tools and resources that could help you stay prepared for a variety of disasters, from earthquakes to winter storms. Visiting their site will not only increase your knowledge but equip you with the actionable tools and decisions you need to stay prepared.
5 Facts About Natural Disasters
Hurricanes cause major damage
Hurricanes reach wind speeds of up to 160 miles per hour and release approximately 2.4 trillion gallons of rain in a day.
Almost everyone is unprepared
Studies show that 80% of people do not have a home evacuation plan, and another 60% are not aware of their city’s evacuation routes.
Floods are the most common
Floods are the most common natural disasters, with over 90% of natural disasters being flood-related.
Valuables aren’t valued
More than half of Americans do not own copies of their important documents like house titles and birth certificates.
They are incredibly expensive
Between 2002 and 2012, natural disasters caused about $1.7 trillion in damages.
Why National PrepareAthon Day is Important
It prepares us
National PrepareAthon! Day is about preparing for a safer, more secure future, when faced with disasters. We love this holiday because it not only advocates preparedness, but also equips us with the tools and resources we need to become more prepared in emergency situations.
It educates us
This holiday is a great way of helping us understand just how chaotic disasters and emergencies can be and educates us on the best ways to navigate them. It also lets us understand the value of things like owning an emergency kit, setting up insurance, and other practices to keep us prepared in the face of adversity.
It raises awareness
National PrepareAthon! Day raises awareness of the effects of emergencies and disasters, and the importance of preparedness. This holiday is observed nationwide, which means that the idea is to spread the word to families, communities, and organizations across the country, and hopefully the world.
Social Media Tips for National PrepareAthon Day
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