2015 National Preparedness Month and
America’s PrepareAthon!
Strategic Action Campaign
Background
September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a national effort sponsored by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to increase awareness and encourage individuals and
communities to prepare for emergencies. FEMA launched America’s PrepareAthon! last year, which is a
national day of action held on April 30 and September 30 annually to help Americans take a more active
role in preparing for disasters. Research shows that communities, families and individuals who prepare
in advance for disasters are more resilient in responding to and recovering from catastrophic events.
Goal
Increase awareness among policyholders (home and business owners), insurance agents and employees
of the critical need to prepare their homes, families, businesses, employees and finances before natural
disasters and severe weather events strike.
Target Audiences
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Homeowners
Business owners
Insurance companies
Strategy
Federal agencies, including FEMA, the Federal Insurance Office and others will work together with
insurance companies and insurance trade associations to educate the public about National Preparedness
Month and the September 30th PrepareAthon!
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Tactics
 Create and Feature Web Content (Insurers)
o Create landing pages on individual company and organization sites to serve as one-stop
shops for policyholders, employees, agents, and other key stakeholders to find NPM
materials and information. These can also serve as resource centers for media.
o Feature content on homepages through banners, hyperlinks, etc., directing users to
FEMA’s NPM landing page.
o Include links to Ready.gov for emergency preparedness, DisasterSafety.org for home and
business structural preparedness, and III.org for financial preparedness.
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Video Initiative
o Promote 25-second video featuring the IBHS Research Center’s test demonstrating
FORTIFIED construction vs. conventional construction.
o Insurance companies and trade associations are being asked to:
 Post the video on their websites, Intranets and YouTube channels on the same day
at the same time – September 30 PrepareAthon! at 11 am EDT.
 Share YouTube link via social media platforms
 Link to FORTIFIED landing page on DisasterSafety.org with:
 concise explanation of FORTIFIED requirements
 FORTIFIED FAQs
 FORTIFIED fact sheets
 Social Media Outlets
Start the conversation about NPM on your social media platforms several weeks before the
PrepareAthon! Promote the details of any events you are holding, as well as actions your
audience can take. Promote NPM via Facebook, Twitter YouTube and LinkedIn. Share partners’
messaging via social media channels. Partners can “like” each other’s Facebook posts, retweet
Twitter messages and drive traffic to YouTube and Vimeo videos.
 Insurance Company Member Communications
IBHS will distribute alerts/bulletins to member insurance companies providing resources and
recommendations for promoting NPM with their policyholders, agents, employees, and other key
stakeholders.
 Earned Media Outreach
o By-lined Articles
Produce and place by-lined articles in trade publications for insurance, construction/
home improvement, personal finance, small businesses, and emergency management
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regarding September 30 PrepareAthon community resilience, home, business and
financial preparedness for disasters.
o Media Releases
 Issue a news release Week 1 targeting insurance trades highlighting disaster
preparedness and the insurance industry’s focus on knowing your risks, preparing
your home, business and finances, creating an emergency plan using the free
III/IBHS Know Your Plan app, and registering for weather alerts and other
emergency alerts from NOAA, the Weather Channel, the American Red Cross
and others. Include links to additional information on partner websites.
 Issue releases targeting insurance trades regarding weekly themes.
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Allied Organization Distribution
Send relevant materials to allied organizations to increase exposure and reach of our messages,
including hazard-specific groups such as wildfire prevention organizations, small business
associations, organizations representing construction, disaster resiliency and preparedness
organizations.
Timeline, Weekly Themes, And Key Preparedness Messages
Week of September 1
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Make website landing pages live and post website feature banners.
Issue NPM kick-off news release.
Weekly Theme: Prepare Your Home or Business for Hurricanes, Tornadoes and Floods
o Key Preparedness Messages
 Hurricanes
 Roofs: Inspect your roof and overhang to look for signs of wear or
damage, and to ensure it is well-connected to the roof sheathing. Learn
more about how to strengthen your roof against high winds and winddriven rains.
 Shutters: Install the hardware needed to put up shutters or pre-cut
plywood to protect windows and doors now. This will allow for faster,
easier installation if a storm threatens your area.
 Trees: Trim your risk of damage by cutting weak tree branches, along
with branches that are positioned over structures, which could be broken
off by high winds and cause property damage.
 Seals: Make sure caulking around windows and doors is in good shape
and not cracked, broken or missing, and fill any holes or gaps around
pipes or wires that enter your building.
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 Attached Structures: Inspect porches, carports, entryway canopies and
storage sheds to make sure they are firmly attached and in sound structural
condition.
 Sump Pumps & Drains: Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper
operation. If a sump pump has a battery backup, make sure the batteries
are fresh or replace the batteries.
 Surroundings: When a hurricane threatens, bring in any loose items, such
as garbage cans, outdoor furniture, signs, potted plants or decorations, and
pick up any debris outside that could act as a projectile during high winds.
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Tornadoes
 Take action immediately when a tornado warning is issued, and go to the
safest place for protection such as a FEMA safe room or International
Code Council 500 storm shelter.
 If you do not have access to one of these structures, move to a small,
interior, windowless room such as a closet or bathroom, on the lowest
level of your building and cover your head and neck with your arms.
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Floods
 Consider buying flood insurance, which is often not covered by traditional
policies. Flood insurance is available for homeowners, renters, and
business owners through the National Flood Insurance Program.
 Keep gutters and drains free of debris.
 If your home or business is located in a flood-prone area:
 elevate the heating system (furnace), water heater, electric panel,
and other valuable items in your basement or on the first floor;
 install “check valves” in sewer lines to prevent floodwater from
backing up into the drains of your building;
 install sump pumps with battery backup in basements; and
 keep emergency building materials on hand (e.g., plywood, plastic
sheeting, lumber nails, a hammer and saw, a pry bar, shovels, and
sandbags).
 Consider elevating the entire building if your home or business is located
in a repetitive flood zone.
Week of September 7
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Weekly Theme: Prepare Your Home for Wildfires, Earthquakes and Severe Winter Weather
o Key Preparedness Messages
 Wildfire
 10 Things Policyholders Need to Know About Reducing Wildfire Risk to
Homes and Businesses (Infographic)
1. Maintain a defensible space zone 0-5 feet from your building –
use combustible materials, such as gravel, brick, or concrete in
this critical area adjacent to your building.
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2. Reduce siding risks – maintain 6-inch ground-to-siding
clearance, and consider noncombustible siding.
3. Clear debris from roof – regularly remove debris, which can be
ignited by wind-blown embers.
4. Use a Class A roof covering – these products offer the best
protection.
5. Clean out gutters regularly – remove debris, which can be
ignited by wind-blown embers. If gutter covers are used, be
sure they are noncombustible.
6. Reduce fence risks – burning fencing can generate embers, and
cause direct flame contact with your building. Use
noncombustible fences and gates.
7. Keep embers out of eaves and vents – Use 1/8 inch mesh
screening to cover vents, and “box in” open eaves to create a
soffited eave.
8. Protect windows – Use multi-pane, tempered glass windows,
and close them when wildfire threatens.
9. Reduce deck risks – at a minimum, use deck boards that
comply with California requirements for new construction in
wildfire-prone areas; remove combustibles under deck, and
maintain effective defensible space.
10. Maintain defensible 5-30 feet from your building – remove
shrubs under trees, prune branches that overhang roofs, thin
trees, and remove dead vegetation. Move vehicles and storage
sheds from area or build defensible space around these items.
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Earthquake
 Each family member and employee should know to Drop, Cover and
Hold On when they feel an earthquake. If people are:
o Indoors – take cover under heavy furniture like sturdy desks or
tables, or against inside walls.
 Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, bookcases,
outside walls, and anything that could fall like light fixtures
and wall-mounted televisions.
 Stay indoors until shaking stops – most people injured
during earthquakes are entering or leaving buildings.
o Outdoors – stay there. Move away from buildings, trees,
streetlights, utility wires, and anything else that could fall.
 Consult FEMA’s Earthquake-Resistant Design Concepts for information
about making your home or business stronger and better able to withstand
earthquakes.
 Consult IBHS’ guide Earthquake Risks around the U.S. for information
about structural and non-structural retrofits for your home or business.
 Homeowners can use IBHS’ guide Reduce Six Common Earthquake Risks
for Less than $70.
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Severe Winter Weather
 Hire a contractor to check the roof on your home or business to be sure it
is structurally capable to withstand unusually heavy weight from the
accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work
properly.
 Use IBHS’ Freezing Weather Maintenance Checklist to be sure your home
or business is ready for winter.
 Keep cold air out by insulating walls and attics, putting caulking and
weather-stripping around doors and windows, and installing storm
windows or covering windows with plastic.
 Keep water out by keeping gutters clear of debris or ice, repairing roof
leaks, and cutting back any tree branches that could fall on your building
during a storm.
 Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year.
 To avoid freezing pipes, insulate them with insulation or newspapers and
plastic, and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather (IBHS
infographic).
Week of September 14
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Weekly Theme: Prepare Your Finances for Natural Disasters
o Review your homeowners/renters insurance policy.
o Check your insurance coverage limits.
o Consider buying flood insurance – National Flood Insurance Program.
o Check your hurricane/windstorm deductible.
o Update your home inventory or create one using III’s Know Your Stuff Home Inventory
tool (online software, iPhone and Android mobile apps available).
o If you have property damage:
 contact your insurance company or agent;
 do what you can to prevent any further damage (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged
roof); and
 take photos of the damage to your property.
Week of September 21
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Weekly Theme: Prepare Your Business for Natural Disasters
o Statistics show that one in four businesses that are forced to close because of a natural
disaster, never reopen.
o Develop a preparedness plan for disruptions to your business by potential disasters – large or
small.
o Be sure your business continuity plan is up-to-date, or use IBHS’ free OFB-EZ® (Open for
Business) toolkit to create one.
 Know the natural disaster risks in your area. Use IBHS’ ZIP Code tool to identify
your risks and how to reduce them.
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Assess your business’ vulnerabilities and analyze potential impacts with the OFB-EZ
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment.
 Identify the business activities that are essential for continued operation during a
disaster.
 Be sure you have current contact information for your employees, as well as key
customers, suppliers, and vendors.
 Test your plan by conducting a tabletop exercise with employees who will have key
roles during disasters.
o Consider purchasing a NOAA All Hazards Weather Radio(s) for your facility.
Week of September 28
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Weekly Theme: National PrepareAthon!
o National PrepareAthon! Day is September 30, and will revolve around taking actions to
prepare for these natural disasters: earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado, wildfire and winter
storms.
o America's PrepareAthon is an opportunity for families, businesses, individuals,
organizations, and communities to prepare for specific hazards through drills, group
discussions, and exercises.
o Consult FEMA’s PrepareAthon! website has extensive information and resources for use in
planning and conducting PrepareAthon activities.
Sample Key Messages For Social/Digital Media
Facebook
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During National Preparedness Month, learn what natural hazards are common in your area and
how to protect your home or business against damage using IBHS’ ZIP code tool.
To stay aware of local emergencies on the go, make sure your cell phone can receive Wireless
Emergency Alerts. Learn how at Ready.gov.
Get ready for hazardous weather or other emergencies by having an emergency plan. Create one
using the free Know Your Plan mobile app.
Learn how to prepare your home for severe weather. DisasterSafety.org offers home
improvement projects for every type of severe weather.
Your home is your largest investment. Take the time to protect it against damage from severe
weather. Learn more at DisasterSafety.org.
Floods, tornadoes, winter weather, oh my! During National Preparedness Month, learn how to
protect your home from damage from a disaster. More information at DisasterSafety.org.
Your roof is your home’s number one defense against natural disasters. Learn what steps to take
to strengthen it in IBHS’ video Getting the Roof Right.
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Businesses need to know what they are going to do in emergencies too. Use IBHS’ free business
continuity planning toolkit, OFB-EZ, to help you prepare and recover more quickly from a
disaster.
Find out if your community is holding a PrepareAThon event on Sept. 30. Visit www.ready.gov
for more information.
2015 PrepareAthon! theme: Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.
Being prepared can mean the difference between a quick recovery and being displaced
indefinitely from a home or business.
Make a family communications plan and review it with all family members; remember to include
your pets in your plans.
Put together an emergency kit.
Pay attention to weather reports. Use mobile apps and sign up for weather warnings and other
emergency alerts.
Take steps now to strengthen your home and business to reduce property damage, and to ensure
you’re financially prepared against damage from natural disasters before they strike.
Twitter
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Home projects for every budget to reduce damage from severe weather http://tiny.cc/kxhnkx
@DisasterSafety #NatlPrep
Don’t be caught unprepared, make a disaster plan for your business http://tiny.cc/i4hnkx
@DisasterSafety #NatlPrep
What should your business do before, during and after a disaster? Learn more
http://tiny.cc/hfinkx @DisasterSafety #NatlPrep
Know your community’s natural hazard risks. Use IBHS’ ZIP Code Risk tool
www.disastersafety.org @DisasterSafety #NatlPrep
Did you know roof damage results in the most damage claims? Learn how to strengthen your
roof http://tiny.cc/mjinkx @DisasterSafety
Know Your Plan app helps you check preparedness off the list. http://bit.ly/1SoPL3u
@DisasterSafety @iiiorg #NatlPrep
Disaster app puts IBHS’ disaster safety expertise at your fingertips. http://bit.ly/1SoPL3u
@DisasterSafety @iiiorg #NatlPrep
National Preparedness Month is here. Are you ready? Follow @Readygov. #NatlPrep
@DisasterSafety
Wireless Emergency Alerts warn you of approaching severe weather or emergencies
www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts #NatlPrep @Readygov @DisasterSafety
Get your family ready for a disaster, create an emergency kit www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
#NatlPrep @DisasterSafety
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IBHS Graphics Available for Use
Additional Resources & Publications
Commercial
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OFB-EZ® Disaster Planning Made Easy Promotional Flyer
OFB-EZ® Business Continuity Planning Toolkit (pdf)
Getting Back to Business: Commercial Disaster Recovery Guidance Brochure
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Residential
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You Can Go Home Again: Residential Disaster Recovery Guidance Brochure
Getting the Roof Right Video
Is Your Roof FORTIFIED? High Wind & Hail Brochure
Is Your Roof FORTIFIED? Hurricane Brochure
Reducing Hurricane Damage Risk Brochure
Reduce Six Earthquake Risks for under $70 Guide
Reducing Severe Winter Weather Damage Risk Brochure
Reduce Tornado Damage Brochure
Reducing Tree Damage Brochure
Reducing the Risk of Hail Damage Brochure
Reducing Wildfire Risk Brochure
Infographics
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Preparing for Hurricane Season 101: Preparing your Roof, Surroundings and Protecting
Openings
Last-Minute Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Reducing Snow and Ice Melt Flood Risks
Preparing your Property for High Winds and Tornadoes
Home Improvements to Consider Before a Flood
Five Actions to Reduce Water Damage after a Flood
Reduce Your Wildfire Risk: Create Defensible Space
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