NEWS DETAILS

September is National Preparedness Month. It is a time to reflect on how we can each take proactive steps to prepare for disasters and emergencies. Since 2004, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has used this month to encourage individuals, families, organizations, and communities to strengthen their readiness. The national theme for 2026, “Americans Stand Ready,” reflects the unity, resilience, and resourcefulness that help communities prepare for and respond to challenges.

I see preparedness as both a responsibility and an opportunity to build a stronger community. While individual preparedness is essential, our greatest strength comes from working together and building a culture of preparedness across our entire community.

 Here at the City, that work is ongoing. Our preparedness efforts include cross-departmental collaboration, coordinated response planning, and continued public outreach. Some of the work underway includes a comprehensive overhaul of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, which is now in the final stages of review. City departments are also updating their Continuity of Operations Plans to ensure we can maintain essential services during an emergency or disruption.

Our ongoing partnership with the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) is another important part of this effort, helping us coordinate resources, strengthen regional preparedness, and keep our community informed before, during, and after an emergency.

With CRESA, we’ve launched Be Ready Vancouver, sharing simple tips that make a big difference in being ready. Getting started can be as easy as:

• Stay informed: Sign up for Clark Public Alerts. 
• Meet: Introduce yourself to one neighbor and exchange contact information.
• Plan: Choose two family meeting locations (near your home and outside your neighborhood) and an out-of-area contact person.
• Inventory: Walk through your home and note what you already have. 

Preparedness is an ongoing commitment. By planning, staying informed, and looking out for one another, we can build a community that is ready to respond, adapt, and recover when it matters most.