Image courtesy of City of Alexandria
Office of Emergency Management seal
September is National Preparedness Month, and the City of Alexandria’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is encouraging all residents to take steps to be ready for emergencies. This year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” focuses on the importance of getting back to the basics of emergency planning.
How you can participate in National Preparedness Month
There are four key actions you can take to prepare for any disaster you may face:
Graphic courtesy of ready.gov
National Preparedness Month 2025
- Know your risk – Understand the hazards that could affect Alexandria, including flooding, severe storms, and power outages. Visit the Office of Emergency Management website to learn more about local risks and how to stay safe.
- Make a family emergency plan – Talk with your family about how you will communicate and where you will go during different types of emergencies. Find free planning advice, templates, and tips at ready.gov/plan.
- Build an emergency supply kit - Ensure your home and go-bag have essential supplies such as food, water, medications, flashlights, and batteries. Find a list of supplies at Build a Kit.
Get involved in your community - Emergencies can happen fast, and you might be the first one able to help! You can learn how when you take a first aid or CPR class through organizations in your community, like the Red Cross. You can also join the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to get trained in basic disaster response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, and medical operations.
Meet Your Emergency Management Team
Throughout National Preparedness Month, the Alexandria Office of Emergency Management staff will be out in the community with free family-friendly events. Look for the big blue OEM tent or tablecloth and stop by to learn how you can stay prepared. (Two events were already held on Sept. 6 at City Hall Market Square and Alfred Street Baptist Church Health Fair.)
Upcoming events
- Saturday, Sept. 13, 7 a.m. – noon: City Hall Market Square Farmers’ Market
- Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Tons of Trucks at Chinquapin Park
- Saturday, Sept. 27, 7 a.m. – noon: City Hall Market Square Farmers’ Market
If you're interested in hosting an OEM informational table at your next event, please email EOC.Staff@alexandriava.gov to make a request.
About National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month was established after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for disasters. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide campaign promoting community resilience and individual readiness.
For more information about emergency preparedness and the Office of Emergency Management, visit alexandriava.gov/EmergencyManagement.
