The City of Auburn is participating in the seventh annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September.

Sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign, NPM is a nationwide effort encouraging individuals, families, businesses, and communities to work together and take action to prepare for emergencies.

This year, NPM focuses on encouraging all Americans to take active steps toward getting involved and becoming prepared. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. We have to work together, as a team, to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are ready. Individuals are encouraged to: make a family emergency plan; put together an emergency supply kit; be prepared to help your neighbors and co-workers, and work as a team to keep everyone safe.

As part of National Preparedness Month, City of Auburn Emergency Management is sponsoring the fourth annual Disaster Preparedness Fair. The fair will be held at Les Gove Park on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be booths and activities for the whole family, including disaster response demonstrations.

“It’s important for everyone to do their part to prepare our community for emergencies, both large and small”, says Sarah Miller, City emergency preparedness manager. “Making a plan, building a kit, and getting involved are the basic steps everyone can take to get prepared.”

In addition to the Disaster Preparedness Fair, the City will be participating in the annual statewide Drop, Cover, Hold exercise on Sept. 15, as well as offering two Community Emergency Response Team classes beginning the first week of October. Additional information on preparedness activities can be found at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster or by calling 253-876-1925. More information about the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month can be found at www.ready.gov or by calling 1-800-BE-READY.