September is National Preparedness Month: Make a plan now

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Extreme weather and natural disasters can occur with little warning. Communities spared in the past have suffered devastating losses this year, and many are still recovering. National Preparedness Month is a great time to get ready for whatever may come your way.

Making a plan is the best way to protect you and your household. The FTC can help: Dealing with Weather Emergencies (in Spanish: Emergencias Climáticas) has practical information to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency. It also has advice on how to spot, avoid, and report post-disaster frauds and scams.

Like all the FTC’s free resources, the site is mobile-friendly, so you have ready access to information when and where you need it. You’ll find information on:

• Preparing for a Weather Emergency
• Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams
• Getting Back on Your Feet Financially

You’ll also find Picking Up the Pieces After a Disaster, which is a customizable handout. Add local contacts to help you avoid common post-disaster scams, protect your personal information, and get back on track financially. Then print and distribute in your community.

Share what you know with friends, family, and coworkers and share this blog and the resources at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies with your social media followers.