Press Release  Governor Healey Proclaims September as ‘Emergency Preparedness Month’

FRAMINGHAM — Governor Maura Healey has declared September 2025 as Emergency Preparedness Month to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage planning for disasters and other types of emergencies.  

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and other state, local, and nonprofit agencies will promote preparedness through various public outreach efforts throughout the month. These efforts are part of a month-long national campaign themed “Preparedness Starts at Home.”  

“Emergencies come in many forms, from severe flooding to structure fires and wildfires, which is why it is essential to be prepared,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Last fall, Massachusetts experienced a historic wildland fire season, which burned more than 4,500 acres in communities like Great Barrington, Middleton, and many in between. This only emphasizes how essential readiness is for everyone who lives in, works in, or visits Massachusetts. Being prepared for the unexpected emergency starts at home with each of us.” 

“Massachusetts has diligent professionals working every day to keep us safe, but preparedness really does start at home,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By taking a few minutes to develop an emergency family plan or put together an emergency kit, you’re taking steps that will make a real difference if a disaster strikes.” 

“During Emergency Preparedness Month, it’s not only the ideal time to take steps to ensure you are as ready as you can be for a potential disaster, but also an important time to recognize everyone in public safety who is working year-round to ensure the people of the Commonwealth are prepared for hazards and threats,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Thank you for your service in keeping us safe each and every day.” 

“Getting prepared for an emergency doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming process,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley, “Creating an emergency plan for your family, including your pets, takes just a few minutes, and you may already have many of the items to include in your emergency kit around your house. Emergency Preparedness Month is the perfect time to get started.” 

“Emergency preparedness is public health in action,” said Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD, Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Health. “It starts at home and keeps our communities healthy as it expands through our neighborhoods and across our Commonwealth. The true power of preparedness comes when all these pieces work together – not just to address a crisis, but to prevent it from ever happening.” 

Throughout September, MEMA will share information on its social media accounts about emergency preparedness topics, including emergency planning, building an emergency kit, preparing for disasters, youth preparedness, ways to get involved in community preparedness, and more. Keep an eye out for MEMA’s Local Coordinators and outreach staff at community preparedness events across Massachusetts during September. The Women in Emergency Management Group, led by MEMA and DPH, will host a day-long event in recognition of Preparedness Month to engage women working across multiple sectors in the field of emergency management. 

Visit Mass.gov/ready to find emergency preparedness tips available in several different languages, safety tips for specific threats and hazards, preparedness resources from the MEMA, DPH, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability, and other information. 

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