Today is September 1st, the first day of National Preparedness Month (NPM). This September is the 6th annual NPM where organizations across the country join the Ready campaign to spread the message about what it means to be ready for an emergency. Being ready is more than just checking the smoke alarms twice a year – it is about a great effort to communicate the message of readiness in our schools, churches, homes, and communities. The Ready campaign asks 4 things of YOU:

1. create an emergency supply kit
2. make a family emergency plan
3. be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses
4. get involved in community efforts

Each of these actions are important steps to ensuring your family and your home is prepared and organized in case an emergency would occur, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Each week, I’ll provide tips to help you get organized so by the end of September you will be prepared for any emergency that may come your way. Use this month to prepare and organize not just yourself, but your family and your community.

Theresa Finnigin is a Baltimore based professional organizer, speaker, writer and owner of Ready Aim Organize. Theresa is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and NAPO Baltimore Chapter. The mission of Ready Aim Organize is to rid homes and offices of clutter and chaos to ensure time is not wasted and each day is more productive and peaceful than the one before!