As we approach the peak of Hurricane Season on September 10th, and with the rise of natural disasters, it is the perfect time to highlight National Preparedness Month 2025.

This year's theme is: "Prepare to Protect: Preparing for Disasters to Create a Lasting Legacy." Talk with your family and loved ones about scenarios you could find yourself in and discuss plans to respond to those scenarios.

At Grow, we work hard to plan and be prepared for incidents that affect our team members and our members. This preparation allows us to better serve our members and to quickly respond and recover from all types of incidents.

National Preparedness Month is a reminder to get yourself, your family, and your community ready in case a disaster or emergency occurs. We talk a lot about hurricane preparation, but as we continue to add team members from many different geographic areas, we all need to have the right tools to prepare for all types of incidents. We should all prioritize safety and readiness. Whether it is natural disasters or an unforeseen crisis, being prepared reduces stress and anxiety during an event.

Taking proactive steps can help you and your loved ones respond effectively to an emergency or disaster. Consider the following important measures to enhance your preparedness:

• Sign up for local area alerts - Stay informed by registering for alerts in your community. Local updates will keep you aware of developing situations and provide real-time information.
• Make a plan and practice it - Develop a communication and evacuation plan for your household. Practice your plan regularly so everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.
• Save for a "Rainy Day" - Set aside funds for unexpected purchases or repairs. Building financial reserves helps reduce stress when faced with unforeseen expenses during or after a disaster.
• Safeguard and review important documents - Protect important records by taking photos and documenting valuables. Secure these documents in a safe location so they are accessible if you need them.
• Make your home safer - Evaluate your home for safety improvements, such as removing tree limbs over the roof or considering a generator for backup power.
• Build a supply kit - Assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items. For guidance on what to include, visit Build A Kit | Ready.gov

Please refer to Ready.gov for more information and emergency planning: National Preparedness Month | Ready.gov. Let’s all use this time to stay informed and stay safe!