National Preparedness Month: United We Prepare – Powered by Verizon  

September is National Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of being ready for disasters and emergencies before they strike. United We Prepare – Powered by Verizon highlights how communities can work together to build resilience and ensure everyone’s safety.

United Way is proud to partner with Verizon to lead efforts that help individuals, families and entire communities prepare, respond and recover when disaster hits. Emergencies can happen at any time, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Disaster Preparedness Tips

‍ 1. Build Your Support Network 

• Identify key emergency contacts and add them to your phone.
• Talk with family, friends and neighbors about how you’ll support each other in an emergency.
• Make a plan for those with special needs (mobility, medical devices, pets, etc.).

 2. Get Connected 

• Enable emergency alerts in your phone settings.
• Download free apps like the FEMA App and sign up for Miami-Dade County Alerts.
• Follow local emergency management and news agencies on social media.

3. Prepare an Emergency Essentials Kit 

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
• Non-perishable food, can opener
• Flashlight, extra batteries, phone chargers
• First aid kit, medications, hygiene items
• Copies of important documents
• Change of clothes, rain poncho, shoes
• Items for children and pets, if applicable

4. Protect Important Documents 

• Take photos of key documents (ID, insurance, medical information).
• Save them securely to the cloud, a password-protected flash drive or a waterproof/fireproof container.

5. Check In & Share Your Plan

• Talk to your network about your emergency plan.
• Make sure someone has a spare key, knows your medical needs and where your emergency kit is located.
• Participate in community preparedness events or workshops.

United We Prepare strengthens communities before, during and after disasters by providing resources—like emergency kits, planning tools and community events—to ensure everyone is ready, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. United Way Miami also connects people with food, shelter and emotional support through the 211 helpline, emergency funds and local networks.

Visit United Way Miami’s preparedness page here for information on workshops, volunteer opportunities, preparedness resources and more. Stay safe and be prepared!