September is about action, not worry. Plans get checked. Kits get topped up. Alerts get tested. Emergency Preparedness Month turns intention into simple steps that protect families, teams, and neighborhoods across Southern Nevada.
Why September matters
Preparedness reduces risk before the next headline. We review specific needs and close gaps now. Older adults living alone, families with children, pet owners, and people with medical or mobility needs require tailored steps. Therefore, we write plans down, share them, and keep them handy. As a result, Emergency Preparedness Month becomes a habit, not a one-time task.
Know our regional hazards
Local managers identify communicable disease, wildfire, flooding, earthquakes, extreme heat, and occasional power outages. Consequently, we secure tall furniture and anchor shelves. We clear defensible space where possible and check gutters before storms. Additionally, we learn our flood zone, plan cooling options for heat waves, and practice safe cooking methods during outages. Together, these moves build resilience during Emergency Preparedness Month.
Visit the Government Center table
Clark County Emergency Management will staff an information table at the Clark County Government Center in downtown Las Vegas from Monday, Sept. 8, through Thursday, Sept. 18. Staff will share brochures, checklists, and practical answers to local questions. Moreover, we can assign one action per week for the rest of the year so momentum continues after September. Ultimately, steady progress beats last-minute scrambling.
Build a two-week kit
A solid kit covers three days to two weeks. Pack one gallon of water per person per day. Add shelf-stable food, a manual can opener, essential medications, and a waterproof pouch for documents. Include a NOAA weather radio, flashlights, extra batteries, phone chargers, a first-aid kit, cash in small bills, and a paper map. Families add diapers, formula, and comfort items. Pet owners include food, leashes, carriers, and vaccination records. Furthermore, people using medical devices store backups and plan for power. Because heat and outages can overlap, list nearby cooling centers and transportation options.
Create a family communication plan
Disasters can separate loved ones. Choose two meeting places: one near home and one outside the neighborhood. Designate a single out-of-state contact to relay messages if local lines jam. Next, map two evacuation routes and learn how to shut off water and gas safely. Then align plans with schools, childcare, and workplaces. Short practice drills make steps automatic and keep the plan fresh throughout Emergency Preparedness Month.
Get free local tools
Download the Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App and enable notifications for weather and safety alerts. Also sign up for CodeRED so verified warnings arrive by text and email. Additionally, Clark County Television offers quick preparedness videos that are easy to share at home or work. Community groups can request a county briefing at 702-455-5715. Suspicious activity can be reported to the “See Something, Say Something” hotline at 702-828-8386. During Emergency Preparedness Month, teams also confirm which official channels to follow so rumors do not slow response.
Practice the Great Nevada ShakeOut
On Thursday, Oct. 16, at 10:16 a.m., Nevada holds a statewide earthquake drill. “Drop, cover, and hold on” remains simple. However, drills build muscle memory that saves seconds. Therefore, add the ShakeOut to calendars and invite colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Shared practice strengthens readiness across the community.
Five fast wins today
First, download the Southern Nevada Community Preparedness App and turn on alerts. Second, enroll in CodeRED for county notifications. Third, top up the kit and snap a photo of contents for easy restocking. Fourth, text meeting spots and the out-of-state contact to family and close friends. Fifth, set a monthly 15-minute reminder to rotate water, test alarms, and review medications. These moves take minutes and pay off when the unexpected hits during Emergency Preparedness Month.
Where to learn more
Use trusted sources: FEMA (Ready.gov), American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Health District, Nevada Division of Emergency Management, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Clark County Regional Flood Control District. Keep these in a printed binder section and date each update. Finally, schedule a quarterly review so supplies, contacts, and routes stay current.
Act now and share
Preparation is care in motion. When plans are clear and kits are stocked, families recover faster and neighbors help one another. Therefore, use the free local tools, visit the Government Center table, and finish the kit this week. Then share the plan so others can copy it and stay safe across Southern Nevada during Emergency Preparedness Month.
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