September is National Preparedness Month, a time to take stock of your emergency plans and ensure you and your loved ones are ready for anything. At Goal Zero, we believe that preparedness is not just about planning—it’s about having the right tools to stay safe, connected, and powered up when it matters most. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a power outage, or an unexpected emergency, being prepared can make all the difference.

How to Get Prepared This National Preparedness Month

1. Assess Your Emergency Plan

Start by reviewing your current emergency plan. Does it include up-to-date contact information, evacuation routes, and a checklist of essential supplies? Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and practice it regularly.

2. Gather Essential Supplies

A well-stocked emergency kit is crucial. Include basics like water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, and essential medications. Don’t forget to add Goal Zero portable power solutions to keep your devices charged and your essential electronics running. Our Yeti Portable Power Stations are perfect for powering lights, communication devices, and small appliances during an outage.

3. Prepare Your Home

Your home is your first line of defense in any emergency, so it’s essential to take the right steps to safeguard it. Start by identifying potential hazards, such as heavy furniture or appliances that could fall during an earthquake or severe weather. Ready.gov recommends taking the following steps to prepare your home for emergencies:

• Secure your space: Anchor heavy furniture like bookcases, televisions, and appliances to walls to prevent them from tipping. Ensure water heaters are strapped to studs in the wall to avoid leaks or tipping during an emergency.
• Create a safe shelter: Identify the safest areas in your home to take shelter during different types of disasters, such as a basement or an interior room for tornadoes. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go.
• Install safety devices: Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are installed and in working condition. Ready.gov also suggests having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for critical weather alerts when the power is out.
• Check utilities: Know how to shut off utilities like gas, electricity, and water in case of emergency. It’s a crucial step to avoid further damage during an event like a flood, earthquake, or power outage.
• Backup power: Consider installing a reliable backup power system to keep your essential devices running. Portable power stations from Goal Zero provide a safe and renewable power option, especially when traditional gas generators are not suitable.

4. Empower Yourself With Knowledge

Emergency preparedness isn’t just about having the right tools—it’s about understanding how to use them and creating a plan that works for you. When an emergency hits, the decisions you make ahead of time can be critical. Here are a few ways you can stay empowered:

• Understand your power needs: Before an emergency occurs, take the time to assess the essential devices and appliances you would need to keep running during a power outage. Are there medical devices, refrigerators, or communications tools that require constant power? Understanding your unique needs helps you select the right backup power solution and avoid unexpected outages.
• Learn how to safely use backup power: Portable power stations and solar generators are the only safe and reliable option for powering devices indoors during an emergency. Gas-powered generators are simply not viable indoors due to dangerous fumes, excessive noise, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. On top of that, if gasoline becomes scarce during a crisis, a gas generator is rendered useless. Also, make sure you know how to set up and maintain your equipment properly. Consider practicing how to connect your devices to your power station so you can act quickly in an emergency.
• Be informed about local risks: Different regions face different threats. Whether you’re in an area prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes, understanding your local risks can help you tailor your emergency plan and equipment. Ready.gov provides region-specific advice, which you can use to adjust your preparedness strategy.

By educating yourself and preparing thoughtfully, you can face emergencies with confidence. With reliable power solutions and a plan in place, you’re ready to protect your home and family, no matter what comes your way.

5. Enter Our Emergency Preparedness Giveaway

In honor of National Preparedness Month, we’re running an exclusive giveaway! Equip yourself with Goal Zero’s top-tier emergency preparedness gear by entering our giveaway here. It’s the perfect opportunity to upgrade your emergency kit and ensure you have everything you need to stay safe.