Blog | August 27, 2026
September Is National Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month, an opportunity to recognize the important role preparedness plays in keeping communities safe before, during and after an emergency.
County officials are often on the front lines when disasters strike. They help coordinate emergency response, share critical information with residents and guide communities through recovery. Throughout September, the Texas Association of Counties will highlight resources from TAC and national organizations that can help counties strengthen their preparedness and communications efforts.
Explore TAC’s new County Communications Lab and other TAC resources
TAC has launched a new resource for county officials called the County Communications Lab, available at county.org/ccl.The County Communications Lab features resources, best practices and training on communication topics for counties. The collection will continue to grow over time with practical tools county officials and staff can use to communicate effectively with their communities.
Among the first resources are materials focused on crisis communications, including the recording of TAC’s Communicating Through Crisis: Strategies for Texas Counties webinar and a downloadable crisis response guide. The webinar features real-world experiences and research-backed strategies for preparing communities, communicating during rapidly evolving incidents, working with the media and building public trust.
TAC Risk Management Pool offers additional resources and information for how to prepare for various situations. Visit county.org/tacrmp to learn more.
More preparedness resources from NACo
The National Association of Counties (NACo) also recognizes National Preparedness Month and the essential role counties play in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. NACo has previously provided counties with resources such as sample proclamations, communications materials, social media content and tools to help engage residents in preparedness efforts.
NACo’s 2026 National Preparedness Month resources are expected in early September. TAC will share those resources with Texas county officials as they become available.
Americans Stand Ready
National Preparedness Month was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters.FEMA’s 2026 theme is “Americans Stand Ready.” Resources for this campaign include graphics and preparedness information. They are available at ready.gov/stand-ready.