NATIONAL DAYCOMMUNITY

National Prepareathon! Day

National Prepareathon! Day is a small but real reason to pause, notice, and celebrate — together if we can.

APR30

Friday, April 30Every year on April 30

days to go

Roots: Established by FEMA in 2014
Vibe: Empowering and proactive community engagement
Also on Apr 30: International Jazz Day · Sarcoidosis Day · Bugs Bunny Day
Hashtag: #NationalPrepareathonDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Prepareathon! Day.

Do one small thing that makes the day feel marked.
Tell someone what you're celebrating and why.
Share a post, a photo, or a memory connected to it.
Make a tiny tradition — something you could do again next year.
Let it be simple. Not every celebration has to be a production.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Do one small thing together that everyone will remember.
Kids
Turn it into a craft, a story, or a snack — meet them where they are.
Couples
Use the day as an excuse for a little intentional time together.
Office
Acknowledge the day in the team chat or at a stand-up. Small, sincere, fast.
School
Anchor a short lesson or activity around the day.
Community
Share, volunteer, or donate to make the day mean something locally.
Just me
Celebrate quietly and completely. One person can still mark a day.

Plan ahead

National Prepareathon! Day is observed on April 30 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Thu, Apr 30this year

2027Fri, Apr 30

2028Sun, Apr 30

2029Mon, Apr 30

2030Tue, Apr 30

2031Wed, Apr 30

2032Fri, Apr 30

2033Sat, Apr 30

2034Sun, Apr 30

2035Mon, Apr 30

2036Wed, Apr 30

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Fast facts

Over 60%Of Americans lack an emergency plan

Natural disasters have increased by 30% since 1980

The story

National Prepareathon! Day, celebrated on April 30, invites individuals, families, and communities to take proactive steps towards disaster preparedness. The observance, established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2014, emphasizes the importance of being ready for unexpected emergencies, ranging from natural disasters to personal crises.

Read the full story

Over the years, the day has gained momentum as more people recognize the need for emergency readiness. Statistics reveal that more than 60% of Americans do not have a family emergency plan, highlighting a critical gap in preparedness. National Prepareathon! Day serves as a crucial reminder to bridge this gap through education and proactive engagement.

Communities across the United States are encouraged to host events, workshops, and drills to foster a culture of preparedness. Local organizations and agencies often collaborate to offer resources, training, and support to help individuals and families develop their emergency plans.

As we observe National Prepareathon! Day, it is essential to reflect on our personal and community readiness. By taking simple steps, like creating emergency kits, mapping evacuation routes, and discussing plans with loved ones, we can build resilient communities that are better prepared to face any emergency.

Did you know?

FEMA's Role

FEMA leads national efforts for disaster response and preparedness.

Historical Disasters

The U.S. has faced numerous significant disasters, prompting preparedness initiatives.

Community Focus

Community engagement is crucial for effective emergency preparedness.

Global Preparedness

Many countries celebrate similar days to promote disaster readiness.

Emergency Drills

Practicing emergency drills can save lives during actual events.

Preparedness Resources

FEMA offers extensive resources for individuals and communities.

Youth Involvement

Involving youth in preparedness training fosters lifelong safety habits.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

USUnited StatesNational Prepareathon! Day is observed nationwide.
CACanadaPreparedness is also key in Canada's emergency management.
GBUnited KingdomThe UK promotes preparedness through various initiatives.
AUAustraliaAustralia emphasizes disaster readiness due to frequent natural disasters.
INIndiaIndia focuses on community preparedness for floods and earthquakes.
BRBrazilBrazil engages in disaster preparedness education programs.