The National Day of Action is Upon Us

The America's PrepareAthon! National Day of Action is upon us! Across the nation, over five million people are participating in events to increase emergency preparedness and resilience through hazard-specific drills, group discussions and exercises. President Barack Obama kicked off the day with a greeting and challenge to all Americans to learn more about the hazards that threaten their community.

In recognition of the events happening across the country, we're highlighting a few taking place today and over the next few days, in the spirit of America's PrepareAthon!

In Region II , the Urban Assembly School for Emergency Management students have partnered with employees from FEMA, including Regional Administrator Jerome Hatfield, to conduct preparedness surveys around New York City. The 120 students are also distributing Ready New York preparedness material and urging citizens do download preparedness applications to their smart phones.

Region III is hosting a #Petpared Twitter Chat! The goal is to encourage pet owners to take action in preparing for a pet's unique needs before, during and after a disaster. Tune in online on May 8 to ask questions on how to get your pet prepared for any disaster.

In Region VI , with over four million participants, May Day Houston is the largest America's PrepareAthon ! National Day of Action event. During May Day Houston, people from every walk of life will come together with others to plan activities that inundate the entire community with readiness messages and educational resources. Follow their activities on twitter @MayDayHouston .

In several regions, Amtrak is participating in the National Day of Action with a public messaging campaign. Conductors and Station Agents are making announcements to invite people to take action by downloading the FEMA app . Amtrak stations are also plastering America's PrepareAthon! promotional posters , FEMA app information and other preparedness materials on television screens within the station.

Target is focusing its efforts on internal preparedness at the Minneapolis headquarters facilities by hosting a shelter-in-place drill. Nearly 21,000 personnel took part in the drill and emergency preparedness and response training. Additionally, Target is supporting several other events during the National Day of Action by supplying preparedness kits to be distributed to community members at these events.

Can't participate or host an event today? It's not too late to register an event – any registered events after April 30 will be counted through the end of May.

Twitter has been buzzing with preparedness tips, images from preparedness events, and promotion of America's PrepareAthon! registration. Let's keep it going! Continue sharing your event information by using #PrepareAthon in all your social media postings. We're proud of you for taking action; it shows the spirit of individual and community preparedness is continuing to reach new heights.