The Ready Campaign recently released the September 2017 National Preparedness Month (NPM) theme and social media toolkit , which includes graphics, hashtags, and social media content to share.

This year's theme is “Disasters Don't Plan Ahead. You Can.” In addition to the overarching theme for the month, each week has a theme highlighting different preparedness actions.

The NPM 2017 Weekly Themes are as follows:

• Week 1:  September 1-9 - Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends.
• Week 2:  September 10-16 - Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community.
• Week 3:  September 17-23 - Practice and Build Out Your Plans.
• Week 4:  September 24-30 - Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov/september . 

Beach days, barbecues, concerts, and other outdoor activities can mean fun in the sun. However, heat can take a toll on the body.

Learn the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before your next summer event.

Learning how to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke is the first step to prevention.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

What You Should Do:

• Move to a cooler location.
• Lie down and loosen your clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
• Sip water.
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• High body temperature (above 103°F)
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

What You Should Do:

• Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler environment.
• Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
• Do NOT give fluids.

Find more information on extreme heat preparedness at www.ready.gov/heat . You can also review extreme heat safety tips shared on a recent Twitter chat by searching #HeatChat on Twitter. The Twitter chat has information from the Ready Campaign, Maryland Department of Health Office of Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many others. 

National Night Out takes place August 1, 2017. You can join this annual campaign promoting positivity and cooperation between your local law enforcement and the community to work together in making neighborhoods safer. 

Building safer neighborhoods also includes preparing those communities for potential disasters. Celebrate National Night Out by volunteering with your local  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps , and other voluntary organizations . Through these organizations, you can learn about opportunities to help support your community during emergencies.

For a full list of programs, and to learn more, visit www.ready.gov/volunteer . Then, enter your zip code to  find local programs  in your area today!