W hether you live in the path of Hurricane Irma , or know someone who does, or, if inland flooding may impact you, now is the time to prepare. Many Americans have already experienced the devastating impacts of this major hurricane.

History shows that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Residents and visitors in areas potentially affected by the severe weather should continue to monitor local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.

Learn what the different hurricane categories mean and download Prepareathon's How to Prepare for a Hurricane Guide . This guide includes a hurricane preparedness checklist, evacuation planning guidance, ways to protect your home from wind and water damage, as well as tips to stay safe and healthy while cleaning up after a storm.

Download the guide today, and share on your website or social media how to prepare for a hurricane, stay safe during a storm, and recover from an incident.

For additional free hurricane preparedness tools, tips, and resources – including the When the Waves Swell video, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes and the Prepareathon website .

For donation information about Hurricane Irma, go to the How To Help section on https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma .

FEMA is looking to recruit personnel for temporary assignments in response to the hurricanes. For more information, go to https://careers.fema.gov/hurricane .

The second week of National Preparedness Month (NPM) 2017 begins on Sunday, September 10.

Each week NPM focuses on a different preparedness action. The theme for, September 10-16, is, “Help Your Neighbor and Community.” Learn the skills you need to help yourself and others until help arrives. Consider the following preparedness steps from the Ready Campaign :

• Take the You Are the Help Until Help Arrives  training.
• Check on your neighbors .
• Talk with your power company about  utility safety .                         
• Hold a preparedness event on National Prepareathon ™  Day, Friday, September 15.

If you plan to host a preparedness event, we encourage you to share it on the Prepareathon website .

You can find more resources including the weekly themes, graphics, videos, and social media content in the NPM Toolkit .

More than 40 million people observe September 11 each year by doing good deeds and charitable service according to 911Day.org . This makes it the largest day of charitable activity in the United States.

Find ways to get yourself, your family, your organization, your employees, or your students involved with these tips:

• Visit 911Day.org and search for volunteer opportunities in your community.
• Download the 9/11 Day Participation Guide for Employers or the 9/11 Day Participation Guide for Other Organizations .
• Educate your students from kindergarten through college with these 9/11 Day Lesson Plans .
• Promote the National Day of Service with the official logos and use #911day on social media.

For more information on the September 11 National Day of Service, visit 911Day.org . To find additional volunteer opportunities, visit ready.gov/volunteer or join your local Community Emergency Response Team .