FEMA has observed National Preparedness Month since 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies. The month is a great time to take small steps to make a big difference in being prepared including at your House of Worship.
HOWs
Use these questions to help determine if your house of worship is prepared for emergencies, disasters, and security-related incidents.
- Do you have an Emergency Operations Plan? This plan should explain how
your house of worship will respond during an emergency. - Do you know whether your house of worship may qualify for FEMA
assistance after a disaster? Learn about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program
and what types of assistance may be available. - Do you know what Federal or state grants may be available? The 2026 FEMA Nonprofit Security Grant Program may provide $150,000 to $200,000 per site for eligible applicants.
- Have you completed a vulnerability risk assessment? A current vulnerability risk assessment is required to apply for some security grants. You can complete a self-assessment or work with local, state, or federal partners.
- Do you know your local or state emergency management officials? Building relationships with your Office of Emergency Management before an emergency can help improve coordination and response.
- Who are your community partners during a disaster? Consider joining your county or state Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to build partnerships before a disaster occurs.
