Every September, the U.S. observes National Preparedness Month. This is a nationwide effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help families, communities, and businesses get ready for potential emergencies.
For foster parents, this month is a reminder to strengthen family readiness and continue to create a safe environment for children in their care. This way, children in foster care know there is a plan in place — just in case — and that they are secure.
National Preparedness Month is coordinated by FEMA and partner organizations. Every September, the goal is to share resources and information to help people and businesses prepare for potential emergencies like structure fires, storms, power outages, and other natural disasters.
Preparedness is essential to maintain safety. For example, in the past year, 1 in 4 U.S. households experienced a power outage. And while 69% of Americans report having emergency supplies at home, only 34% say their supplies would last more than two weeks.
All families and households can benefit from reviewing their emergency plans. Being a foster parent, though, carries unique responsibilities, which makes it even more important.
Children in foster care rely on their caregivers to provide safety and structure during a time of transition and uncertainty. Being prepared for emergencies shows these children that their foster families are dependable and ready to protect them.
Preparedness also directly connects to foster licensing requirements. Foster families and their homes must meet specific safety standards, such as having written evacuation plans and functioning smoke detectors. Reviewing these requirements during Disaster Preparedness Month ensures that everything remains up to date and approved.
Family readiness can also be a bonding experience for kids in foster care and their foster parents. Involvement in preparedness planning can make a child in foster care feel empowered and teach them important life skills.
Foster care organizations recognize that strong emergency preparedness protects everyone in a foster home. That’s why certain requirements are tied to disasters and everyday emergencies as part of the home study and foster parent licensing process.
Foster parents are required to post a written emergency plan in a visible location in the home.
Why it matters: Children in foster care may not be familiar with the home or neighborhood initially. A visible plan for emergencies or evacuation can reassure and guide them in what to do.
Practical tip: Practice both daytime and nighttime drills so children in foster care and other family members know where to go and what to do at different times and in certain situations.
Licensing requires foster families to post a comprehensive list of emergency contacts. This includes police, fire, poison control, the licensing organization, and caseworkers, with after-hours numbers as well.
Why it matters: Kids in foster care may panic if they don’t know who to call during an emergency. Having numbers clearly posted provides structure and security.
Practical tip: Encourage older children in foster care to memorize at least one “safe” number — like yours or that of another trusted caregiver. This can be helpful during situations when they’re not at home.
Every foster home must maintain functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the house and near all sleeping areas. A working fire extinguisher is also required.
Why it matters: Fire safety saves lives. The NFPA reports that 3 in 5 U.S. home fire deaths occur where smoke alarms are missing or not working. For children in foster care, ensuring these alarms are tested and functional provides both physical safety and peace of mind.
Practical tip: Test detectors together as a family and replace batteries regularly. Let children in foster care hear the alarm so they recognize the sound and then explain calmly what to do next.
Foster parents must maintain up-to-date CPR and First Aid certification in most states. Medications must also be stored securely while remaining accessible in emergencies.
Why it matters: Medical readiness also saves lives. For foster families, being prepared ensures that children in your care receive the help they need, right when it matters most.
Practical tip: Use this month as a reminder to refresh CPR and First Aid courses. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your family’s “go bag,” and check medication expiration dates.
While meeting licensing requirements is essential, everyday readiness for foster parents also comes down to simple habits at home. These practical steps help foster parents build confidence and ensure the whole family knows what to do when faced with potential emergencies.
Here are just a few recommendations for you and your family:
What is Disaster Preparedness Month and when does it take place?
This is a national awareness campaign held every September to encourage families, communities, and businesses to prepare for emergencies.
Why is Disaster Preparedness Month important?
It helps families stay safe, protects children, and reminds foster parents of licensing requirements to keep homes certified and children in foster care secure.
What are the 5 Ps of disaster preparedness, and how do they apply to foster families?
The 5 Ps are People, Plans, Possessions, Prescriptions, and Papers. They are a simple framework for readiness. For foster parents, this means making sure children in their care know evacuation plans and emergency numbers, as well as how to protect important keepsakes, secure medications responsibly, and keep foster care documents ready in case of emergency.
What unique disaster readiness requirements do foster parents have?
Foster parents must post evacuation and communication plans, keep emergency numbers visible, maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, have a fire extinguisher, securely store medications, and hold CPR/First Aid certifications.
How can I help children in foster care feel safe without scaring them?
Use calm, age-appropriate language when explaining preparedness and safety. Be sure to frame drills as “practice for staying safe,” and emphasize that these steps are part of caring for the whole family.
Disaster Preparedness Month is a reminder that safety starts at home. For foster parents, each small step, from posting emergency numbers to practicing evacuation drills, helps children in their care feel secure and supported.
Want to learn more about building a safe and nurturing home for children in foster care? Connect with a foster care specialist today to ask questions, explore resources, and take the next step toward making a lasting difference.