Personal preparedness is a year-round commitment, and that’s why encouraging Americans and their families to take appropriate steps to educate themselves and prepare for emergencies that could occur in their homes, businesses, schools and communities is critical. There is no question that it’s important for Americans who live in areas vulnerable to wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and a variety of other threats to take the right steps in advance and to have a plan in place to protect themselves.  

But what we’ve also been seeing across the country this year is that even in communities not traditionally at risk for natural disasters, crime or other threatening elements, record numbers of Americans are preparing and taking important steps to protect themselves and their loved ones. It’s a topic