Prepare for the unexpected: join September’s emergency planning campaign

This September, residents in West Northamptonshire are invited to take part in the annual September is Preparedness Month campaign, delivered through the national 30 Days 30 Ways initiative.

Running from 1–30 September, the campaign shares simple daily activities designed to help people prepare for emergencies and strengthen personal and community resilience. Each day highlights a different theme, from flooding and power cuts to fire safety, first aid, and mental health, with practical tips and resources to put into action.

Ahead of the campaign, residents are encouraged to complete a short survey to help assess how prepared they currently feel for unexpected events. The survey opens on 1 September.

Cllr Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, HR and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council, said:

“When people think about emergencies, they often imagine major global events.
But being prepared is just as important for the smaller disruptions we all face from time to time, power cuts, burst water mains, gas leaks, or severe weather.
“A few simple steps can make these everyday emergencies easier to deal with and also build resilience for much less likely but more serious situations.”

Joanne Maddams, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Manager at West Northamptonshire Council and co-founder of the 30 Days 30 Ways UK campaign, added:

“We’re proud to be part of this year’s programme, working with colleagues across the country to share clear, practical advice that anyone can follow.
This campaign has grown year on year, and 2025 will continue that momentum with fresh ideas, useful resources, and engaging challenges people can take part in both online and offline.”

Residents can follow the campaign through daily updates on social media by searching #30Days30WaysUK, and explore resources and activities on the campaign website.

For more information, visit our 30 Days 30 Ways webpage or email 30days30waysuk@the-eps.org.uk.