September is National Preparedness Month, an annual initiative led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Ready Campaign. This year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” focuses on the basic steps of preparedness. 

It is important for foreign students in the United States and their designated school officials (DSOs) to learn more about preparedness by planning and building a community of resilience. 

Steps for Foreign Students: 

• Know your regional risks. Understand local emergencies, such as severe weather and power outages, and how to respond. Sign up for emergency alerts via your university or local emergency systems (e.g., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, FEMA app).
• Create an emergency plan. Fill out FEMA’s free Family Emergency Plan. Create this plan with family, roommates or close friends.
  • Your plan can include where to meet, who to contact, evacuation routes and what to do if phone or internet is unavailable.
• Build an emergency supply kit (go-bag). Prepare essentials for at least 72 hours, including non-perishable food, water, flashlight, batteries, portable phone chargers and a radio.
  • For low-cost options, see FEMA’s low- and no-cost preparedness tips.
  • Include basic medications and first-aid items, and if you have pets, make sure they have supplies too.
• Stay connected and maintain your status. If emergencies disrupt your school operations, stay in touch with your DSO and SEVP’s Response Center.
  • Maintaining F-1 or M-1 status is critical even during emergencies, so keep necessary documents on hand. Make sure your passports, visa, I-20, DSO contact details and financial records are in a secure place. 

Steps for DSOs: 

• Help students plan and prepare. Share Ready.gov materials in emails, newsletters and social media, customizing them as needed for your campus.
• Highlight campus emergency systems. Remind students to sign up for your institution’s alert notifications and participate in drills.
  • Test communication plans. Make sure they are clear among students, especially for those off-campus.
• Use existing Study in the States resources. Share the infographic Emergency Resources: Prepare and Stay Safe from Study in the States’ Resource Library.
  • Regularly remind students of the SEVP Response Center and availability to assist during disruptions.
• Tailor content for foreign student needs. Highlight maintaining F and M status in emergency events, emphasize accessible resources and offer translations or multilingual support where possible.
  • Consider unique student situations like pets, medical conditions, disability accommodations or lack of local support, and encourage students to include these in their planning. 

Preparedness works best when we do it together. Whether you're a student building your go-bag or a DSO organizing campus readiness, small steps now can protect you later.