Learning Center

Assess Your Risk, Make a Plan and Be Prepared to Act

September is National Preparedness Month, which was created in the aftermath of the devastating events of Sept. 11, 2001. American Family and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) encourage you to take the necessary steps now to assess your risk, make a plan and be prepared to take action in a crisis.

Additional preparedness and recovery information is available free of charge to American Family customers through the IBHS Open for Business® initiative. (Use access code AMF8660.)

Assess Your Risk

Some emergencies are unpredictable, but understanding what is likely to happen in your area will help you prepare appropriately. Check out the Ready Campaign, an initiative of the federal government, for information about natural hazards in the area where you live or work.

Develop a Plan

Developing a plan will give you the framework needed to stay safe during a crisis. IBHS has developed Open for Business®, a tool to help organizations create a disaster preparedness and crisis recovery plan. Because American Family Insurance is a member of IBHS, this tool is free to our customers. (Use access code AMF8660.)

Practice Your Plan

To make sure your plan is the best it can be, practice it and see if there is anything that needs to be changed or added.

Find more information about the best ways to practice your plan at Ready Business, a government-sponsored website to help you keep your business prepared.

Stay Informed

Subscribe to alert services. Many communities now have systems that send instant text alerts or emails to let you know about bad weather, road closings, local emergencies, etc. Sign up by visiting your local Office of Emergency Management website.