The intent of National Preparedness Month, held each September, is to encourage Americans to prepare for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. The key is to take action to be prepared, not simply write plans or hold discussions. When it comes to preparedness, retailers have a dual mission: to ready their own organizations for emergencies and also to support other businesses, families and individuals in their efforts to be prepared. September offers a great opportunity for retailers to make preparedness a primary issue in their own organization and throughout the communities they serve.