National Preparedness Month: A Satellite Media Tour to Keep America Ready

This September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, I had the privilege of joining nearly 30 TV stations across the country from the studios of A-1 Broadcast in Atlanta. 

Through this Satellite Media Tour (SMT), I shared essential preparedness tips to help families, first responders, and communities stay safe before, during, and after disasters.

As a FEMA-certified disaster preparedness instructor and meteorologist, I see firsthand how extreme weather is impacting lives. Tornadoes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes—these events are happening more often and causing greater damage. Preparedness is no longer optional; it’s critical. That’s why I partnered with four top brands, each playing a unique role in building resilience:

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (@wyndhamhotels)

When disasters strike and evacuations are necessary, housing becomes a lifeline. Wyndham’s extended stay brands—Echo Suites, Hawthorn, and WaterWalk—provide safe, reliable lodging with the comforts of home: fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, fitness centers, and free Wi-Fi. Families, evacuees, and first responders can depend on Wyndham for more than just a place to sleep—they provide stability in uncertain times.

Generac (@generac)

The numbers speak volumes: in 2024, the U.S. logged nearly 1.5 billion outage hours, the most since records began. Backup power is vital to any preparedness plan, and Generac offers solutions for every household: home standby generators, portable generators, and portable power stations. Beyond reliability, Generac also embraces sustainability with options that support solar panels and energy storage systems—delivering peace of mind when the grid fails.

T-Mobile (@tmobile)

Connectivity saves lives. During disasters, being able to reach loved ones or emergency services is essential. T-Mobile has built a resilient network powered by AI, automation, backup batteries, and generators. Their T-Satellite technology ensures connectivity even when traditional networks collapse. But what stands out most is T-Mobile’s community commitment: providing free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and portable power in impacted areas so people can reconnect and recover.

GE Lighting, a Savant Company (@gelighting)

Sometimes it’s the simplest innovations that make the biggest difference. GE LED+ Battery Backup Bulbs automatically turn on when the power goes out, offering more than five hours of dependable light. They fit into standard fixtures, provide the same brightness as traditional bulbs, and can even be unscrewed and used as flashlights. With these bulbs, households can avoid being left in the dark during critical moments.

This SMT wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional A-1 Broadcast team who orchestrated every detail behind the scenes, and a special thank you goes to my talented makeup artist, Cristina, who kept me camera-ready through nearly 30 interviews.

Preparedness is about more than supplies—it’s about planning, partnerships, and resilience. I’m grateful to these brands for leading the way and for helping amplify the message that being prepared isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity.

To learn more about these brands, visit TipsOnTV.com and for more tips on how to prepare your family and home, subscribe to my blog right here on www.PrepareWithCher.com