As the planet becomes increasingly volatile and fractious each year, September is a good time for individuals and communities to take stock of their preparedness. Since 2004, September has been observed as National Preparedness Month in the United States. Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the month raises awareness and encourages all to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their communities. Locally, ReadyOC, Orange County’s emergency preparedness resource, stands out. “ReadyOC is a public outreach effort aimed at educating and empowering Orange County residents, businesses, and the community to better prepare for emergency situations,” the agency states.…