Emergency Preparedness Information

Welcome to the City of Takoma Park’s Emergency Preparedness Information Page.

The information contained on this page will be updated frequently particularly with ever-changing weather patterns caused by climate change. Plus the response to emergencies has also changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic that includes wearing a mask and social distancing.

About Takoma Park Alert

Takoma Park Alert will deliver important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates to you by the devices you choose and methods available.

Sign up now to be notified quickly of emergencies, severe weather, unexpected road closures, and other public safety incidents. Learn more about Takoma Park Emergency Alerts

Basic Emergency Supply Kit

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Copies of important documents, i.e. insurance papers, birth certificates, bills, medical insurance, etc..
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Medications
• Any special items you would need for the elderly, persons with disabilities, or for the very young

Suggested Kit:  A Go Bag

1. Basic electronics
Pack an extra phone charger in case you’re fortunate enough to have electricity, and a portable battery pack in case you’re not. Also, stash a long-lasting LED flashlight. Pack a small hand-cranked or battery-operated AM/FM radio (with extra batteries).

2. Personal needs
While getting ready for a typical day, list every toiletry you use, then buy a travel-size version of each. Pack backup eyeglasses, as well as a first-aid kit, baby wipes and a multipurpose tool with a knife and can opener.

3. Clothing
Pack a few days’ worth. Include layers you can add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and waterproof boots.

4. Your meds
Pack about three days’ worth of each of your prescriptions, which should last until you can get to a pharmacy that’s open. If you need larger items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure you have a portable version.

5. The perfect bag
Think small and portable. A backpack is ideal, but a lightweight suitcase with wheels will also do. Just remember, you may literally be running with it.

6. Paperwork
Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney and will; any marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; and information about your credit and ATM cards.

7. Food and drink
Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy bars are great because they are small and filling, and they come in a variety of flavors.

8. Cash
In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you need to buy something out of a vending machine, you don’t want to start asking equally desperate strangers for change.

The 2023 National Preparedness Month Theme

Theme: Take Control in 1, 2, 3

The Ready Campaign’s 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is “Take Control in 1, 2, 3”. The campaign will focus on preparing older adults for disasters, specifically older adults from communities that are disproportionally impacted by the all-hazard events, which continue to threaten the nation.

We know older adults can face greater risks when it comes to the multitude of extreme weather events and emergencies we now face, especially if they are living alone, are low-income, have a disability, or live in rural areas.

Emergency managers and all those who work with and support older adult communities to access the new webpage available in English and Spanish languages at Ready.gov/older-adults and Ready.gov/es/adultos-mayores. For more information on preparing with disabilities visit Ready.gov/disability or Ready.gov/es/discapacidad in Spanish.

Quicklinks:

• Emergency Preparedness Information
• Agencies and Resources
• Community Outreach
• Seasonal Weather Threats
• Takoma Park Emergency Alerts
• EPC Are You Ready and Checklist (PDF)
• EPC Are You Ready Checklist-Spanish version (PDF)
• EPC Make a Plan (PDF)

Other Resources:

• COVID-19 Information and Resource Page
• Emergency Preparedness Committee
• Public Service Announcements
• Ready.gov/plan
• Utility Contact Information 
• Montgomery County Community Emergency Response Team
  • The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program in Montgomery County is free to the public and covers emergency topics ranging from CPR and first aid to operating a fire extinguisher. CERT training gives you the readiness to respond to emergencies at home, at work, or in our community. CERT programs serve in more than 170 communities nationwide. CERT is managed by the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and is based on the DHS/FEMA/Citizen Corps national standard curriculum and certification. The CERT training program is a 30-hour course, taught by FEMA qualified instructors over a 5-week period. Upon completion of the course, CERT graduates can join our county CERT team and play an important role in community safety. For more information and class schedules go to: www.montgomerycert.org.
    

    Water Safety

    When you are in or on the water, there is safety guidance you should follow. Check out the information on water safety and life vests.

  • Red Cross water safety tips
  • United States Coast Guard Life Jackets