About Takoma Park > Emergency Preparedness Information

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.

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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 2020 National Preparedness Month Theme

Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.

“This year, we’ve seen that preparedness actions save lives,” said FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor. “Hurricanes and wildfires aren’t waiting for COVID-19 to end, and neither should your preparedness activities. I encourage you to make the most of this time you have with your families and have those discussions about your emergency plans, specifically how they may look different this year in a COVID-19 environment.”

The 2020 campaign encourages parents and caregivers to visit Ready.gov/plan to find tools and tips for making an emergency plan with their family.

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