Ready for Anything - Add an emergency kit to your vehicle

When you’re on the road, your vehicle is an extension of your home. Having an emergency kit designed for your car and your family can be vital in keeping everyone safe and entertained on long trips or commutes. In addition to water and snacks, add items such as a blanket, protein bars, games, bandages and a cell phone charger  The commuting time in the Washington Metropolitan region is likely to be impacted in the weeks ahead – a little pre-preparation can make all the difference in being “road ready.”

Are You Ready?

We continue to urge County residents to be alert to changing weather conditions and to be prepared for possible flash flooding and potential high winds over the next several days.

Part of preparation includes having an emergency kit.  MCFRS urges all residents to take a moment to view information below, from our friends at the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and take action!

Make a Kit

One of the most critical steps you can take to sustain yourself and your family during a disaster is to create an emergency kit before the disaster strikes.

An emergency kit contains items you might need including food, water, medication, a flashlight, a radio, and batteries. These items will help you if you are asked to stay home for as many as three days.

However, a kit may also be useful in case you have to evacuate your home. If the items you need are in your emergency kit, you will not have to scramble at the last minute to gather important items.

Include the following items in your emergency kit:

• Water - One gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Food - A three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Can Opener - Manual hand-cranking
• Radio - Battery-powered or hand-cranking
• Flashlight - With extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Medication - A three-day supply
• Toiletries - For personal hygiene
• Copies of Important Documents - Insurance policies, identification, and bank accouns in a waterproof container
• Other Items (Depending on the Household) - Infant formula and diapers, extra clothing, books or games for children

For information on how to assemble an emergency kit, visit the following sites:

• Ready.gov

• Assembling a kit for your pet - information from Ready.gov

Additional Resources

Montgomery County's Are You Emergency Ready brochure includes information on items that should be in your emergency kit.