Receive Messages About Serious Situations Through e-mails, Phone/Pager Text Messages With New Notification System
Tips for Creating Emergency Kits Help Citizens Prepare
ROCKVILLE, Md., June 27, 2006—Registering for the City’s “Alert Rockville” emergency notification system and creating emergency supply kits to always have ready at home are two important steps citizens can take to remain prepared for emergencies or disasters in Rockville.
As many around the Washington region have learned over the past few days during a period of record rain, severe weather can lead to power outages, flooding and other emergency situations. That is why City of Rockville Police are urging residents to prepare in advance.
Alert Rockville is a system that gives early warning of impending weather, traffic or other types of emergency situations. Alerts, as e-mails, go to computers or as text messages delivered to cell phones and personal electronic communication devices such as pagers or BlackBerrys. The system is free for users. The address to sign up is https://alert.rockvillemd.gov/
The service allows citizens to receive messages on one or all of these communications means. Users can register to receive alerts about weather, countywide traffic (situations that usually involve road closures of two-to-three hours or more) or alerts about specific Rockville traffic. Messages also will be sent about major emergency situations.
Montgomery County will provide the alerts regarding weather and countywide traffic.
Citizens who sign up for text messages may be charged a message fee by their service provider.
Having an emergency supply kit available is another way residents can help protect themselves and their families during a storm. It can be an essential tool to surviving severe storms, electrical outages, evacuations or other types of emergency. As hurricane season approaches, the Rockville Police Department is encouraging every resident who has not done so already, to prepare now.
“It’s not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’ will a disaster affect us,” said Lt. Robert J. Rappoport, of the City of Rockville Police Department. “Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, so it is important that the people in Rockville be ready with a plan, including having an emergency supply kit.”
Residents should consider making two kits – one to keep at home, the other to take in case leaving home is necessary. The second kit could be a smaller version of the first kit and packed in backpack or duffle bag.
When preparing kits, plan to survive without outside supplies for at least three days. Essential items that should be in emergency kits:
· Water – approximately one gallon of water per person per day
· Food – canned and dried foods (remember manual can opener and eating utensils)
· Clothing – appropriate for the season; include footwear and rain gear
· Bedding – blankets and sleeping bags
· Emergency supplies – first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered radio, wrench/pliers (to turn off utilities), moist towelettes, plastic sheeting and duct tape
· Family needs – prescription medications, infant formula and diapers, eyeglasses/ contact lenses, entertainment, etc.
· Family documents – insurance policies, birth certificates, bank account records, etc. (place in a portable waterproof container)
· Pets – store extra food, water and supplies for your pet
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit a special section on the City of Rockville Web site: www.rockvillemd.gov/residents/police/emergency-preparedness.htm.
# # # #
