Emergency Preparedness
The publications and websites below offer practical how-to guides instructing Metro customers and area residents in emergency preparedness.
For information on Metro's own safety tips and emergency precautions and preparations, please see the Metrobus and Metrorail safety page and our safety and security FAQ.
Safety Preparedness Video (3 minutes)
Safety Preparedness Video (Español)
Metrorail Emergency Evacuation Maps
Maps for each entrance to Metrorail stations include bus service available from the station, walking distance to the next station, and a street map designating bus stop locations and bus routes. To view maps for a particular station, go to the Metrorail stations page and click on a station name.
Your Guide to Metrobus Safety
Describes Metrobus safety features, emergency procedures, and reporting suspicious packages or activity.
This guide is also available in the following languages:
Metrobus Snow Service and
Metrorail Snow Service
Describe what Metro service to expect during extreme weather.
"Together We Prepare" brochure
Transit-specific disaster education material from Metro, the American Red Cross, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration.
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Helps train people to be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims, and organize spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site. CERT members can also help with non-emergency projects that help improve the safety of the community.
- Alexandria, VA
- Arlington County, VA
- District of Columbia
- Montgomery County, MD
- Prince Georges County, MD
- All CERT Teams in VA
Metro Citizen Corps
Works with Metro Transit Police to provide CERT members with a training program that teaches them how to react to emergencies ranging from rail safety to identification of terrorist activity. The members are taught how to help themselves and their fellow passengers while they wait for firefighters and police to arrive. To be eligible to be a member of the
Metro Citizen Corps you must be an active CERT member, a regular Metro rider, a U.S. Citizen, and 18 years of age or older.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Includes information about the current national threat level and general emergency preparedness.
Ready.gov
Offers detailed information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on preparing for terrorist incidents. Included are brochures, checklists, public service announcements, and links to additional information.
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Homeland Security & Public Safety
Describes local governments' cooperation on homeland security and includes links to the Regional Emergency Coordination Plan developed for the National Capital Area.
District of Columbia Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness
Helps Washington, DC residents prepare their homes and families for most local emergency situations.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Lists the local Maryland emergency management offices for all counties in Maryland.
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Offers information for Virginia residents to increase their knowledge and preparedness for terrorism.