Prince George’s County residents can get a free AM-FM battery-operated radio for their emergency preparedness kit if they sign up for an e-mail service that provides news, event information and emergency notifications.
“It’s designed to make people more prepared,” said Jim Keary, county communications director. “It’s a way to reach people.”
The radio offer begins just as county residents are beginning to receive free copies of the county’s Emergency Preparedness Guide in the mail. County Executive Jack Johnson wanted the guide updated after seeing the confusion in New Orleans during and after Hurricane Katrina, Keary said.
The guide, which covers events such as terrorist attacks and snow emergencies, includes a coupon that residents can fill out and return for their free radio. County residents can also visit the county’s Web site to submit an online request for a radio.
Keary said the county has placed an initial order for 10,000 radios at a cost of less than a $1 each. More radios will be bought if the program proves popular, Keary said.
“Radio is one of the major ways of reaching people because there are so many portable radios out there,” Keary said.
Be prepared
» To request a free battery-powered AM/FM radio online, visit egov.goprincegeorgescounty.com/e-updates/.
» The Prince George’s County government says an emergency preparedness kit should contain the following: water, food, first-aid kit, battery-operated flashlights and radios, sanitation items such as soap and toothpaste, clothing and bedding, and special items such as baby formula, prescriptions and important family documents.
» To view the entire emergency preparedness guide, visit www.co.pg.md.us/Government/AgencyIndex/OHS/.
