September is Emergency Preparedness Month
Updated: 9/13/2026
Key message
Preparation, awareness, and training help ensure we can respond confidently and effectively when emergencies occur.
Emergencies can happen at work, at home, or while traveling; therefore, preparation, awareness, and training are essential.
Knowing emergency procedures and how to respond can ensure your safety as well as your family, friends, colleagues, and the public.
Prepare before an emergency
Review workplace emergency procedures, know evacuation routes and assembly areas, save important emergency phone numbers, and familiarize yourself with the locations of first aid supplies and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). A few minutes of preparation today can make a critical difference during an emergency.
Respond quickly and safely
If an emergency occurs, remember the Assess, Alert, Act approach:
- Assess. Determine the area and the situation to identify hazards. Ensure it is safe to provide assistance.
- Alert. Contact authorities. Call 911, contact Metro Transit Police: Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873), or alert a station manager.
- Act. Determine the appropriate action while maintaining your own safety. If capable, provide first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Station managers are trained to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units inside the station kiosks until emergency responders arrive
Follow established emergency procedures and directions from emergency personnel.
Metro's emergency preparedness hub
Learn how Metro prepares for emergencies and what customers should know.
- Metro Transit Police presence and K-9 units
- More than 30,000 security cameras throughout the system
- Emergency response training for first responders
- Safety information for customers
- Resources for customers needing extra assistance during emergencies