Major Emergencies
If you're signed up to get information about major emergencies, you could get emergency alerts about:
- Terrorism warnings, threats or incidents
- Bombs that release radiation (e.g. dirty bomb)
- Bioterrorism (eg. anthrax, plague, smallpox)
- Mass casualties from explosions or accidents
- Deadly disease outbreaks
- Release of chemicals or nerve gas
- Major hurricanes
From natural disasters to terrorism, these emergency alerts can tell you how to protect yourself from danger. For example, you may get official guidance on how to protect yourself from radiation, chemicals or nerve gas. Or, you may get information about where to go in a major weather emergency.
Alert Examples: Real Text Alerts and Email Alerts
These are real text alerts and e-mail alerts sent from Washington, DC area emergency alert systems:
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Metro reports that 2 trains collided and one train is on top of the other train. Metro reports the staging location is 2nd & Nicholson ST NE. Metro reports massive injuries at this time. The green line and the red line are affected. Red Line trains are turning back at Rhode Island Avenue and Silver Spring stations due to a train experiencing mechanical difficulties outside Fort Totten station. Shuttle bus service has been requested. Expect delays in both directions.
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A person has been struck by a Red Line train at Van Ness METRO Station. Station open but emergency crews working. Major delays on Red Line. Connecticut Ave. also backed up in area.
Sign Up Now for Instant Emergency Alerts
To register for any of the emergency alert systems, select the city or county where you live or work. Capital alert is your way to sign up for any of the 17 DC area alert systems. Because you'll get alerts by cell phone or e-mail, you'll get this free, instant information
wherever you are.
