This post was written by Hatchet reporter Brianna Gurciullo.

The Office of Emergency Management’s sixth annual Safety Expo drew more than 1,500 people to University Yard Wednesday.

Held during National Preparedness Month, the event offered attendees an opportunity to create emergency preparedness kits that included band aids, latex gloves, hand sanitizing wipes, insect repellent and sunscreen.

The University Police Department, the Office of Health and Safety, GW Hospital, the Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, the American Red Cross, D.C. Fire and EMS and EMeRG all gathered at the event. It joined about 29 Office of Emergency Management partners in total, the largest turnout in the event’s history, George Nuñez, the office’s director, said.

The Washington Animal Rescue League brought cats and dogs –up for adoption – and distributed pamphlets on pet care during emergency conditions.

Large groups gravitated toward UPD’s self-defense demonstration area.