HARRISBURG, Pa. — Bruce Larson is known as a champion of funny car racing, but he is spreading a very serious message this week about car safety. Larson, a legendary National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) world champion drag race driver, recorded a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) for radio broadcast in support of National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 3-9.

Larson popped out of his lane briefly to record a quick and succinct message: Be prepared for late winter storms by keeping your car winterized and equipped with a kit. 

The PSA was recorded on Feb. 28 in Dauphin, Pa., where Larson keeps a treasured collection of antique cars. He is decidedly sentimental about one, which is the 1932 Ford V8 engine Model B he first raced as a teen. It is the same type of car featured in the 1973 film American Graffiti. Another car in Larson’s beloved collection, a 1956 Thunderbird, is also like those cars seen in the film.

Larson keeps a blanket in the trunk. It’s one of the most important safety articles he encourages drivers to have in their cars. 

“Keep a blanket, some extra outerwear, a flashlight with extra batteries and a first aid kit in your car,” Larson warns. “Spring may be around the corner, but you should still be prepared in case of late winter storms.”             

Larson also encourages travelers to maintain the winterization of their vehicles.

“Check your tires,” he says. “Check oil and windshield wiper fluid levels regularly.”                          

The public service announcement is being distributed to radio stations this week as an MP3 recording produced by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

In the PSA, Larson directs listeners to ReadyPA.org and Ready.gov, where car preparedness information is available online. 

For ReadyPA.org information on severe weather preparedness for vehicles, see: www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/hide_-_be_prepared/21274/make_a_plan_for_your_vehicle/1363160.

For Ready.gov information, see: www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/5546.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary and www.youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion3.