Southern Maryland Still Under State Of Emergency
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has rescinded the State of Emergency in eight Maryland counties.
While some of the central and eastern parts of the state, including the beaches, remain under a state of emergency, Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s do not.
Hogan said based on the weather projections sending Joaquin off to seas, the remaining 15 Maryland counties and Baltimore City will remain under the state of emergency until further notice.
“With the storm moving away from our coasts, we are directing state resources to the counties and areas with the highest potential to need assistance,” said Governor Hogan. “However, the majority of the state still remains under a state of emergency and rain and wind gusts could cause power outages and flooding in low-lying areas. We continue to encourage Marylanders to use common sense and look after family members and neighbors who might need help during this time.”
Southern Maryland Under Coastal Flood WARNING
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON EDT SUNDAY...
* TIDAL ANOMALY...AROUND TWO FEET ABOVE NORMAL...INCREASING TO 2.5
FEET THIS EVENING.
* TIMING...SEVERAL HOURS AROUND HIGH TIDE THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING.
* EXPECTED IMPACTS...MODERATE INUNDATION OF SHORELINE. THIS
INCLUDES ROAD AND YARD FLOODING IN THE ST GEORGE ISLAND
AREA...AND POTENTIAL MINOR INUNDATION IN OTHER LOW-LYING COASTAL
PORTIONS OF THE COUNTY. WAVE ACTION OF 3 TO 5 FEET WILL CONTINUE
TO ENHANCE THE INUNDATION THREAT.
HERE ARE THE TIMES OF THE NEXT HIGH TIDES
POINT LOOKOUT...5:50 AM AND 6:45 PM...
COLTONS POINT...7:40 AM AND 7:59 PM...
PINEY POINT...7:04 AM AND 7:23 PM...
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR
IMMINENT. COASTAL RESIDENTS IN THE WARNED AREA SHOULD BE ALERT
FOR RISING WATER...AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE
AND PROPERTY.
Heavy Rains To Drench St. Mary's County - Residents Urged To Prepare:
Leonardtown, MD - With heavy rains impacting much of St. Mary’s County, on top of significant rainfall earlier this week, residents should make appropriate preparations for flooding that may be occur over the next 48 hours. Emergency Services & Technology is also monitoring Hurricane Joaquin, which is currently located in the Bahamas but may turn to the north on Friday.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for Maryland and has instructed state agencies to begin readying resources in the event the Hurricane makes landfall near Maryland. Local agencies and Emergency Services & Technology will work closely with the State to ensure an efficient response.
There are a number of actions that citizens can take to prepare for severe weather and flooding:
• Clean storm drains and gutters on your house to prevent overflow and water buildup.
• Don’t wait. Communicate. Know how to get in contact with your friends and family during any emergency.
• Because of the saturated soil, even minor winds could cause power outages. Be prepared to be without electricity. While the power is still on, keep cell phones, tablets, other devices and back-up batteries fully charged.
• Fuel up your automobile before any storm and make sure to have car chargers available for devices. In a power outage, you can use your car to charge cell phones and tablets.
• If you have a basement in your house, shelve household items and make sure any electronic equipment is not lying directly on the floor.
• Listen to instructions from local officials and know the current forecast by following your local emergency management office, forecasters, and news stations.
The National Weather Service has noted that the exact path of this system will not be clear until later this week; however, any impact could bring additional rain and wind.
Charles County Under A State Of Emergency:
t 4 p.m. today, Oct. 1, 2015, Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy signed an order declaring a local state of emergency in Charles County. The declaration is made to ensure the Department of Emergency Services has authority to engage, deploy, and coordinate available resources to protect Charles County residents’ lives and property in the event of severe weather impact from Hurricane Joaquin.
Calvert County Department of Public Safety Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Officials Closely Watch Hurricane Joaquin to Determine Potential Local Impacts
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – Oct. 1, 2015 – As Calvert County prepares for the one-two punch of a nor'easter and Hurricane Joaquin, the Calvert County Department of Public Safety encourages residents to review emergency preparedness procedures in the event the storms pose a risk for the region. Residents should consider the following actions to be prepared when a potentially dangerous storm threatens.
· Stay tuned to radio and TV stations for official weather information.
· Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
· Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
· Close all interior doors; secure and brace external doors.
· Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
· Avoid using the phone except in the case of emergencies.
· Avoid elevators.
· If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
· Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer in your home than out on the road.
· Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as for cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill a bathtub or other large container with water. This is important for those whose water runs off of an electrical system.
· Fill your automobiles with gas.
· Have cash on hand in case the power is out and ATMs and other electronic payment methods are not working.
After the Storm
· Stay away from downed or dangling power lines.
· Beware of weakened tree limbs.
· Open windows and doors to ventilate your house.
· Use your phone only in emergencies.
· Do not drive into water of unknown depth.
· Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.
· Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters.
· Wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking.
To stay informed about local conditions and emergency information, residents are encouraged to sign up for Calvert County ALERT to receive timely information about various emergency and nonemergency situations. To sign up, visit https://www.co.cal.md.us and click on the Emergency Alerts button. Residents are also encouraged to “like” the county’s Facebook page or download the free “Prepare Me Calvert” emergency preparedness mobile application now available for iOS (Apple) and Android devices through the Apple App Store or the Google Play market. Those without Internet can contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638, to sign up or for additional emergency preparedness information.
Further hurricane preparedness information is available through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency online at www.mema.state.md.us. For the most up-to-date forecasts on the track of the storm, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov. Questions or requests for information can also be sent by email to oem@co.cal.md.us. For information on Calvert County Government, visit www.co.cal.md.us or like us on Facebook.
Emergency Services and Technology Monitoring Progress of Joaquin
Leonardtown, MD - The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services & Technology is closely monitoring the activity of Hurricane Joaquin, currently in the Atlantic Ocean. Residents are advised to closely follow weather reports and prepare for the possibility of its arrival and or impact in the region over the next few days.
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING for St. Mary's County. There is the potential for Fresh Water Flooding to occur Friday through Saturday with 3-5" of rain expected. Wind and rain is likely to begin tonight.
Hurricane Joaquin's path remains uncertain. Storm surge and winds are highly dependent on the track of Joaquin but rainfall from the storm is expected Sunday through Monday with additional amounts of between 3-5 inches predicted. There is the potential for strong damaging winds and flooding as a result of this storm.
You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. For a detailed list of recommended items visit www.ready.gov.
Check your property for weak tree limbs, and remember to secure outdoor furniture. The probability is higher this time of the year for downed trees and tree limbs. Power outages are expected due to the powerful winds from this storm.. Residents are encouraged to secure all loose items on their property such as outdoor furniture.
The Emergency Services and Technology is participating in ongoing National Weather Service conference calls to receive the latest information on the storm's track.
Maryland Declares A State Of Emergency:
Gov. Larry Hogan has declared a state of emergency in Maryland ahead of Hurricane Joaquin.
Hurricane Joaquin gained momentum Thursday afternoon, strengthening to an "extremely dangerous" Category 4 storm by 2 p.m., according to the US Hurricane Center.
By 3 p.m. Hogan had placed Maryland under a state of emergency, "out of abundance of caution."
"While we're hoping for the best, we're preparing for the worst," Hogan said.
Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials say they are in constant contact with the national hurricane center as well as the National Weather Service members serving the Maryland area.
Maryland is taking steps to activate resources and mobilize in case Hurricane Joaquin becomes a more direct threat to the state.
SMECO Asks Residents To Prepare:
Southern Maryland faces potential heavy rains and high winds this weekend. Area residents are urged to take steps to prepare for possible weather-related power outages. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is monitoring weather forecasts, and co-op crews are prepared to restore power if outages occur.
According to SMECO spokesperson Tom Dennison, “As always, SMECO personnel are monitoring the weather forecast and preparing to respond to any outages that may result from falling trees and flooding.” Dennison added, “If customers experience a power outage, they have a number of easy ways to report it. They can call 1-877-74-SMECO (1-877-747-6326), go online to our website, www.smeco.coop, or use SMECO’s text messaging service. We also have a SMECO 24/7 free mobile app available that will allow customers to report an outage, view our outage map, or make a payment. We encourage customers to download the app or register for the texting service before bad weather hits.” Customer-members can get more information about the app and text messaging service on SMECO’s website at smeco.coop/SMECO247.
SMECO’s outage restoration policy is to make repairs that will restore service to the most people in the least amount of time. Transmission lines and substations are repaired first, followed by distribution lines that feed neighborhoods. Tap lines and individual service lines are then repaired to restore power to customers who may still be without electricity.
Customers can view a two-minute video, “Preparing for a Power Outage” to help them take steps to get ready in case an outage occurs. Customers can access the video on the co-op’s website at smeco.coop/safety/outages/hurricane-readiness.
The following is a list of steps customers can take to prepare for power interruptions.
• If someone in your household depends on electricity to operate life support systems, make plans for alternate sources of power or alternate lodging. For county shelter information, call SMECO’s special needs number: 1-866-524-9402. In addition, check with your local fire department, which may offer temporary shelter.
• If you plan to use a portable generator, use extension cords to connect what you want to power directly to the generator. Place your generator outside, not in an attic, crawl space, or basement. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly. Make sure your generator is connected safely; a generator that is not connected safely can cause serious injury or death. When your power comes back on, turn off and disconnect your generator immediately.
• Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand. Lanterns and candles are not recommended because they can cause fires.
• Stock nonperishable foods and keep a manual can opener handy. The ideal choices are foods that require no cooking, such as fruit, canned tuna, peanut butter, crackers, cereals, cereal bars, canned soup, and bread.
• Do not stock your refrigerator or freezer with foods that may perish during a power outage.
• If you plan to use a charcoal or gas grill for cooking, keep the grill outdoors.
• If your water at home is supplied by a well, store extra water in clean jugs, bathtubs, or laundry tubs.
• Keep a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries and stay tuned to local news bulletins and weather reports.
• Make sure that you have a standard phone available. Cordless phones do not work without electricity. If you use a cell phone, an auto adapter may be needed to recharge your phone.
• Keep your automobile gas tank above half full.
• Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors.
• As in preparing for any other emergency, maintain a supply of cash. Credit cards and ATM machines may not work if the power is out.
If your power goes out:
• Call SMECO’s Outage Hotline at 1-877-74-SMECO or 1-877-747-6326. Customers may also download the SMECO 24/7 app, use SMECO’s text messaging service, or go to the co-op’s website to report the outage online at smeco.coop/account/report-an-outage.
• Never touch downed power lines or attempt to remove trees from power lines. Contact with live lines may result in serious injury or death. Let qualified SMECO crews handle the clearing and repair work. Please report downed power lines to SMECO immediately by calling 1-888-440-3311.
• Open the freezer and refrigerator as little as possible. This will help food stay fresh longer.
• Make sure the oven and stove are off to prevent fires if the power comes back on while you’re away.
• Turn off all the major appliances in your home, especially the heat pump. This will prevent damage to the appliances once the power is restored. Then, try not to turn everything back on at once; turn on appliances gradually so the electric demand does not jump suddenly.
Sandbags Available For Residents:
Calvert County Urges Preparations for Predicted Heavy Rainfall
Sandbags Are Available to Help Residents Protect Property
PRINCE FREDERICK, MD -- Sept. 30, 2015 – With up to 10 inches of rain predicted for the region over the next three days, the Calvert County Department of Public Safety is urging county residents to be prepared for the potential for coastal and inland flooding.
The county is making sand and sand bags available for residents who need them to protect property. Up to 10 sand bags per vehicle may be picked up today, Wednesday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the following locations:
· Appeal Salt Dome, 401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby
· Stafford Road Salt Dome, 335 Stafford Road, Barstow
· Mt. Hope Community Center, 104 Pushaw Station Road, Sunderland
Residents are encouraged to bring their own bags and shovels. County staff will be available to assist those in need.
To keep abreast of local conditions and emergency information, residents are encouraged to download the free “Prepare Me Calvert” emergency preparedness mobile application now available for iOS (Apple) and Android devices through the Apple App Store or the Google Play market. Residents can also sign up for Calvert County ALERT to receive timely information about various emergency and nonemergency situations. Sign up for Calvert County ALERT online at www.co.cal.md.us and click on the Emergency Alerts button. Those without Internet can contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-1600, ext. 2638, to sign up or for additional emergency preparedness information.
For information on Calvert County Government, visit www.co.cal.md.us or like us on Facebook.
The Charles County Department of Emergency Services has received additional sandbags for county residents who need them to protect property. Sandbags and sand will be available on Friday, Oct. 2 from noon to 8 p.m. or until bags and/or sand supply is depleted. Friday will be the last day for sandbag distribution.Severe weather notices are posted online at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov, on CCGTV which broadcasts on Verizon channel 10 and Comcast channel 95, www.facebook.com/CharlesCounty and www.twitter.com/CharlesCoMD. Sign up for the Citizen Notification System at www.CharlesCountyCNS.com to receive inclement weather and traffic alerts by e-mail or phone. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
Sandbags Available for Residents as Part of Storm Preparations
Leonardtown, MD - The St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works & Transportation advises residents of the following:
• As a part of the readiness and pre-emergency phase, the County is making sandbags available for use by residents. This is a self-serve process and staff will be on-site to monitor, but will have limited availability to assist in the filling or loading of sandbags. Sandbags are not pre-filled and each individual will be limited to between 10-25 sandbags while supplies last.
• Sand, bags, and shovels will be available at all six (6) convenience centers for County residents wishing to obtain sandbags in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Joaquin. The convenience centers are located at:
Charlotte Hall – 37766 New Market Turner Road
Oakville – 26630 North Sandgates Road
Clement’s – 24547 Horseshoe Road
St. Andrews – 44595 St. Andrews Church Road
Valley Lee – 45350 Happyland Road
Ridge – 13939 Point Lookout Road
• The convenience centers will operate under extended hours for this effort as follows:
Thursday, October 1, 2015: from noon to 6:30 pm
Friday, October 2, 2015: from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
Saturday, October 3, 2015: return to normal hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Approximately 1,000 sandbags and 20 tons of sand will initially be available at each site. Additional bags are scheduled for delivery Thursday afternoon.
Sandbags provide limited protection, but are intended to redirect small storm water and debris flows away from structures. It is suggested that residents lay a plastic sheet between the building and the bags to control the flow and prevent water from seeping into the door or window wells. Generally the placement of bags is stacked up to three layers with each bag being tamped into place.
If sand is not available, residents are advised to use local soil. When sandbags are not available, other containers (i.e. small plastic grocery bags and pillow cases) can be utilized. Once used, homeowners should empty the material in the bags into their yards and then properly discard the bags.
For more information access our website at prepare.stmarysmd.com.
