Friday, October 26, 2012

Dear Harford County Constituent,

Emergency Manager Rick Ayers has sent an hurricane warning message:

I want to emphasize the potential for a very dangerous situation for Harford County. The main impact for our county will be Sunday night through Tuesday, when we could have sustained Tropical Storm Force Winds and Hurricane Gusts of 80 MPH. The potential for major flooding along the coast and inland is also a concern, with rain amounts expected between 6 and 12" and higher in some areas. The possibility of a major storm surge along the Chesapeake Bay will occur if the hurricane makes landfall near mouth of the bay and a storm surge of 4 to 8' is possible.

The County EOC (Emergency Operations Center) is activating today to make necessary decisions for the safety of our citizens. However, at this time (you the citizen)need to be pro-active. Make sure you have your cell phones entered into our Emergency Notification System, by going to our websitewww.harfordpublicsafety.org and click "sign-up now or call 410-638-4900.

Make sure that you have a 3-day supply of water and canned foods for your family, have a battery operated radio and extra batteries. Although, we will have shelters available, if you live in an area prone to flooding..please consider a plan to relocate to a safe area. I can't stress enough...this is a major storm and take this serious.

In addition:

The Office of Public Safety Support Services-Emergency Management is asking that you prepare to sustain your family for at least 96+ hours. Impacts on MD may include prolonged power outages, road closures, damage from high winds, and widespread flooding. Steps you should take prior to the arrival of the storm on Sunday 10/28/2012 include:

1. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit to include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery operated weather radio
• Water – 1 gallon per person per day- Don’t forget your pets
• Cash
• Food that can be prepared in the event of power outages
• First Aid supplies
• ABC Fire Extinguisher
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors
• Non-electric can opener
• Jumper cables (in your car)
• Pet food
• Pack a bag with your necessities ready in the event you need to evacuate/seek shelter elsewhere
• Charge Cell phone

2. Ensure your home heating fuel, generator fuel and automobile tanks are filled.

3. Family members that are dependent on critical medical care such as home oxygen, ventilation, suctioning, insulin, and dialysis to make preparations now and have contingency plans in place to address these needs if the County experiences prolonged power outages. This includes ensuring portable oxygen tanks are full, transportation to dialysis, shelter or a medical facility is in place, critical prescriptions are filled ahead of time.

4. Have a family plan addressing meeting places and communications if you are separated at any time.

If you have a power outage:
please call: 877-778-2222.

If you smell gas or see a downed power line:
LEAVE THE AREA and call: 800-685-0123.

Please stay safe!