"Guide for Emergency Preparedness" Available as a Resource Annapolis (September 15, 2003)-Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S, Owens today urged residents to make preparations for Hurricane Isabel. "At this moment, we still can't be sure how Isabel will affect Anne Arundel County," Ms. Owens said. "But now is the time to prepare your homes and businesses, and review emergency preparedness plans. Preparing for emergencies can prevent injuries or the loss of life," Ms. Owens continued. Steps to prepare include: - Gather supplies, including a first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, battery powered radio and extra batteries, protective clothing and rain wear, canned foods and at least three gallons of water (preferably more). Also, put important family documents in a waterproof container. Make sure that you have some cash on hand in the event that ATMs and/or credit card services are down.
- Remove dead or diseased branches from trees or shrubs that could break off and become missiles in high winds. Secure lawn furniture and other outdoor items.
- Prepare your home for high winds with plywood panels cut to fit each window of your home. If high winds are expected for your area, cover your windows. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking and is not recommended.
- Prepare to leave right away if local officials advise you to do so. You will need as much time as possible to evacuate, due to higher-than-usual traffic volumes. If you are on a barrier island, or live in a mobile home or boat, you must evacuate well inland.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, The Weather Channel, Emergency Alert System (EAS)
Radio Stations (Primary is WBAL-AM, 1090), and local television broadcasts for the latest information about the storm. - Return home after a storm only when local officials advise that it is safe to do so.
- Use flashlight if the power is out. Do not use candles or other open flames indoors. More people have died after recent hurricanes from residential fires caused by candles than from the direct effects of the hurricane itself.
- Check on neighbors, particularly the elderly and disabled.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency recommends the following during a storm threat: - Stay tuned to radio and tv for official weather information.
- Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
- Bring in or tie down lawn furniture and other loose items outdoors.
- If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
- Stay away from windows and doors even if they're covered. Try to stay in an interior room or
hallway. - Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
- Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer buttoned down in
your home than out on the road where flying debris can be hazardous. - Turn refrigerator to maximum cold setting.
- Turn off utilities if told to do so.
- Fill bathtub and large containers with water.
County Executive Owens asked residents to review their "Guide to Emergency Preparedness," a copy of which was mailed in September 2002 to all County households. The free guide provides basic information on preparing for a variety of emergency conditions. It includes recommendations on identifying essential supplies for emergencies, handling major power outages, establishing a shelter-in- place plan and disaster planning for pets. The guide is available in both English and Spanish. Additional copies may be obtained at the Arundel Center and local public libraries. Grading Activity Effective today, Anne Arundel County has instructed all grading inspectors to review all of their projects and to visit their larger projects to ensure that all sediment controls are in place. In addition, the County has issued Notice with all Grading Permits issued this week (September 15,2003), that no grading activity will be authorized by a grading inspector until Hurricane Isabel has passed. Preconstruction meetings will be scheduled as usual. Building inspectors are preparing to be ready to perform damage inspections as a result of the hurricane Boats The County is allowing marinas to store boats on their property on land that otherwise would not be zoned for this purpose until such time as weather conditions warrant their safe return to water. |
