Annapolis (August 12, 2005) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens today encouraged county residents and business owners to begin considering emergency preparedness for Tropical Storm Irene. While the strength and path of this tropical storm are still unconfirmed, Irene does continue to churn its way in a northwest direction and could have potential impacts on the mid-Atlantic region. “Being prepared for emergencies can prevent injuries, loss of life, and property damage. Take this weekend to monitor the storm, review your family emergency plans and be thinking in terms of what you, your family and pets would do in the event your home, business or property were impacted by this or any other severe weather emergency,” said County Executive Janet S. Owens. “Perhaps one of the greatest gaps in preparedness that we discovered in the aftermath of Isabel involved an understanding of personal property insurance policies. Call your agent, review your policy - know what to expect from your company in the event of a natural disaster.” Steps to prepare include: Review the Anne Arundel County Emergency Preparedness Guide (English Version, Spanish Version, Korean Version  ) Review FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) preparedness information If you or your children take medication regularly, you should have an extra supply on hand to assure that you or your child will be able to take the medication if you are in a shelter or sheltering at home during an emergency. Consider evacuation arrangements for your pets. Determine how you would secure or store your boat if it is docked at a private or commercial pier. 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 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 reminds residents to review their “Guide to Emergency Preparedness.” 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. (English Version, Spanish Version, Korean Version ) | 
