Official Hurricane Irene Bulletins Thread

[David (Premo)]

somd.com will post all bulletins, alerts and advisories, related to Hurricane Irene, that we receive from government agencies and public utilities in this thread.

We will keep the thread closed for public posting in order to maintain order and ease of reading.

Public cancellations, postponements and changes will be posted here: http://somd.me/irenesomd

To sign up for emergency alerts from County Governments, read this: http://somd.me/somdalerts

You can email updates for your organization to news(at)somd.com.

You can listen to live police and emergency radio broadcasts at http://somd.com/scanner/

We are currently limited to 100 slots per channel.

Emergency Alert System stations include:

WPTX 920 AM Lexington Park
WKIK 102.9 FM Mechanicsville
WAAI 100.9 FM Cambridge
WMDM 97.7 FM Lexington Park
WCEM 1240 AM Cambridge
WCMD 1560 AM La Plata
WCEM 106.3 FM Cambridge
WXTR 104.1 FM La Plata
WCEI 1460 AM Easton
WSMD 98.3 FM Mechanicsville
WCEI 96.7 FM Easton

[David (Premo)]

Charles Co. Citizens Urged to Take Protective Measures before Hurricane

As of 11 a.m. today, the National Weather Service is forecasting the following impacts from Hurricane Irene for Charles County residents:

• Rainfall in the amount of 2 to 5 inches.

• Sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts up to 50 and 55 mph beginning on Saturday around 3 p.m. through to Sunday morning.

• Tidal surge (tidal flooding) approximately one foot above normal but could be as high as two to five feet, depending on the track of the hurricane.

The Charles County Department of Emergency Services continues to monitor Hurricane Irene and will be adding additional forecast and preparedness information to the Charles County website at www.CharlesCounty.org as well as additional CNS broadcasts throughout the duration of the storm.

Citizens are strongly urged to take the following emergency protective actions to prepare for Hurricane Irene:

• Clear gutters and downspouts, and trim trees and shrubs.

• Bring in or tie down lawn furniture, grills, garbage cans, plants, and other loose items outdoors. Loose objects in your yard can become missiles.

• Secure your boat or bring it to shore.

• If you leave in a mobile home, plan to leave.

• Fill bathtubs and large containers of water.

• Move valuable papers, jewelry, and other contents to upper floors or higher elevations to keep them from flood water.

• Fuel cars.

• Make sure you have fuel for generators.

Citizens are advised to listen to local radio and television news media for emergency alerts and actions.

[David (Premo)]

Attorney General Gansler Offers Tips to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst

Baltimore, MD (August 25, 2011) – As Hurricane Irene bears down on the East Coast, do you know if your homeowners insurance policy includes water and sewer back-up coverage? Is your insurance coverage for the actual cash value or replacement cost value for damage to your home and contents? Is your sump pump working?

Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler urges all Marylanders to make sure they’re prepared to protect life, limb and property should Hurricane Irene bring high winds, heavy rains and flooding to our communities this weekend. As part of your storm-prep routine, you should take this time before severe weather hits to safeguard your home and contents and make sure your insurance is sufficient to meet your needs.

“Cleaning up after the hurricane is a terrible time to discover you don’t have the right insurance,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Before the hurricane hits we all hope for the best, but we should prepare for the worst. Make sure your home is protected and your insurance will cover any loss that you may sustain from Hurricane Irene and the next big storm.”

To help Marylanders prepare for the worst, Maryland Attorney Gansler and his People’s Insurance Counsel Division offer Maryland homeowners and renters these storm preparation tips:

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Protection from Flooding:

Standard homeowner insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), between 20 and 25 percent of flood claims occur in medium or low risk flood areas. If you live in an area prone to flooding during heavy or prolonged rains and do not have a flood policy, take measures now to remove personal belongings from the areas of your home prone to flooding.

A flood policy is generally obtained through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Insurance companies are engaged by the NFIP to issue the standard policy and there is generally a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage goes into effect. Contact your insurance agent for additional information on flood insurance or visit the official website of the NFIP at www.FloodSmart.gov.

Homeowners Coverage:

The typical homeowners policy (HO 3) is an all-risk policy that offers broad protection and covers all perils (e.g., fire, windstorm, theft) except those perils that are specifically excluded (e.g., flood). It is important to review your policy to understand what coverage you have and decide what additional coverage you may need.

Consider whether your policy has coverage for water damage and sewer back-up. Insurance companies in Maryland are required to offer this coverage to consumers and, if coverage is desired, companies will provide it for an additional charge. Look at the Declaration Page of your policy to see if water and sewer back-up coverage is listed. Call your agent if you are not sure you have coverage and consider adding it to your policy if you do not have it. Even water and sewer back-up coverage will not insure every situation where water enters your home and causes damage.

A malfunctioning sump pump in your basement or blocked sewer line can result in costly damage to your home. Check your sump pump now to make sure it is working. A home that loses electrical power during a severe storm will also lose the protection provided by the sump pump from rising ground water entering the home.

In reviewing your coverage, consider:

• Does your policy include water and sewer back-up coverage?

• Is your sump pump covered?

• Does your policy cover the expenses of a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home?

• What is your deductible and, if there is a separate deductible for storm or wind damage, what is the amount of that deductible?

• Is your coverage for actual cash value or replacement cost value?

• Will the siding be replaced if damaged, and if replacement siding does not match, will residing the entire house be covered?

Measures to Take in Your Home

• Take photos or videos of your property;

• Record an inventory of your belongings – include clothes, jewelry, furniture, audio/visual equipment, computers, and other valuable items;

• Keep records of sales receipts;

• Keep records of model and serial numbers of all items;

• Move personal items from the floor of the lowest level of your home;

• Check that the sump pump is operating;

• Store copies of any documentation of your belongings outside of your home.

For questions regarding flood insurance and home insurance policies, the People’s Insurance Counsel can be reached by emailing pic@oag.state.md.us or by calling 410-576-6432.

The People’s Insurance Counsel Division advocates for consumers of homeowners insurance and medical professional liability insurance consumers. The Division produces materials to assist consumers in their insurance coverage decisions, assists individuals with their complaints filed with the Maryland Insurance Administration and investigates insurance company practices that adversely affect insurance policy holders.

For more information on home insurance issues visit: http://www.oag.state.md.us/PIC/

Brochure - After The Damage – Who Should Remove The Water? : http://www.oag.state.md.us/PIC/resto.pdf

[David (Premo)]

The Department of Public Safety is monitoring Hurricane Irene and is providing the following information:

Prediction for St. Mary's County is 3" -5" of rain, 40 to 50 mph wind gust and tides 1' above normal high tide, starting Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. lasting through Sunday at 12:00 noon.

This is the predication again based on the current track, and deviation on track either East or West will change these predictions substantially.

They will continue to monitor Irene and update as necessary.

[David (Premo)]

County officials encourage residents to follow three basic measures in the event of a severe storm:

• Develop a disaster plan. A disaster plan will ensure your family members know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.

• Prepare an emergency supply kit. Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or a special cupboard.

• Be informed. Damaging and potentially deadly hurricane hazards come in many forms: lightning, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, even landslides or mudslides can be triggered in mountainous regions. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly.

• Listen to radio or television stations for updated information. Hurricanes can change direction, intensity, and speed very suddenly. What was a minor threat several hours ago can quickly escalate to a major threat.

• Prepare your property for high winds. Hurricane winds can blow large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes. Anything not secured may become a deadly or damaging projectile. Bring lawn furniture inside, as well as outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, or anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

• Fill your car's gas tank. If advised to evacuate, you may have to travel long distances or be caught in traffic, idling for long periods of time. Gas stations along the route may be closed.

• Stock up on prescription medications. Stores and pharmacies may be closed after the storm.

• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. Manufactured homes may not be as affected by strong winds if they are tied down according to the manufacturer's instructions. Properly tied-down homes are more likely to stay fixed to their foundations.

• Turn off propane tanks. Propane tanks may be damaged or dislodged by strong winds or water. Turning them off reduces the fire potential if they are damaged by the storm.

• Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments. A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Leaving an area that may be affected will help keep your family safe.

• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. When you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, if you can do so safely, get out of your vehicle and climb to higher ground. Most hurricane-related deaths are caused by floods, and most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.

More information on severe storm safety tips can be found on the following websites:

• Are you Ready? - Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.

• Turn Around Don’t Drown - Turn Around Don't Drown® Home Page

• Tornado Facts and Safety Tips - Tornado Safety (Online Tornado FAQ)

• Severe Storm Facts and Safety Tips - NWS Thunderstorm, Lightning and Tornado, Severe Weather Safety, Brochures, Links

• National Weather Service Watches and Warnings - Philadelphia Weather - National Weather Forecast Office Mount Holly Home Page

[David (Premo)]

STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS ALL MARYLANDERS OF FIRE SAFETY ISSUES DURING POTENTIAL POWER OUTAGES RESULTING FROM HURRICANE IRENE

As Hurricane Irene approaches Maryland, all citizens are reminded of the powerful weather related issues that can be caused with disruption in electrical service to our homes. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is cautioning residents when using alternative light and electrical sources during power outages. “These easy to follow tips will help all Marylanders avoid injury or death during power outages,” said the State Fire Marshal.

• Use flashlights during power outages instead of candles. Keep plenty of fresh batteries on hand at all times.

• If using candles, make sure they are placed on a stable piece of furniture in sturdy holders that will not tip over. Candles should fit in the holders securely and holders should be made of material that will not burn.

• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire such as; clothing, books, papers, curtains, combustible decorations or anything else that can burn.

• Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by children or pets.

• Always extinguish all candles when leaving the room or before going to sleep.

• Never use candles if medical oxygen therapy is used in the home.

• If you are depending on portable generators for electricity during power outages, use extreme caution when refueling. Fuel splashed on a hot muffler could ignite, causing severe burns and serious injuries.

• Never attempt to refuel a generator while it is running. Always allow the unit to cool before attempting to refuel. Operate generators outside of the home and outside of garages. Carbon monoxide gas produced by operating generators is poisonous and can quickly cause severe injury or death.

• Ensure placement of the generator does not allow carbon monoxide to enter the home through windows, doors or other openings.

• If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Stay off corded phones, computers and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity and plumbing.

The State Fire Marshal offers one final tip that is just as important: “Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These early notification devices are some of the most effective fire safety tools in preventing injury or death from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning”.

[David (Premo)]

For the latest statewide emergency information, citizens are urged to visit the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website at www.mema.state.md.us. Up to the minute statewide traffic information, including the locations of roads that may be closed due to flooding, is available on-line at www.511md.org, or by calling 511.

[David (Premo)]

As Hurricane Irene approaches the eastern seaboard, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) reminds area residents to prepare for storm-related power outages. According to SMECO, their operations section is monitoring weather forecasts, and co-op crews are preparing to restore power when outages occur.

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 watch the video and get more information from the co-op's website at www.smeco.coop.

The following is a list of steps customers can take to prepare for power interruptions:

-- If a household member depends on electricity to operate life support systems, make plans for alternate sources of power or alternate lodging. Call SMECO's special needs information number: 1-866-524-9402. In addition, check with the local fire department, which may offer temporary shelter.

-- Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand. Candles are not recommended because they pose a fire hazard.

-- Stock nonperishable foods and keep a manual can opener handy. The ideal choices are foods that require no cooking, such as canned fruit, peanut butter, crackers, cereals, cereal bars, canned soup, tuna, and bread.

-- Do not stock refrigerators or freezers with foods that may perish during a prolonged power outage.

-- If you plan to use a charcoal or gas grill for cooking, keep the grill outdoors.

-- In a home supplied by well water, 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.

-- Keep fresh batteries in smoke detectors.

-- Make sure to have a corded or cell phone available. Cordless phones do not work without electricity. During a prolonged outage, an auto adapter may be needed to recharge cell phones.

-- When using a portable generator, use extension cords to connect appliances directly to the generator. Place generators outside, not in a crawl space or in a basement. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly. Make sure generators are connected safely; a generator that is not connected safely can cause serious injury or death. When power comes back on, turn off and disconnect the generator immediately.

-- Keep automobile gas tanks above half full.

-- 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 power goes out:

-- Call SMECO's Outage Hotline at 1-877-74-SMECO or 1-877-747-6326.

-- Turn off all the major appliances in the home until 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.

-- Make sure the oven and stove are off to prevent fires if the power comes back on while residents are away.

-- Open the freezer and refrigerator as little as possible to help food stay fresh longer.

-- Never touch downed power lines or attempt to remove trees from power lines. Contact with electric 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.

[David (Premo)]

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) are asking mariners to make plans to safe guard their vessels from Irene. The recent activity in the Atlantic Ocean should cause boaters to make plans to safe guard their property and lives.

Planning is the key to minimize injury and loss of life. Boaters should make plans well in advance of the storm so that definite docking, mooring or hauling out of the vessel arrangements can be performed quickly and without delay.

When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners need to consider size, type of vessel, and location. Current locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides. Boaters should consider the following when making arrangement for their vessels.

-- Removing valuable equipment from your vessel to protect it from damage.

-- Consider removing your vessel from the water to reduce damage from storm surge. Vessels on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damage by winds. Small open vessel can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.

-- Vessels that remain in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings. Remember storm surges can cause tides over the pilings. Install fenders to protect vessel from pilings, piers or other vessels.

-- Ensure bilge pumps work properly and batteries that run them fully charged. Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.

-- Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of vessel and equipment for insurance

-- Do not stay aboard vessels during storms. Safe guard human life.

NRP reminds boaters that advance planning can save property and lives. These actions should take place at least 48-72 hours prior to the event to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, occupants should be off the water and residing in safe shelters. Remember, storm conditions could exist that delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

Additional information on hurricane preparedness may be found at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm and http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml

[David (Premo)]

Calvert County Public Safety Department Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Officials Closely Watch Hurricane Irene to Determine Potential Local Impacts

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – August 24, 2011 – As Calvert County prepares for Hurricane Irene, the Calvert County Department of Public Safety encourages residents to review hurricane preparedness procedures in the event that the storm poses a risk for the region.

Current forecasts show Hurricane Irene skirting the East Coast with an uncertain impact on Calvert County, including potential heavy rain over the weekend and minor tidal flooding in low-lying areas. Forecasters warn, however, that the storm could potentially track farther west with more significant impacts for the area. With the Atlantic hurricane season stretching from June 1 through November 30, residents should consider the following actions to be prepared when these potentially dangerous storms threaten.

Prepare for High Winds

• If necessary, protect all windows with shutters or 5/8-inch plywood panels.

• Reinforce garage doors.

• Designate an interior room with no windows or external doors as a “safe room.”

• Assess your landscaping and trees to ensure they do not become a wind hazard.

Prepare for Flooding

• When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.

• Determine the elevation of your property to learn your vulnerability to flooding.

• Evaluate your insurance coverage.

• In flood-prone areas, keep on hand materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.

• Be aware of areas known to flood so your evacuation routes are not cut off.

As the Storm Approaches

• Most mobile/manufactured homes are not built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Residents of these homes should relocate to a safer structure when an evacuation order is issued.

• Secure lawn furniture and other outside objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

• Listen carefully for safety instructions from local officials. Monitor NOAA weather radio.

During the Storm

• Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and doors.

• Listen to a battery-powered radio for storm updates.

• Have flashlights/batteries handy and avoid open flames and candles.

• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce damage when power is restored.

After the Storm

• Stay away from downed or dangling 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.

If you have questions about hurricanes or other disaster preparedness, please contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-0314 or 0396, or email Oem@co.cal.md.us. 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 Hurricane Irene, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.