OFFICIAL Hurricane Sandy Thread

[David (Premo)]

High Winds, Coastal Surge, Rain/Flooding Possible; Travelers Must Use Extra Caution Driving/Walking

Updated Traffic Information Always Available by Dialing 511

A massive coastal storm threatens to bring heavy rain, high winds, widespread power outages and a coastal storm surge to the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland. Hurricane Sandy is a huge slow moving storm with wide-ranging impacts anticipated regardless of where she makes landfall. State Highway Administration (SHA) crews are preparing by clearing drains, fueling up, stocking road signs and readying chain saws and other equipment. In addition, SHA's teams are preparing for the possibility of snow in Western Maryland. With leaves still on most trees, significant tree damage and power outages are a major concern.

“This is a dangerous storm on many levels. Trees could be damaged by heavy rains and high winds, making them susceptible to falling,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Since this storm is likely to impact the entire State, each SHA maintenance shop is preparing equipment. During the storm, travel conditions will be hazardous and motorists should expect that there could be delays and detours for days after as crews clean up. ”
Remember, a new law enacted this summer mandates drivers must treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops. Do not assume that you or the other driver has the right-of-way; make eye contact if possible and proceed safely through the intersection.

To keep traffic moving smoothly, SHA will:

• Provide real-time traffic information and storm-related road closures through Maryland’s 511 phone system and at WWW.MD511.ORG as well as www.roads.maryland.gov where you can click on CHART to see live traffic cameras.

• Program overhead Variable Message Signs along major roadways and Traveler Advisory Radios to inform motorists of crashes, delays and route diversions. However, smaller routes prone to flooding may not be listed as they happen quickly and often go unreported. Just because a road isn't listed as problematic on these resources, conditions change quickly, so use caution and allow extra time regardless.

Here are some additional tips for motorists:

• Do not try to cross a flooded roadway. Eighty percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Two feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus and six inches can knock a person off his or her feet.

• Avoid downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.

• Stay alert for animals, such as deer, that will be fleeing dangerous areas and crossing roadways.

• Stay alert for traffic signal issues related to power outages. Use extreme caution and do not assume the other drivers will stop or yield.

• Prepare your vehicle by filling the gas tank, checking tire pressure and washer fluid, charging your cell phone and bringing snacks for you and passengers.

• SHA urges motorists to exercise extreme caution as weather conditions change. If you must drive, please buckle up and obey posted speed limits.

In conjunction with other agencies and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), SHA is monitoring the storm from the Statewide Operations Center (SOC) near BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. During hurricanes, snow storms and other crises, the SOC doubles as SHA’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) providing access to hundreds of camera images, constant contact with field personnel and quick response to changing conditions. From the EOC, SHA communicates with local jurisdictions, neighboring states, emergency responders and the media.

SHA’s Emergency Management team runs through a thorough checklist including: participating in National Weather Service and Delmarva Emergency Task Force conference calls; inspecting and cleaning storm drains, drainage ditches and inlets; testing and verifying critical equipment parts and supplies; reviewing evacuation plans; identifying potential road construction issues along evacuation corridors. SHA crews are also ready to deploy high water signs as needed.

Other SHA precautionary actions include the following:

• Fueling emergency generators;

• Acquiring additional fuel;

• Checking chain saws, wood chippers and other equipment;

• Clearing roadside drainage systems;

• Notifying contractors SHA may need their services;

• Placing signal technicians on stand-by.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Sandy approaches Maryland. Go to www.mema.state.md.us for the latest storm track and preparedness information.

For themost up to date highway traffic information, call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org, which also includes weather. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

For emergency information, log onto MEMA. For more general - non storm specific information, follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/MarylandStat...Administration

[David (Premo)]

Preparing for Storm Includes Home Inventory, Policy Review

With forecasts predicting torrential rain, high winds, and in some places heavy snow to hit Maryland in the coming days, the Maryland Insurance Administration urges residents to prepare before Hurricane Sandy strikes. Homeowners and renters alike should review their policies to see which kinds of damage are covered and which are not. In addition, taking an inventory of your home now may ease your claims-filing process later.

Your insurance agent can help to explain specifically what is covered by your policy and what is not. The Maryland Insurance Administration offers guides and general information about insurance coverage on its website, www.mdinsurance.state.md.us, and on www.Facebook.com/MdInsuranceAdmin.

Some ways to prepare for a disaster include:

-- Inventory your home. Whenever possible, take photos or videos of your personal property to support any claim you may need to file later. Smart-phone users can download a free home inventory application, myHOME Scr.APP.book, from the Insurance Administration’s website.

-- Safeguard your records so they will not be damaged or destroyed. Keep your policy information in a waterproof, fireproof safe or off-site, such as in a safe deposit box, or scan it and save it to a flash drive that you keep in an emergency kit.

-- Make sure you have your insurance agent’s name and telephone number, the insurance company’s telephone number, and all of your policy numbers, particularly if you have more than one or do business with more than one company.

-- Know how to shut off the gas, electricity and water, and how to board-up vulnerable places around the house, such as windows and doors.

For more information on how to prepare for Hurricane Sandy, visit www.MdInsurance.state.md.us. Look for the link to Insurance Preparedness for Natural Disasters under Hot Topics.

[David (Premo)]

Be Prepared with the Rules of the Road

As Hurricane Sandy makes its way north toward Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) wants to remind motorists that travel during and after a storm can be extremely hazardous and they should avoid any travel until after the storm has passed. Often following severe weather, traffic signals may malfunction or not work at all; the MVA also reminds motorists of Maryland’s new law to treat all intersections without functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop. It is essential that motorist obey the rules of the road to maintain safe traffic flow on Maryland roadways.

Malfunctioning Traffic Lights; Obey Four-Way Stop Rules

-- In the event no traffic lights are illuminated, drivers are expected to treat intersections as 4-way stops.

-- Bring your vehicle to a complete stop, look both ways and then proceed when it is safe to do so.

-- If two vehicles approach the intersection from different roadways at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle to his or her immediate right.

-- If the traffic light is flashing red in all directions, treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.

-- Stop your vehicle before the crosswalk or white line and wait until it's your turn to proceed.

-- Remember to look both ways and keep an eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles that may fail to stop at the light.

-- Malfunctioning traffic lights may also flash yellow. This is a warning for drivers to proceed with caution.

-- Stay alert and look both ways before entering the intersection.

-- Finally, in order to prevent collisions and maintain traffic flow, police officers are sometimes posted at malfunctioning traffic lights. In these cases, always follow the instructions of the officer.

The MVA offers a quick review that all drivers should heed when the weather makes driving hazardous:

Headlights:

-- First, and foremost, it is Maryland law that you must turn on your headlights when you are using your windshield wipers.

-- You must also turn on your headlights when you cannot see the vehicles in front of you, generally at a distance of 1,000 feet or less.

Wet Roads:

-- You must slow down when the pavement is wet. Wet pavement is far more slippery than when the pavement is dry.

-- During a storm, when road conditions are poor, the posted speed limit is not necessarily the safest speed at which to travel.

-- Hydroplaning can occur at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Most tires with tread will “wipe” the road surface the way a windshield wiper cleans the windshield. As speed increases, the wiping action of the tires becomes less effective and tires start to ride on a layer of water just as though they were water-skis.

-- The extent of hydroplaning increases with speed and with the amount of water on the highway. At 55 miles per hour -- in a severe rainstorm -- the tires may lose contact with the pavement. When the depth of water exceeds the tread depth, you can expect to hydroplane at 50 to 60 miles per hour. When this happens, you cannot brake, accelerate or properly turn. As soon as you feel any loss of control, take your foot off the gas pedal and hold the steering wheel firmly in the direction you intend to go. Allow your vehicle speed to decrease until you regain complete control of the vehicle.

-- When the road is wet, it is much more difficult to hold the road on curves and it takes a longer distance to stop.

-- Be especially careful at the beginning of a light rain; the mixture of oil and water on the pavement is particularly dangerous. The oils and other vehicle fluids have not been washed away yet as they would after a rain of several hours. Similarly, watch out for wet leaves on pavement.

-- Do not drive through flooded roads. There is no way to tell how deep the water is or if the road has been washed out. Report flooded roadways to local law enforcement or call 911.

Following Distance:

-- Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Most rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely.

-- Watch the car ahead of you when it passes a reference point, such as a sign or overpass. The general rule is that you should allow a three to four second following distance in normal weather conditions. In inclement weather, always allow more stopping distance between vehicles.

“We want to make certain that all Marylanders are safe during the upcoming storm,” said John Kuo MVA Administrator and Governor O’Malley’s Highway Safety Representative. “These ‘Rules of the Road’ can be lifesaving.”

The MVA reminds you to protect yourself and others by staying attentive behind the wheel. Obey traffic signals when they're working properly and know the rules of the road when they aren't. It's an easy way to help keep everyone safe on Maryland roads. And of equal importance to your safety and that of other drivers, remember to buckle up, it is your best protection in the event of a crash. The Maryland Driver’s Handbook is available online at: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/Resources/DL-002.pdf

[David (Premo)]

Sand, bags, and shovels will be available at all convenience centers for residents wishing to obtain sandbags in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Effective Saturday October 27, 2012, this service will be available during normal convenience center hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

This is a self-serve process; staff will not be available to assist in the filling or loading of sandbags. There is a limit of 5-10 sandbags per household and shovels will be available to assist residents in the filling of bags. Supplies are based on a first come first served basis. Approximately 1000 sandbags and 10 tons of sand will initially be made available at each site.

This service is only available at the convenience centers and will not be available at the St. Andrew's Landfill.

Convenience Center locations are:

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

[David (Premo)]

As Hurricane Sandy heads up the Atlantic coast, area residents should prepare for the storm and storm-related power outages. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is monitoring weather forecasts, and co-op crews are preparing to restore power when outages occur.

SMECO personnel and crews are preparing to mobilize when the storm hits the Southern Maryland area. Although the path of the storm is uncertain, it is currently expected to impact the area beginning Sunday evening. According to Austin J. Slater, Jr., SMECO president and CEO, "This is already a massive storm. If the center of the storm travels through our area as some weather models suggest, we may experience extensive damage. If the center does not hit us, the rain and winds will still cause a lot of damage. Areas along the Patuxent and Potomac rivers and the Chesapeake Bay can expect severe damage."

Slater listed some of the actions the co-op has taken to prepare for the storm. "Our emergency response team held a planning meeting to make sure all of our personnel are ready for the storm response. We have a well-stocked inventory of the hardware and equipment needed for making repairs, and our vendors are prepared to send additional equipment if necessary. We have contacted electric cooperatives in neighboring states that are not expected to be affected by outages so we can have crews assist us with making repairs to our system. We have arranged for contract crews from C.W. Wright, Penn Line, and Pike to be here to help with restoration efforts. Our employees are prepared to staff our contact center and will work in shifts around the clock."

Slater added, "We advise our customers to prepare for extended outages. Last year, Hurricane Irene caused $7 million in damages in about 24 hours and some customers were without power for seven days. If the path of this storm continues as predicted, it could cause similar or more extensive damage than Irene." Customers can view a two-minute video, "Preparing for a Power Outage" to help them take steps to get ready before an outage occurs. Customers can get more information or watch the video on the co-op's website at www.smeco.coop. SMECO's October bills also included a brochure listing steps to take to prepare for power outages.

SMECO customers should report power outages by calling the automated system at 1-877-747-6326 (1-877-74-SMECO). 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.

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 shelter updates, call SMECO's special needs information number: 1-866-524-9402. In addition, check with local fire department, which may offer temporary shelter.

-- Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand.

-- 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 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.

-- Keep fresh batteries in your smoke detectors.

-- Make sure that you have a corded 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.

-- 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 your automobile gas tank 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 your power goes out:

-- 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.

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

-- 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.

[David (Premo)]

The Calvert County Department of Public Safety urges residents to stay updated throughout the weekend and into next week regarding the local storm impact and available emergency and community services.

Radio Stations

Citizens should monitor the Emergency Alert System (EAS) for updated information about the storm; local EAS stations include:

WKIK-FM 102.9 California
WKIK-AM 1560 La Plata
WPRS-FM 104.1 La Plata
WTOP-FM 103.5 Frederick & DC
WMDM -FM 97.7 Lexington Park
WPTX-AM 1690 Lexington Park
WSMD-FM 98.3 Mechanicsville
WGOP-AM 540 Pocomoke
WRAR-FM 105.5 Tappahannock
WNNT-FM 100.9 Warsaw
WEMD-AM 1460 Easton
WCEI-FM 96.7 Easton
WCEM-AM 1240 Cambridge
WCEM-FM 106.3 Cambridge

Television

Calvert County residents can tune to Comcast Channel 6 for the latest information.

CodeRED

Sign up for CodeRED, the county’s emergency notification system to receive urgent messages by telephone, email and text message. To register for the free CodeRED emergency notification system or to update contact information with text message and/or email addresses, go to www.co.cal.md.us, and click on the CodeRED Emergency Notification System link.

Telephone

Beginning at noon on Sunday, Oct. 28, call the county’s rumor control numbers at 410-535-0396 or 410-535-0314. These lines will be staffed until the immediate event passes. During regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), call 410-535-1600, ext. 2638.

Email

Questions or requests for information can be sent by email to oem@co.cal.md.us.

Website

Visit the Calvert County Government website at www.co.cal.md.us for updates.

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 Sandy, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.

[David (Premo)]

Calvert County Department of Public Safety to Open Shelter as Hurricane Sandy Approaches

Huntingtown High School is being opened as a temporary shelter at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, for those who need to relocate in the path of Hurricane Sandy. The school is located at 4125 Solomons Island Rd. (Route 2/4), Huntingtown. Google Map: http://goo.gl/maps/wFpho

Residents who need to relocate should follow these procedures:

-- DO NOT dial 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency.

-- Gather items you will need to take with you.

-- Turn off lights and appliances (except refrigerators and freezers).

-- Close and lock windows and doors.

-- Use your own vehicle to evacuate. Offer rides to neighbors who may not have transportation.

-- If you need a ride or special assistance, call 410-535-0396 or 0314.

-- There is a pet shelter in the field house of Huntingtown High School. Any animal that can be confined in a carrier will be accepted. Owners must provide food, water bowls, medications and proof of immunizations. Pet owners will shelter in the gymnasium of Huntingtown High School but must be responsible for the care of their animals.

Relocation Supplies Checklist

-- Medical supplies (prescriptions, other medication, first aid kit)

-- Money (cash, checkbook, credit cards, important personal and financial documents)

-- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, shaving supplies, eye care supplies, washcloth, towels)

-- Clothing

-- Baby supplies (formula, diapers, favorite toys)

-- Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows

-- Portable radio and batteries

-- Special diet food if you have a special diet

-- Road maps

-- Non-perishable food

-- Bottled water

Residents should tune to local radio and TV stations, to the county website at www.co.cal.md.us or to Comcast channel 6 for the latest information on the storm. Residents who need nonemergency assistance can reach the Department of Public Safety at 410-535-0396 or 0314.

[vraiblonde]

Charles County Declares Local State of Emergency

Today at 10:30 a.m. Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly signed an order declaring a local state of emergency in Charles County. The state of emergency order will be in effect for seven days. The current forecasted path of Hurricane Sandy appears more favorable for Charles County. However, local officials made the declaration out of an abundance of caution, to ensure the Department of Emergency Services will have authority to engage, deploy and coordinate available resources to protect the lives and property of Charles County residents.



Residents are encouraged to take the following precautionary actions:

• Be prepared for possible power outages lasting several hours or even several days. Make sure you have extra blankets and appropriate clothing to deal with cooler temperatures if you power is out.
• If using a generator, make sure it is not in a basement or garage and make sure it is located a safe distance from any door, windows or ventilation systems.
• Make sure cell phones and other electronic devices are fully charged. Consider purchasing a car charger if you don't already have one.
• Secure any loose items such as yard furniture and grills outside of your house.
• Make sure you have a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, a change of clothes, extra medications and any special items you might need for infants, children and pets.
• Have a battery-operated or crank powered radio available to follow news and weather reports.
• Stores may be crowded on Sunday; consider stocking up on essentials a day or two sooner.
• If you lose power, practice safe food handling. Several web sites can provide appropriate information.
• If you are driving in or just after heavy rains and you see standing water, do NOT drive through it. TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.

Severe weather information and emergency notices will be posted on the Charles County website (Home | www.charlescountymd.gov), on the county's Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/CharlesCounty), and on the county's government cable station, CCGTV, broadcast on Verizon channel 10 and Comcast channel 95.



Register today for Charles County's Citizen Notification Service (CNS) to receive inclement weather and traffic alerts by e-mail or on your cell phone or pager. To sign up for the free CNS service, visit Charles County | Citizen Notification Service.

[vraiblonde]

St. Mary's County Commissioners Declare Emergency Ahead of Sandy

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County have signed a Resolution to Declare a Local State of Emergency Due to the potentially adverse effects from Hurricane Sandy. The declaration makes effective the St. Mary’s County Emergency Operations Plan.

Yesterday, Governor Martin O’Malley signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for all Maryland counties as the State continues to monitor Hurricane Sandy and its potential impact. The declaration gives the state flexibility to activate the Maryland National Guard and provide assistance to local emergency managers.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for our area beginning late Sunday night through Tuesday.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services and Technology reminds residents to make plans now to deal with the possible effects of the storm and follow weather forecasts over the next several days to learn more about the possible path of Hurricane Sandy. Activities to prepare include:

• Prepare for possible power outages lasting several hours or even several days.
• Realize that the daytime temperatures are expected to be about 20 degrees cooler after the storm. If the power goes out, make sure you have extra blankets and appropriate clothing to deal with cooler temperatures if you power is out.
• If using a generator, make sure it is not in a basement or garage and make sure it is located a safe distance from any door, windows or ventilation systems.
• Make sure cell phones and other electronic devices are fully charged. Consider purchasing a car charger if you don’t already have one.
• Secure any loose items such as yard furniture and grills outside of your house.
• Make sure you have a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, a change of clothes, extra medications and any special items you might need for infants, children and pets.
• Have a battery-operated or crank powered radio available to follow news and weather reports if the power goes out.
• Stores may be crowded on Sunday; consider stocking up on essentials a day or two sooner.
• If you lose power, practice safe food handling. Several web sites can provide appropriate information.
• If you are driving in or just after heavy rains and you see standing water, do NOT drive through it. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.

For more preparedness information, please visit the following web sites:

prepare.stmarysmd.com
Be Prepared
Hurricanes | Ready.gov
National Hurricane Center

The Department of Public Works & Transportation advises residents of the following:

• Sand, bags, and shovels will be available at all convenience centers for residents wishing to obtain sandbags in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Effective today, October 27, 2012, this service will be available during normal convenience center hours, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

• This is a self-serve process; staff will not be available to assist in the filling or loading of sandbags. There is a limit of 5-10 sandbags per household and shovels will be available to assist residents in the filling of bags. Supplies are based on a first come first served basis. Approximately 1000 sandbags and 10 tons of sand will be initially made available at each site.

• This service is only available at the convenience centers and will not be available at the:

St. Andrew’s Landfill.
Convenience Center locations are:
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

[vraiblonde]

St. Mary's County to Open Shelters in Preparation For Hurricane Sandy

The National Weather Service has issued the following warnings for St. Mary’s County:

A HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY EVENING. 25 TO 35 MPH WINDS SUNDAY WILL INCREASE TO 35 TO 45 MPH WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 60 MPH SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY.
A FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM EDT SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING - 6 TO 8 INCHES POSSIBLE.
A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH LATE MONDAY NIGHT.
WATER LEVELS ARE FORECAST TO REACH AROUND 2 FEET ABOVE NORMAL.
PROLONGED STRONG WINDS AND SATURATED SOILS WILL INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR DOWNED TREES...POWER OUTAGES...AND POSSIBLY MINOR STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.

The Department of Emergency Services & Technology is warning citizens of the forecasted flooding associated with Hurricane Sandy. Citizens located in coastal or low lying areas prone to flooding are strongly encouraged to make plans now to relocate. In preparation, the County will be opening shelters at Leonardtown and Great Mills High Schools on Sunday at 12:00 noon. Citizens planning on relocating to the shelter should bring any toiletries and medications in quantities sufficient for several days. Pets will be housed at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. For more information please call the Public Information Line at 301-475-4911 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

We will continue to monitor Sandy and update as necessary.

For more preparedness information, please visit the following web sites:
prepare.stmarysmd.com Be Prepared Hurricanes | Ready.gov National Hurricane Center