OFFICIAL Hurricane Sandy Thread

[David (Premo)]

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[David (Premo)]

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency 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, visit the following web sites:

• www.Mema.maryland.gov/prepared
• www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• www.hurricanes.gov

Severe weather information and emergency notices will be posted on the Charles County website (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 www.CharlesCountyCNS.com.

[David (Premo)]

The Charles County Department of Emergency Services, Animal Control Division, reminds pet owners to think of pets before and during the severe weather. Pet owners are encouraged to take necessary precautions to protect the safety and well being of pets.

If you need to evacuate your home, do not leave pets behind. Bring pets into the house so there is no need to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry. Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Check to be sure pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice. Keep essential supplies on hand. Whether away from home for a day or a week, essential supplies will be necessary. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.).

A well-stocked disaster supply kit for pets should contain:

-- Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)

-- First aid kit

-- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that pets can't escape. Keep dogs on a secure leash. Transport cats in a carrier.

-- Current photos of pets, in case they get lost.

-- Food and potable water

-- Bowls

-- Cat litter and pan

-- Can opener

-- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior problems

-- Veterinarian's name and telephone number

-- Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

Hurricane and severe storm warnings often are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first sign of disaster, act quickly to protect your pet.

[David (Premo)]

ASPCA Urges Pet Owners to Plan Ahead for Hurricane Sandy

Tips to develop emergency evacuation plan with pets before “Franken-storm” makes landfall

NEW YORK—In anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) urges pet owners to develop an emergency evacuation plan to keep their families and pets safe before the storm makes landfall on the East Coast.


“The best thing you can do for you and your pet is to plan ahead before Hurricane Sandy makes landfall,” said Dr. Dick Green, director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. “Don’t wait until the last minute to see if Hurricane Sandy will affect your community. Act now and tune in to your local news to monitor the hurricane’s path. And remember, please take your pets with you if you need to evacuate.”


According to the ASPCA’s national study on disaster preparedness, more than one-third (35 percent) of dog and cat owners don’t have a disaster preparedness plan in place. Further, only about a quarter of dog owners (28 percent) and cat owners (24 percent) say their animals are micro-chipped. The ASPCA urges pet owners to develop an emergency plan that accounts for the safety of their animals and to stay informed about the potential for evacuation in their area.


The following tips will help pet owners prepare for natural disasters:

• Obtain a rescue alert sticker, which will let rescuers know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible and that it includes: 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian's phone number.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. The ASPCA recommends micro-chipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification.
• Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.
• Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies.

The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team frequently responds to natural disasters, including major events like Hurricane Irene, and the Joplin, Mo. tornado in 2011, Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, in addition to being called upon by state and municipal governments and other animal welfare partners to lend expertise during large-scale animal rescue operations.


For more information on disaster preparedness and safety tips from the ASPCA, please visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/, or visit our blog for the latest updates at How to Prepare Your Pets for Hurricane Sandy | ASPCA Blog.

[David (Premo)]

Sandbag Distribution Scheduled for County Residents


Due to forecasted severe weather, the Charles County Department of Emergency Services is providing sandbags to county residents who need them to protect property.
Sand will be available on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.in the first parking lot at Laurel Springs Park (5940 Radio Station Rd, La Plata) Residents are responsible for picking up empty sandbags at the Department of Emergency Services building (10425 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata) on the front porch under the awning, transporting the bags to Laurel Springs Park, and filling the bags with sand.

There is a limit of 10 bags per person. Residents should bring a shovel to fill the bags. No shovels or other tools will be provided.

Severe weather information and emergency notices will be posted on the Charles County website (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 www.CharlesCountyCNS.com.

[David (Premo)]

The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reminds boaters to plan ahead to protect their boats from hurricanes and tropical storms, given the recent activity in the Atlantic Ocean.

Planning is the key to minimize injury and loss of life. Boaters should not be on the water when a storm hits, and should make plans in advance to dock, moore or haul their boat. When deciding on storm preparation plans, boaters must consider the size, type and location of their vessel. Some places may not offer protection from high winds or tides.

Boaters should consider the following when making arrangements for their boats:

· Remove valuable equipment to protect it from damage.

· Consider removing the boat from the water and tying it down to prevent being damaged by storm surge or winds. Small, open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.

· Boats that remain in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths, with lines doubled and high on pilings. Remember, storm surges can cause tides to rise over the pilings.

· Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.

· Ensure that bilge pumps work properly and that the batteries that run them are fully charged.

· Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.

· Collect all documents, including insurance policies and take photographs of the boat and equipment.

· Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.

NRP reminds boaters that advanced planning can save property and lives. These actions should take place at least 48 to 72 hours prior to the storm to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, people should stay away from waterways and stay in safe shelters. Citizens should remember that storm conditions may delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

[David (Premo)]

Maryland Urges Hurricane Preparedness Plans to Livestock

Offers Crop Insurance Reminders for Farmers

With Hurricane Sandy’s approach, it is important for the agricultural community to include livestock – including horses – in your disaster preparedness plans. Farmers with potential crop losses are urged to notify their crop insurance agency immediately.

CROP INSURANCE

Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds farmers to stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent should Hurricane Sandy damage any of their unharvested or just-planted wheat and barley. In Maryland, approximately 15 percent of corn and 70 percent of soybeans are not yet harvested, according to the most recent National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress Report.

Farmers are responsible for notifying their agent within 72 hours of discovering crop damage, continuing to care for the crop as normal and obtaining permission from the insurance company before destroying any crops. Farmers who are unable to take corn or soybean crops to harvest should contact their insurance company before taking action. In times of loss, a crop insurance agent should be the first contact.

Crop insurance is a public-private partnership, with oversight and funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (RMA). MDA works with RMA to provide Maryland farmers with up to date information on crop insurance. More than 6,000 farmers in Maryland insured over 919,000 acres this year with potential liabilities of $402 million.

FARM PREPAREDNESS

Anyone in the agricultural community who needs assistance with livestock, including horses, should contact their local emergency operation center. For a list of local emergency management offices, see: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/LocalEOC.aspx

MDA recommends the following for farmers and livestock owners to prepare for a hurricane:

• Move all poultry and livestock to high ground and shelter them in securely battened barns, houses, or tightly fenced areas.

• If you evacuate and take your horses with you, take all immunization and health records, your emergency kit and sufficient hay and water for a minimum 48 hour period. Call ahead, to make sure that your emergency location is still available.

• Cover and secure all water, food, and medical supplies for poultry and livestock.

• Pump and collect adequate supplies of drinking water in case of electrical failures.

• Top off all gasoline, propane, and other fuel tanks and check operations of all portable generators.

• Remove or secure all loose objects that could be moved by high winds.

• Board all glass windows and other similar items that could break from high winds or from objects being blown against them.

• Ensure that all animal holding areas are as clean and sanitary as possible.

• Have available portable radios, extra batteries, flashlights, and candles.

• Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.

• Notify MDA through MEMA if any agricultural assistance is needed before, during, or after the storm, including injured animals in need of veterinary assistance or dead animals that require disposal.

For additional disaster preparedness tips for horse owners, visit www.marylandhorseindustry.org/disaster.htm.

For more information about disaster planning, contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at 1-877-MEMA-USA or log on to www.mema.maryland.gov.

[David (Premo)]

Governor Martin O’Malley on Friday issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency with respect to Hurricane Sandy. Depending on how the storm develops, Hurricane Sandy may have an impact on early voting, which is scheduled to take place between Saturday, October 27 and Thursday, November 1.

The Election Law provides that "[i]n the event of a state of emergency, declared by the Governor in accordance with the provisions of law, that interferes with the electoral process, the emergency proclamation may: (1) provide for the postponement, until a specific date, of the election in part or all of the State; (2) specify alternate voting locations; or (3) specify alternate voting systems." Md. Code Ann., Election Law Article, Sec. 8-103(a).

The Governor’s Office and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency are actively monitoring weather developments in order to determine whether changes to the early voting schedule may be necessary to protect public safety. In the meantime, the State Board of Elections, the local boards, and all early voting locations should continue their preparations for early voting and ensure that all voting sites remain open and that all election staff report for duty.

[David (Premo)]

Calvert County Department of Public Safety Offers Hurricane Preparedness Tips

As Calvert County prepares for Hurricane Sandy, 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.

With the Atlantic hurricane season stretching through Nov. 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 power 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 410-535-1600, ext. 2638, 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 Sandy, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.

[David (Premo)]

The county is making sand and sand bags available for residents who need them to protect property. Up to 20 sand bags per person may be picked up from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the following locations:

· Appeal Salt Dome, 401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby

· Stafford Road Salt Dome, 335 Stafford Road, Barstow

· Mt. Hope Salt Dome, 92 Pushaw Road, Sunderland

County staff will be available to assist those in need. Residents should bring a shovel to fill the bags. Anyone who can bring their own bags and shovels is encouraged to do so. Residents should tune to local radio stations and Comcast Channel 6, or visit the county website at www.co.cal.md.us for the latest information on the storm.