Storm Aftermath Update - St. Mary's County

[Admin]

The St. Mary’s County Emergency Operation Center is coordinating efforts to assist citizens in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel.

• All County roads are passable EXCEPT Drum Cliffs Road and Breton Beach Road. For information on state roadways, please call State Highway Administration at 301-475-8035.

• St. Mary’s Department of Public Works has established two locations that will accept yard waste only, free of charge. Yard waste includes logs, limbs, stumps, brush, leaves. All other solid waste must go to the landfill and convenience centers (open normal operating hours beginning tomorrow and normal charges apply). The two sites are located at the left side of Golden Beach Road, ½ mile east of MD Route 235 and on Piney Point Road, MD Route 249, ½ mile south of Happyland Road. Look for the “Yard Waste Dropoff” signs located at each entrance. Both sites will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM beginning Saturday, September 20, 2003, seven days a week until further notice. Please do not send yard waste to the St. Andrews Landfill during this time.

• Donations consisting of non-perishable items and blankets will be accepted between 8:00AM and 5:00 PM, Saturday, September 20, 2003, at Leonard Hall Recreation Center, adjacent to the Governmental Center in Leonardtown. Citizens who need these donated items OR who would like to volunteer their help should call Community Services Coordinators for instructions, beginning tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM at 301-475-HELP.

• SMECO will have dry ice available today beginning at 11:00 AM, at two locations: Walmart on Rt. 235 and Chopticon High School parking lot.

• SAFETY WARNING: Please use extreme caution when operating generators. Portable generators can be hazardous if used improperly. The hazards are: (1) carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust and (2) electrocution from connecting the generator to the home electrical wiring system.

• To avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

o Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages.
o Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed, or carport.

• To avoid electrocution:

o Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy duty, outdoor rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load.
o Observe the generator manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
o Do not plug the generator into a wall outlet.
o If connecting the generator into the house wiring is necessary, have a qualified electrician hook up the standby electrical system, or have the local utility install a linking device if available.

• Never store gasoline in the home. Gasoline, kerosene and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers. They should also not be stored in a garage if a fuel-burning appliance in the garage. The vapor from gasoline can travel invisibly along the ground and be ignited by pilot lights or arcs caused by activating electric switches.

For additional information, please call the Disaster Information Hotline at 301-475-4911/4912.