Tropical Storm Hanna Threatens East Coast This Weekend

[Howard Hartman]

Tropical Storm Hanna Threatens East Coast This Weekend

Executive Places County’s Emergency Management
Group on Alert and Urges Residents to Be Prepared

StormPulse Storm Tracker

With Tropical Storm Hanna threatening areas along the East Coast this weekend with heavy rain and high winds, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett has placed the County’s Emergency Management Group on alert and is urging residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding and power outages.

“I am asking employees and residents to prepare for the worst to ensure that this storm affects us the least,” said Leggett. “Emergency preparedness is the best way to keep homes and people safe, and to limit the level of danger and disruption that comes with any storm. I am also asking our residents to check on their neighbors and offer help where needed, since we are a community that cares.”

The County’s Emergency Management Group (EMG) has been actively monitoring National Weather Service reports and working with the state, exchanging information and preparing to activate if a County-wide emergency response is necessary. The group consists of senior staff from each of the County’s departments and agencies -- including Transportation, Police, the Fire and Rescue Service, Health and Human Services, and others -- as well as schools, utilities and municipalities. The EMG collaborates with other local jurisdictions within the state of Maryland and as part of the National Capital Region (NCR) to manage an effective and efficient response to emergencies. Montgomery County recently sent resources to Louisiana to assist with the response and recovery following Hurricane Gustav.

When activated, the group meets in the County’s Emergency Operations Center to assess risks, mobilize resources to prevent and address problems, and to meet local needs, including the need for regular and up-to-date information. The County’s Alert Montgomery messaging system will alert residents with updates regarding Tropical Storm Hanna. In addition, the County will communicate with the public through the news media, the County home page (www.montgomerycountymd.gov), and emails.

The effects of a hurricane or tropical storm can be far-reaching. Areas impacted directly by a hurricane or tropical storm can be affected by high winds and flooding, especially along waterways and in low-lying areas. Fringe areas of these storms are vulnerable to tornadoes and in-land flooding caused by heavy rain. Hurricane season continues through November.

A hurricane watch is issued if there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions to protect life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

Hurricane or Tropical Storm Preparedness Tips

• Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener.
  
  
• Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
  
  
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
  
  
• Remove outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
  
  
• Clean out gutters.
  
  
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the door only when necessary and close quickly.
  
  
• Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During Power Outages

• Keep a sufficient supply of flashlights and extra batteries on hand to provide lighting during power outages.
  
  
• Avoid using candles for lighting. Use a battery-powered flashlight.
  
  
• Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, since the candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.

Flooding

• In anticipation of possible flooding, residents are encouraged to store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container; and avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

Night Time Safety

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

High Winds

• For downed trees on public property, residents should call the County’s Department of Transportation at 240-777-6000 during work hours (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday–Friday). After hours calls should be directed to the Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. To report trees that have fallen on utility lines, contact the local utility companies. “Hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, may be reported by calling 9-1-1.
  
  
• Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. The County’s Office of Consumer Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check on a business complaint record. Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636.

County residents, workers and frequent visitors are encouraged to sign up for timely electronic alerts about local weather and other emergencies:

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Alerts can be sent to one or more electronic devices, including cell phones, text pagers, wireless PDAs, along with home and work emails.

For more information about emergency preparedness:

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