MEMA Activates to LEVEL 3 in support of Statewide Operations Due to Heavy Rains

RESISTERSTOWN, MD (March 10, 2011)  – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency will activate to a Level 3 at 12:00noon today due to the forecast of heavy rains that will impact Maryland this afternoon and this evening. Level 3 means representatives of state agencies involved in firefighting, rescue, law enforcement, transportation, hospitals, utilities, evacuation, sheltering,　and emergency medical response will join MEMA staff in the state emergency operations center. MEMA’s　 24/7 Joint Operations Center has been monitoring the weather and has been in contact with local jurisdictions to address any needs or concerns they have with regard to the impending weather.

MEMA’s preparedness officials remind citizens to plan accordingly. Residents are urged to listen to local news, weather and traffic prior to travelling and further encouraging Marylanders to be prepared and use caution as the National Weather Service is reporting the potential for 1.5″-3″ of rain that could cause flooding. Flooding may occur anywhere and cause road closures, downed trees or power lines. Drivers are asked to exercise caution when driving and be aware of firefighters, State Highway crews, power crews, and law enforcement handling emergencies on state and county roadways.

For more information on preparedness, please visit www.mema.state.md.us. It is also suggested travelers check with Maryland Transit Administration atwww.mtamaryland.gov for mass transit travel plans or log into the Maryland Department of Transportation　 web site http://www.mdot.maryland.gov or www.roads.maryland.gov and click on the CHART ICON.

Emergency managers suggest the following preparedness actions:

· Report any EMERGENCY by dialing 911

· Check your route to insure roadways are open and passable

· Allow extra travel time as downed trees and wires may be blocking roads

· Do not drive or walk thru standing water

· If power goes out in your community, check on your neighbors to make sure they are ok

· If you use a generator in a power outage, make sure it is properly vented and kept away from the house

· If you are using a chain saw to remove downed trees, practice chain saw safety. If you are not experienced in the use of a chain saw, have someone else perform the job

· Remember floodwaters take days to make their way downstream and continue to do so even when the rain stops and the sun shines. Never underestimate the power and speed in which floodwaters can rise and impact property and the safety of residents

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