MEMA Urges Residents to Prepare for Summer Storms as Annual Hurricane Season Begins on June 1

REISTERSTOWN, MD (May 19, 2011) – Hurricane season begins June 1, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to take steps now to prepare for severe summer weather. Preparations for hurricanes will also serve residents well in the case of tornadoes, flooding, severe thunderstorms and other events that could impact the state.

Now is the time to make sure you have properly stocked disaster supply kits, a good family disaster plan and consider purchasing flood insurance. Also consider purchasing a weather

Richard Muth and WMAR ABC 2News Morning Show host Charley Crowson discuss Hurricane Preparedness Week and have on display several items citizens should consider when making a disaster preparedness kit.

radio or regularly monitor radio and television news and weather forecasts to be alert to potential severe conditions. Already this spring, Maryland has experienced an unusual number of tornadoes (fortunately none with serious damage) and rain.

“It’s been more than seven years since we experienced major damage from a tropical weather system,” said MEMA Executive Director Richard Muth, referring to the remnants of Hurricane Isabel that struck Maryland in 2003. “Even though you may think we are not likely to get hit with another hurricane in the near future, it’s important to remember that many of the same steps you should take to protect your family from a major event like a hurricane could be helpful for dealing with more common emergencies like flash floods, tornadoes, even things as common as extended power outages.”

National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs from May 22-28, and the National Weather Service just released their 2011 Atlantic Season Hurricane Outlook. For information about National Hurricane Preparedness Week, please visit the National Hurricane Center website athttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml.

For more information about preparedness in Maryland, visit MEMA’s website at http://www.mema.state.md.us. On that page you will find preparedness information for hurricanes and other hazards that can affect Maryland. You also can download a copy of our Maryland Natural Hazards Preparedness Guide. If you do not have internet access or would like to order additional copies of our preparedness guide, please contact Ed McDonough at 410-517-3632.

The web site includes detailed information about putting together a family emergency plan and what to put in a disaster supply kit.

Residents also should consider purchasing flood insurance now in case of summer storms. Homeowners and renters insurance typically does not include flood damage, and claims cannot be filed until 30 days after the premiums are paid. For more information about the National Flood Insurance Program, please visit www.floodsmart.gov.

Drivers also are reminded not to drive through standing or running water on a roadway. As little as 6-12 inches of running water can move a vehicle downstream.

For more information about severe summer weather, please contact Eddie Hopkins at 410-517-3615 or 410-422-7561 or Ed McDonough at 410-517-3632 or 410-446-3333.