Skip to Content Accessibility Information

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Mayor Declares State of Emergency for Annapolis

Urges Residents in Low-Lying Areas to Leave by Tomorrow

Annapolis, MD (08-26-11) Mayor Joshua J. Cohen is declaring a State of Emergency within the city limits, effective 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Irene.

Under this directive, the mayor is strongly urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate by tomorrow afternoon. The Annapolis High School will open as a pet-friendly shelter at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27.

Efforts to reach these residents are being handled by Annapolis Police and Fire officials, who will walk door to door contacting residents and providing information. The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management has created an emergency notification and will be calling anyone in or near a potential flood zone.

“We expect most of the residents who need to evacuate will be able to stay with friends or family that live on higher ground,” said Mayor Cohen. “For those who need a place to stay, Annapolis High School will open, and for those who need assistance we can provide transportation.  Overall, we expect about one thousand homes to be affected under the most severe conditions.”

To this end, the mayor has ordered all four City garages to allow any residents who want to evacuate to park for free. Anyone needing assistance with transportation to the shelter should call 410-260-2211 after 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27.

As part of the State of Emergency, the mayor activated the hurricane call center effective 10:00 a.m.  Anyone requesting information or needing non-emergency assistance related to the hurricane can call this number 24 hours a day through the duration of this event.  The phone number is 410-260-2211.

The current path puts Hurricane Irene over the Carolina Outer Banks Saturday afternoon. Annapolis could begin to feel the effects of the storm late Saturday morning, with winds gusting to 60 mph in the afternoon.  Gusts will be at their peak in Annapolis between 6:00 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect.

Go to http://www.annapolis.gov/ for updated information.