MEMA ISSUES EMERGENCY HEAT PREPAREDNESS ADVISORY

Awareness, Preparedness and Caution are Strongly Encouraged

REISTERSTOWN, MD (June 30, 2012) The Maryland Emergency Management Agency encourages Marylanders to continue to be prepared and use caution this weekend as the National Weather Service is reporting extreme heat and the potential for dangerous thunderstorms. At present over 800,000 people are without power. Utility companies are reporting restoration could take up to 5-7 days. Citizens should think critically and plan ahead. For preparedness tips citizens can go to www.mema.state.md.us or www.ready.gov. Power outages are impacting traffic lights and drivers are strongly encouraged to exercise caution at these intersections. Officials urge motorists to check news, weather and traffic reports before traveling. Heavy rains from the storms expected this weekend could cause flooding which may cause road closures, downed trees or power lines. Drivers are asked to exercise diligence and patience when driving and be aware of firefighters, State Highway crews, power crews, and law enforcement handling emergencies on state and county roadways. It is also suggested travelers check with Maryland Transit Administration a twww.mtamaryland.gov for mass transit travel plans. For travel and roads information log into the Maryland Department of Transportation web site http://www.mdot.maryland.gov and click on the CHART ICON. Motorists may access statewide travel information including traffic and weather conditions at www.MD511.org or calling 511. 24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions are available by calling the BAYSPAN Hotline at 1-877-229-7726.

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

∙ Remember headlights must be on when your wipers are operational

 ∙ Remember to use caution at signalized intersections where the power is out. Treat each intersection as a 4-way stop

∙ As nightfall approaches, drivers should remain alert for pedestrians, transit users and cyclists.

∙ Do not drive or walk through standing water

∙ If power is out in your community, check on your neighbors to make sure they are okay

∙ 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
For more information on preparedness, please visit www.mema.state.md.us. Follow MEMA on TWITTER at#MDStorm.