MEMA Urges Maryland Residents To Be Prepared for Possible Visit from Hurricane Sandy
REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 25, 2012) – Maryland residents are being urged to prepare now for Hurricane Sandy, which might affect our area as early as Sunday. While forecasts are still uncertain, computer models have been predicting the path of the storm to move closer to Atlantic coast states as the system has developed.
If the storm hits our area, it is expected to move slowly and could bring as much as 48 hours of heavy rain and strong winds. Potential issues could be stream and tidal flooding, trees falling due to the combination of wind and wet ground, and power outages caused by winds and falling trees. Ocean City and Assateague Island likely will see higher than normal waves, even if the storm does not make landfall in the Maryland area, and forecasters are predicting that Garrett County and adjacent parts of Allegany could receive a heavy wet snow as a cold front clashes with the western fringe of the tropical system.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reminds residents to make plans now to deal with the possible effects of the storm and follow weather forecasts over the next several days to learn more about the possible path of Hurricane Sandy. Activities to prepare include:
- Prepare for possible power outages lasting several hours or even several days.
- Realize that the daytime temperatures are expected to be about 20 degrees cooler after the storm. If the power goes out, make sure you have extra blankets and appropriate clothing to deal with cooler temperatures if you power is out.
- If using a generator, make sure it is not in a basement or garage and make sure it is located a safe distance from any door, windows or ventilation systems.
- Make sure cell phones and other electronic devices are fully charged. Consider purchasing a car charger if you don’t already have one.
- Secure any loose items such as yard furniture and grills outside of your house.
- Make sure you have a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, a change of clothes, extra medications and any special items you might need for infants, children and pets.
- Have a battery-operated or crank powered radio available to follow news and weather reports if the power goes out.
- Stores may be crowded on Sunday; consider stocking up on essentials a day or two sooner.
- If you lose power, practice safe food handling. Several web sites can provide appropriate information.
- If you are driving in or just after heavy rains and you see standing water, do NOT drive through it. TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.
For more preparedness information, please visit the following web sites: