MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is Time to Prepare for Severe Weather and Other Emergencies
MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is Time to Prepare for Severe Weather and Other Emergencies
Tropical Storm Hermine, Other Weather Currently Being Monitored
Listen to audio of press release here.
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 1, 2016) — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reminds Marylanders that September is a good time to review preparedness information for severe weather and other emergencies throughout the year. September is both National Preparedness and Maryland Preparedness Month and government agencies, businesses, community groups, schools and families will be participating in events to help promote disaster preparedness.
“The flooding in Ellicott City in late July should be a reminder to all of us that disasters can strike anytime,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA. “And with three storms and depressions swirling around this week, we need to remember that this is the most likely time of the year for a hurricane to hit our area. Don’t wait until a disaster is on your doorstep to start preparing.”
Marylanders should pay particular attention to recently-formed Tropical Storm Hermine in the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters predict this storm could affect parts of Maryland over the Labor Day weekend. MEMA urges residents to follow trusted weather sources in the coming days as there is still uncertainty over the exact path of the storm.
Making preparations when threats are not imminent can make communities more resilient. Hazards common to Maryland include flooding, high wind, severe thunderstorms and winter storms. Several online sources provide good emergency preparedness information for these and additional threats:
- MEMA: mema.maryland.gov/disasters
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety
To find a list of Preparedness Month events around Maryland, please visit our web site. We also will be announcing events throughout September on our Twitter feed @MDMEMA, Facebook page and Instagram.