MDEM Newsroom - Page 35 MDEM Newsroom
Maryland Insurance Administration: Need to Make Repairs? Be Sure to Protect Yourself
July 2nd, 2012NEED TO MAKE REPAIRS AFTER THE STORM?
BE SURE TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Homeowners who face repair projects following this weekend’s storms should take steps to protect themselves financially, urges Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith. Home repair fraud tends to increase after widespread damage. Consumers should follow the steps below when choosing whether to hire contractors and insurance claims adjusters:
• Get more than one bid from contractors.
• Request at least three references for the contractors you are considering.
• Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance and bonding.
• Ask to see the worker’s Home Improvement Commission license and check its expiration date. Contractors must display their license number on all of their home improvement contracts, trucks and advertisements.
• Be wary of contractors who demand up-front payment for repair
SHA: State Highway Administration Cautions Motorists to Anticipate the Unexpected
July 2nd, 2012(July 2, 2012) – Monday morning commuters face a difficult trip to work today with hundreds of area signals without power. The Maryland Department of Transportion urges commuters to use transit, particularly Metro in the Washington DC area.
MVA Branch Office Closures and Reminders on Maryland Rules of the Road
July 2nd, 2012GLEN BURNIE, MD (July 2, 2012)– Due to the recent severe storms, the following MotorVehicle Administration (MVA) Branch Offices and VEIP Stations arecurrently without power and unable to provide service.
Branch Offices
Baltimore City
Glenmont
VEIP Stations
Annapolis
Please check our website frequently for additionalupdates. Many MVA services are available for your convenience on our websiteany time, day or night at www.mva.maryland.gov. Anytime, Anywhere, MVA Online!
Aside from the power outages causing theclosure of several Maryland MVA Branch Offices, the severe weather also causesproblems on the roadway. The MVA, which produces the Maryland DriversHandbook and licenses and tests all drivers, wants drivers to understandand regularly review the “Rules of the Road” when the weather makesdriving hazardous.
Power outages have caused numerous trafficlights at intersections throughout the state to either malfunction or not workat all. Remember, when encountering a traffic light that ismalfunctioning or not working, you should treat this intersection as a four-waystop sign. Come to a complete stop and yield to all other traffic, thenproceed when the way is clear.
The Maryland Driver’s Handbookis available at all MVA branch offices and online athttp://www.mva.maryland.gov/Resources/DL-002A.pdf to provide additional information regarding traffic safety rules.
MTA Urges Commuters To Use Public Transit in Wake of Storm
July 2nd, 2012July 1, 2012
Hundreds of Traffic Signals Still Without Power – Traffic Delays Expected;
Motorists Electing to Drive Should Leave Early, Allow Plenty of Extra Commute Time and Use 511 for Up to Date Route and Commute Information
BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is urging motorists in Maryland’s Washington suburban area to use Metro for Monday morning’s rush hour. In the Baltimore region, Light Rail, Baltimore Metro Subway and MARC are the suggested options. Citizens who need to drive should leave early, plan on extra commute time and be patient as traffic delays are expected. In Montgomery County alone, there are more than 400 traffic signals that are without power and several roads blocked with fallen trees. Statewide a handful of roads remain blocked due to fallen trees and tree limbs.
“This is a very serious situation and drivers need to be patient and allow extra time to commute in the morning as many traffic signals may still be without power,” said SHA Administrator Melinda Peters. “At a signaled intersection where traffic lights are not operating it is imperative to treat it as a four-way stop, but remain extra cautious of other drivers that may think they have the right-of-way.”
SHA is advising motorists to curtail travel this evening if possible to enable highway crews and utility companies to restore roads and service to customers. If travel is necessary tonight, use extreme caution as many traffic signals and highway lighting systems are without power and not operational. Approach intersections cautiously and remember to treat intersections without power as a four way stop, using extreme caution to mainline traffic and checking twice before proceeding.
As of 5 p.m. Sunday, July 01, 2012, here is the listing of roads closed:
Montgomery County
East and westbound MD 109 at Barnesville Road; Southbound MD 185 between Denfeld Avenue and Decatur Avenue; and North and southbound MD 187 at Battery Lane.
Prince Georges County
East and westbound MD 193 at US 50; and
East and westbound MD 410 between 64th Avenue and 63rd Avenue.
Charles County
Northbound MD 224 at Green Manor Drive; and East and westbound MD 227 between Ray Drive and Foxburrow Place.
SHA crews in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Anne Arundel and Baltimore Counties will report to assist in making sure that traffic is maintained at darkened intersections or closed roadways. SHA is assisting the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) with debris removal and will assist as needed with local jurisdictions at busy intersections.
Motorists are encouraged to use 511 for up-to-the-minute travel information. Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.orgfor current travel advisories and temporary and long-term lane closures for highway maintenance or construction work. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
Contact: Charlie Gischlar 443-463-7234
Heat Wave Claims First Victims of the Year
July 2nd, 2012***REVISED: CASE UPDATE***
Precautions urged as temperatures expected to continue this week
BALTIMORE, MD (July 2, 2012) – The recent heat wave has contributed to the first 2012 heat-related deaths in Maryland, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has announced. One Montgomery County male adult (between the ages of 18-65), one Wicomico County male senior (65 years or older) and one Baltimore City male senior have died during this current heat wave. High temperatures are expected to continue this week.
DHMH cautions Maryland citizens that heatstroke and heat exhaustion can develop from the hot and humid conditions typically associated with Maryland summers.
“Extreme heat can be deadly and everyone should know the warning signs of danger,” said DHMH Deputy Secretary Frances Phillips. “With the extreme heat and the lack of power throughout many areas of the state, people need to take advantage of cooling centers.”
Marylanders in need of a cooling center<http://www.mema.state.md.us/newsroom/post/2012/06/30/List-of-Maryland-Cooling-Centers-Maryland.aspx> or assistance can contact their Local Health Department for information by phone or the internet or go to the DHMH Cooling Center link atwww.dhmh.maryland.gov<http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov/>. For tips and reports on heat, click on Extreme Heat<http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/SitePages/Home.aspx> under Hot Topics atwww.dhmh.maryland.gov<http://www.dhmh.maryland.gov>.
Heatstroke is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater then 105 degrees. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of body temperature, using a cool bath or wet towels. A heatstroke victim should be kept in a cool area; emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing 911.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. Those on a low-sodium diet or with other health problems should contact a doctor.
Hot weather tips:
● Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration — be aware that alcohol can impair the body’s sweat mechanism, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics;
● Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes;
● Avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses;
● When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library. Contact your local health department to see if there are cooling shelters open in your area;
● NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked;
● Check on elderly relatives or neighbors at least daily; and
● Take it easy when outdoors. Athletes and those who work outdoors should take short breaks when feeling fatigued. Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.
In 2011, there were 34 confirmed heat-related deaths, in 2010, there were 32; in 2009, six heat related deaths; in 2008, 17; and in 2007, 21.
DHMH is making available brochure on protecting yourself in the heat at
http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/Documents/AttachmentC-HeatEmergencyBrochure.pdf
Information in Spanish is also available athttp://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/itdhpfehe/itdhpfehe_spanish_100-F-08-076.pdf
For more information visit (Including Spanish language websites):
· Maryland Emergency Management Agency:http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA/content_page.jsp?TOPICID=othernds
· Federal Emergency Management Agency:http://www.fema.gov/hazard/heat/index.shtm
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
· CDC Spanish Translation:http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/es/
· Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
· Additional Spanish Language Resources: http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/factsheets/itdhpfehe/itdhpfehe_spanish_100-F-08-076.pdf;
http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/posters/beat-the-heat_poster_spanish_100-H-07-002.p
Potomac Edison Makes Water and Ice Available to Customers
July 1st, 2012Williamsport, Md. – Potomac Edison customers who lost power as a result of Friday’s severe summer storm can receive one bag of ice and two gallons of water at no charge at any Martin’s food stores in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties.
Tips for customers without power:
• Customers who have not yet reported their outage should use the automated outage reporting line – 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877). Customers calling regarding downed lines are urged to follow the prompts or to report the downed lines to their local police or fire departments.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to three days if it’s kept closed.
• Unplug major appliances until after the power has been restored. Keep one light connected so you will know when the power is back on.
• Burning candles should never be left unattended in a house.
• Gasoline-powered generators should never be operated inside a home or attached garage.
For up-to-date information on the company’s restoration effort, current outages, FirstEnergy’s storm restoration process and tips for staying safe, go to www.firstenergycorp.com
In addition, customers can view timely, accurate and easy-to-use outage information through FirstEnergy’s “24/7 Power Center” maps, accessible on desktops, smart phones and mobile devices atwww.firstenergycorp.com/outages.
During significant service interruptions, outage information is also available via the company’s Twitter accounts. Potomac Edison serves 251,000 customers in 7 Maryland counties. FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies comprise one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems. Its diverse generating fleet features non-emitting nuclear, scrubbed baseload coal, natural gas, and pumped-storage hydro and other renewables, and has a total generating capacity of nearly 23,000 megawatts.
Insurance Commissioner Temporarily Lifts Time Restrictions on Prescription Refills: Residents Reminded to Review Insurance Policies
July 1st, 2012In light of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s emergency declaration following strong wind storms, Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith today temporarily lifted insurance restrictions on when Marylanders’ prescription medications can be refilled. Friday’s storm knocked out power to more than 1 million people at its peak and caused damage throughout the state. As of Sunday morning, more than 644,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity.
The Maryland Insurance Administration reminds consumers to review their homeowners or renters insurance policies. If it becomes necessary for you to move out of your home because of the damage it sustained, your costs may be covered under Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use (LOU) provisions. With ALE or LOU coverage, your insurance company will reimburse you the costs of additional living arrangements, including meals and other miscellaneous items. You will need to keep the original and submit copies of ALL of your receipts as proof of your claim. Some policies also may cover a portion of the value of food lost if electricity is out for an extended time. Coverage depends on the specific language in your policy. Contact your agent or insurance company for further details.
Some homeowners insurance policies cover up to $500 toward the cost of tree removal. That coverage limit applies to all downed trees on the property, not each tree. That means regardless of whether you have one or 12 trees come down from the storm, you will receive only one payment from your insurance company, usually no more than $500. If a tree falls on your home or other structure, homeowners insurance should cover the cost of removing the tree from the damaged structure.
“While it is important to report claims to your insurance carrier immediately, you should also be aware that most carriers consider your claims history when determining whether to renew your insurance policy,” Commissioner Goldsmith said Sunday. Filing three or more weather-related claims within a three-year period may lead your insurance company to drop your homeowners policy at its next renewal date. “You should review your policy carefully to make certain that you understand coverage limits and what deductible you must pay for your claim.”
For more information, visit the Maryland Insurance Administration’s website,www.MdInsurance.state.md.us, and click on the Hot Topics link to Insurance Preparedness for Natural Disasters.
Harford County Will Open Cooling Centers at Public Libraries on Monday
July 1st, 2012High temperatures and power outages trigger need for cooling centers
(Bel Air, MD) – – With high temperatures and heat index expected to continue into the early part of this week, Harford County Government, in cooperation with Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Health Department are opening cooling centers on Monday, July 2, 2012.
All Harford County Public Libraries will serve as “Cooling Centers” for the public’s use during normal business hours, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Harford County Public Libraries were also used as “Cooling Centers” both Friday and Saturday due to the extreme heat and severe weather conditions.
“The Harford County Public Library under the direction of Mary Hastler is once again partnering with Harford County Government and the Harford County Health Department in providing temporary relief to those without air conditioning during these extremely hot days,” County Executive David R. Craig stated. “We urge our citizens, especially the elderly and those with health conditions to take advantage of our libraries serving as “Cooling Centers” during this challenging time,” the County Executive remarked.
According to the Harford County Health Department, heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigues, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion or the most serious, heat stroke.
Heat stroke is an advanced form of heat stress that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. A person with a body temperature above 104 degrees is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Persons with any of these symptoms should receive immediate medical attention, especially older adults.
For additional information regarding heat health issues and preventive measures, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Extreme Heat website http://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat.SitePages/Home.aspx. or the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations atwww.harfordpublicsafety.org.
Prince George’s County Shelter, Pet, Cooling and Oxygen Info
July 1st, 2012The Prince George’s County Animal Shelter is now without power, and residents who have pets that need shelter should call (301) 780-7200 .
These are the three 24-Hour Cooling Centers :
North
Kentland Community Center
2411 Pinebrook Avenue
Landover, MD
Central
Prince George’s Plaza Community Center
6600 Adelphi Road
Hyattsville, MD
South
Accokeek Academy
14400 Berry Road
Accokeek, MD
Residents who require overnight accommodations are encouraged to go to the shelter at Northwestern High School, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD.
In addition, residents who are in need of recharging their medical oxygen devices should go to one of the cooling centers, fire stations or the Northwestern High School shelter to charge their equipment.
Allegany County: Cooling, Ice and Sheltering Information
July 1st, 2012Allegany County Fairgrounds Multi-purpose Building in Bowling Green is being advertised as a cooling center but is prepared for 24 hour sheltering. County is going to advertise that they can transport citizens to shelters if necessary and will issue a press release. As of 1700 hours the shelter is open and recieving clients.
Local Wal-Mart donated 400 lbs of ice which will be distributed through a volunteer fire department in one of the most affected areas.