MDEM Newsroom - Page 36 MDEM Newsroom
Washington and Garrett County: Cooling Centers
July 1st, 2012EMA knows of no “official” cooling shelters open but it has been advertised that public buildings and businesses (open normally on Sundays) can be used for cooling. They would open centers if the need arises.
Garrett has 3 sites (besides normally open public bldgs and businesses):
- Friendsville Fire Dept
- Deer Park Fire Dept
- Southern Rescue Squad.
Harford County: Cooling Centers
July 1st, 2012In Harford County, two fire houses – Bel Air Fire Sation and Aberdeen Fire Station – have been identified as cooling centers.
Dry Ice Distributors (NOT for free)
July 1st, 2012This is NOT for free dry ice, but here is a list of dry ice distributors as perMaryland Department of General Services:
Capitol Carbonic Corp. – Will open at 10:00 am and will sell what they have to the public.
404 South Caton Ave.
Baltimore MD
410-566-0853.
(Vendor is without power and will be able to make more dry ice when power is up.)
Continental Carbonic Products – Expect to have dry ice available this evening.
150 Penrod Court, Suite J
Glen Burnie MD 21061
410-761-7701
Dry Ice Corp. – Expect to have dry ice available tomorrow.
1601 DeSoto Road
Baltimore MD 21230
410-644-7800
AAA Dry Ice – No dry ice and without power.
6100 Belair Road
Baltimore MD 21206
410-426-1204
Allegany County: Shelter and Cooling Center Update
July 1st, 2012The Allegany County Fairgrounds will be manned & open overnight; there are shelterer’s
currently onsite due to lack of power. Committee will reassess need for
shelter services after breakfast tomorrow.
Per Red Cross, there is a truck with bottled water enroute to Orleans VFD.
Water will be available for that community’s residents. The truck will
then deliver rest of load to shelter site. The truck is also carrying
shelter cots. ETA to Orleans is approx 45min.
Also expecting a tractor-trailer load of water to be delivered to the
Lavale Walmart. ETA unknown at this time but monitoring situation.
Harford County Opens Cooling Centers at Public Libraries
June 30th, 2012(Bel Air, MD) – – With heat index values expected to reach nearly 105 degrees on Friday, June 29 and Saturday June 30, Harford County Public Library will help serve as cooling stations for Harford County residents in need of relief from the heat.
Each Harford County Public Library will be open to the public during theirnormal hours of operation from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. The only exception is the Darlington Library which is open from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on
Friday, June 29 and from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30.
Commenting on the opening of cooling centers for the public, CountyExecutive David R. Craig stated, “We encourage the citizens of Harford County, particularly the elderly, young children and those with respiratory health issues to seek shelter from the heat. With the support of Harford County Public Library Director Mary Hastler all libraries will be open to the public for those who need some relief from the expected high temperatures,” Craig remarked. According to the Harford County Health Department, heat illness takes many forms, including heat fatigue, 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.
The Health Department advises, the risk for heat illness is a combination of the outside temperature along with the general health and lifestyle of an individual. Health-related factors that may increase risk include:
- Inability to perspire, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure medications
- Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician
- A person who is substantially overweight or underweight
- Drinking alcoholic beverages
- Being dehydrated
- Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands
- Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever
- High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may be at an increased risk. However, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.
The Harford County Health Department adds that individuals at special risk should stay indoors on particularly hot and humid days, especially when there is an air pollution alert in effect. People without fans or air conditions should go to places such as
shopping malls, movie theaters or designated cooling centers.
For additional information visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Extreme Heat website athttp://dhmh.maryland.gov/extremeheat/SitePages/Home.aspx.
Storm Knocks out power in much of Maryland, Extreme Heat Expected Again today
June 30th, 2012Reisterstown, MD (June 30, 2012) — Maryland Emergency Management Agency Public Information Officer Ed McDonough will be available this morning to do live or taped interviews to discuss last night’s storms. As of about 4:30 a.m., about 1 million customers across the state are without power.
With temperatures expected to reach near 100 in many parts of Maryland again today and power restoration expected to take several days, it is important that those who have lost air conditioning and who may be at risk for suffering due to the high temperatures and humidity think about ways to remain cool and hydrated.
Some local jurisdiction are likely to open shelters and/or cooling centers. Visiting libraries, malls and other public areas that are air conditioned is suggested. If possible, see if you can visit family or friends whose power works. Drink plenty of non alcoholic beverages to remain hydrated.
If you have air conditioning and have not lost power, consider opening your home to family members of friends who may not have air conditioning and may not tolerate the heat well.
Other things to consider:
Make sure your pets have plenty of water and a shady area.
If you are without power and using a portable generator, please make sure to properly ventilate the exhaust. Neve5r set up the generator inside any area of a house or garage as it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you have downed trees on your property and do not regularly use a chain saw, be very careful. Many people suffer serious injuries from improper use of chain saws.
Don’t assume that your power company knows if your power is out; call to alert them. Also, make sure they know of any special medical needs that depend on electricity; that may give your home priority.
If you have access to the web via computer or cell phone, here are some recommended web sites for preparedness information:
www.mema.state.md.us and click on the “General Preparedness” link on the left or any of the specific weather-related preparedness tabs as appropriate.
www.ready.gov is the Federal Emergency Management Agency preparedness web site.
For insurance related information, visit the Maryland Insurance Administration page at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us, and click on the “Insurance Preparedness for Natural Disasters” link on the right site.
Declaration for a State of Emergency June 30, 2012 – Download A Copy
June 30th, 2012Declaration for a State of Emergency as a result of power outages due to severe weather and extreme heat.
Download Here: Declaration_of_Emergency_30_Jun_12.pdf (82.72 kb)
MEMA ISSUES EMERGENCY HEAT PREPAREDNESS ADVISORY
June 30th, 2012Awareness, 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.
DNR Reminds Boaters and Swimmers of Safe Practices for Independence Day
June 29th, 2012Annapolis, Md. (June 29, 2012) – With the Fourth of July nearing, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Natural Resources Police (NRP) are urging citizens and visitors to be extra vigilant in and on the water for the holiday and throughout the summer.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the wonderful recreational opportunities our State has to offer, on water and land, to the fullest,” said Superintendent Colonel George F. Johnson IV. “But the importance of safety while boating and swimming cannot be overstated and must be a number one priority while enjoying Maryland waterways and State Parks.”
Last year, Maryland experienced an unusually high number of boating deaths. Over the summer, NRP will focus their enforcement efforts on those activities that contribute to boating accidents, such as alcohol, negligent operation, bow riding and navigational violations.
NRP recommends that swimmers stay within designated swimming areas with lifeguards on duty whenever possible. Lifeguards keep all swimmers informed of any changes in water conditions and are trained to respond if an emergency occurs.
NRP also offers the following swimming safety tips:
- When swimming outside guarded areas, obey all warning signs that alert swimmers to dangers and be aware of any surrounding signs or markers that indicate current water conditions.
- Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pay special attention to small children and use safety devices such as life jackets on children or other individuals who cannot swim.
- Carry a cell phone or have other ways of contacting emergency personnel if a situation arises.
If an emergency occurs, immediately call 911 and remember to Reach, Throw, Row and Go:
REACH the person in trouble by extending a releasable item, such as a pole, line or rope to pull them to safety ─ but not by hand, as the rescuer could quickly become another victim.
THROW an object that floats to the victim if they are unreachable. Life rings, PFDs, coolers or plastic jugs are suitable floating objects that can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until rescuers arrive.
ROW to the victim using a canoe or any other safe watercraft. The rescuer must wear a life jacket. Once the victim is nearby, a rope or paddle should be extended and used to tow the victim to shore if possible.
GO to the victim by entering the water as a last resort and ONLY if properly trained. The rescuer should bring an object to keep the victim afloat and to prevent being pulled under.
More information on boating safety is available at dnr.maryland.gov/boating/safety.
Marylandreporter.com: Agnes’ historic rainfall taught watershed a concrete lesson
June 29th, 2012Tropical Storm Agnes, the great and hurtful deluge that struck Chesapeake Bay 40 years ago in June, was the magnitude of storm that only strikes every two or three centuries on average-maybe even a 500-year storm. But from the Bay’s standpoint it was arguably unique; nothing else like it in the thousands of years the estuary has existed. To this day, significant parts of the Chesapeake ecosystem have not regained their pre-Agnes health, writes longtime environmental reporter Tom Horton.Read More about Agnes.