MDEM Newsroom - Page 37 MDEM Newsroom
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.
Carroll County Cooling Centers to Open Wednesday, June 20th & Thursday June 21st , 2012
June 20th, 2012Cooling Centers to Open Wednesday, June 20 the & Thursday June 21st, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012 – Forecasters are anticipating Code Orange days Wednesday and Thursday, June 20 through
June 21, 2012. Because of the anticipated high temperatures and humidity, the Carroll County Department of Citizen
Services will operate six cooling centers around the county today. Residents who are vulnerable to extreme heat and who
do not have air-conditioning in their homes are encouraged to cool off in any of the following locations until the close of
business:
Cooling Center Information and locations can be found at: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/releases/CodeORANGE061912.pdf
U.S. Navy Special Warfare Dynamic Waterborne Demonstration
June 16th, 2012Baltimore, Maryland (June 15, 2012) On Saturday June 16, 2012 and Sunday June 17, 2012 beginning at approximately 1pm, citizens should expect to hear the firing of blank firearms by vessels associated with the U.S. Navy Special Warfare Dynamic Waterborne demonstration. The demonstrations will be conducted on the waters off Fort McHenry. To make citizens and residents of the area aware it is asked that our media partners share this information with viewers and listeners. The United States Coast Guard will initiate a broadcast to mariners including this same information over Marine Band Radio VHF -FM Channel 16.
DHR To Operate Toll-Free “Reunification Line” During The “Star-Spangled Sailabration”
June 14th, 2012June 13 – 19 event in Baltimore will launch the national Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND (June 14, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) will be supporting the “Star-Spangled Sailabration” through operation of a toll-free Reunification Line. DHR will be working with the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Service Systems (MIEMSS) and the American Red Cross (ARC) to help separated parties reunite.
Over 1 million visitors are expected to be in Baltimore during the celebration of the War of 1812, and some individuals may become separated from their parties. Missing person reports, child protective services and other emergency matters will continue to be handled by 911 and appropriate public safety agencies. However, separated parties that fall outside the scope of those emergency situations will be able to use the DHR Reunification Line (DRL) to gain assistance in finding each other.
Emergency personnel at 911 centers, First Aid stations, Hospitals (emergency rooms), and personnel throughout the event will be referring separated parties to contact the DRL. Members of the public may directly contact the DRL at 1-888-756-7836. The DRL will be open from 7 AM to 11 PM Monday June 11 through Tuesday June 19.
For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Human Resources.
Busy Tornado Season in Maryland
May 24th, 2012
WBAL: Experts Explain Increase In Tornadoes, Wild Weather- ABC2News: Maryland tornado alert system comes up short