MDEM Newsroom - Page 46 MDEM Newsroom
Volunteer and Donations Information
August 30th, 2011Individuals or companies wishing to make a financial contribution to a reputable organization active in disaster relief should visit the Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MDVOAD) website atwww.mdvoad.org. All member organizations’ information and activities can be viewed by following the “Members” tab.
Individuals wishing to assist in disaster relief efforts in their community should not self-deploy. We encourage individuals and families to visit their local volunteer center to be matched with appropriate opportunities in their community. All of Maryland’s volunteer centers can be viewed atwww.marylandvolunteercenters.org.
Companies wishing to donate services should call the Maryland Donations and Volunteer Management Team hotline at 1-877-868-4954 to be matched with a current need.
Officials Urge Motorist to Use Caution in Downtown Bel Air
August 29th, 2011Power outage leaves Town of Bel Air without traffic lights
(Bel Air, MD) – – The Bel Air Police Department is urging motorist to use caution when driving through downtown Bel Air. As a result of Hurricane Irene, much of the downtown area has been without electricity for much of Sunday, including several intersections on both Main Street and Bond Street where traffic lights are not working.
Bel Air Police recommend motorist use caution when driving through the town until electric service has been restored and traffic lights are once again operational. Additionally, Bel Air Police request that motorist treat all intersections normally controlled by a traffic light as a “four way stop” to help ensure safe passage through the town.
For additional information regarding traffic safety in the town of Bel Air, contact the Bel Air Police Department at 410-638-4500.
DON’T BE FOOLED BY IRENE SCAMS; HIRE LICENSED CONTRACTORS FOR REPAIRS
August 29th, 2011BALTIMORE, MD (August 29, 2011) – Hurricane Irene left her mark on the State of Maryland and most of the Eastern seaboard. While Maryland weathered the storm in large part because of a coordinated response led by Governor Martin O’Malley, many homeowners saw their homes damaged by winds, falling tree limbs and torrential downpours. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission, a professional licensing board under the umbrella of the Maryland Department of Labor, urges all Marylanders to avoid being ripped off by Irene-related scams and only hire licensed contractors for repairs.
“Hurricane Irene proved to be a formidable storm. Thousands of Marylanders had their homes damaged by falling trees, high winds and torrential downpours and must now replace siding, repair roofs, replace water-damaged drywall and floors and repair chimneys,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez. “I strongly urge those Marylanders whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Irene to avoid hiring any just anyone with a tool belt and hammer. Protect yourself. Only hire licensed contractors. Get several estimates, only pay upon completion of the work and check your contractors’ licenses.”
“Too often, unlicensed contractors arrive after a major storm or a natural disaster with disingenuous offers to help,” said Maryland Commissioner for Occupational and Professional Licensing Stanley J. Botts. “The Maryland Home Improvement Commission stands up for homeowners and protects consumers from predatory contractors.”
The Maryland Home Improvement Law requires contractors, subcontractors and salespeople to hold a current Maryland Home Improvement Commission license in order to solicit or perform home improvement services in the state. Penalties for working without a license include criminal fines or imprisonment. The Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund offers homeowners protection from shoddy work and compensates homeowners who suffer economic damages due to the work of a licensed contractor. The fund only protects homeowners who use licensed contractors. Consumers can check on contractors’ licensing statuses and complaint histories by calling the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410.230.6309 or visiting dllr.maryland.gov.
The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation protects and empowers Marylanders by safeguarding workers, protecting consumers, providing a safety net and cultivating a thriving workforce that can meet the demands of Maryland’s dynamic economy. For updates and information, follow DLLR on Twitter (@MD_DLLR <http://www.twitter.com/MD_DLLR> ) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DLLR.Maryland).
Agriculture Hurricane Aftermath Issue: Prevent the Spread Devastating Invasive Beetle
August 29th, 2011*** HURRICANE IRENE ***
We hope that everyone is safe and recovering quickly from the weekend’s hurricane. In the aftermath and clean up of fallen trees and branches, please be aware the Maryland EAB Quarantine prohibits the movement of ash wood or hardwood firewood from Maryland’s Western Shore to the Eastern Shore, i.e. across the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River, or out of state unless it is chipped to less than 1″ in diameter in two dimensions. Quarantine restrictions apply to mixed wood of unknown species. Ash wood may move between and among the quarantined counties, Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Washington counties and Baltimore City. Please call 410.841.5920 with questions.
Attorney General Gansler’s Hurricane Consumer Warning: Be wary of hurricane-related fraud
August 29th, 2011Baltimore, MD (August 29, 2011) – If you face major repairs to your home, business or other property as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Irene, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler urges you to be wary of home repair scams and other consumer fraud that often follow the storm’s destructive path.
“Con artists may try to take advantage of you at your most vulnerable moment,” said Attorney General Gansler. “Be wary of those door-to-door salesmen who follow disasters from state to state seeking to steal your hard-earned money. That could be money you’ll never see again for work they’ll never do.”
The vast majority of home repair contractors, tree removal companies and car repair shops in Maryland are reputable businesses doing good work for their customers. Many are eager to help their neighbors and their community recover from a disaster. These are people you are likely to know. Attorney General Gansler urges consumers to be wary of those so-called businesses you do not know.
Warning signs that consumers should look for following severe weather include:
· Traveling salesmen who come knocking on your door immediately after a disaster
· High-pressure sales tactics
· Demands for up-front payments
· Demands for an immediate decision
· Advance-fee loans that “guarantee” a loan to rebuild your home or business
Before you give anyone your money, Attorney General Gansler advises Maryland homeowners and small businesses to be cautious and:
· Check to see if a contractor is licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission by calling 410-230-6309 or visitinghttp://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/ . Consumers can also ask the Commission about the contractor’s complaint history.
· Deal only with contractors who have an established Maryland business.
· Obtain at least three bids for major repair work and check references. Be cautious if one of the bids is much lower than the others.
* Make certain that all important details concerning the work are written into the bid and contract, including: all of the work that the contractor has agreed to perform, the dates the work will begin and is expected to be completed, the total cost of the work, the type and quality of materials to be used, how and when payments will be made, and the provisions of warranties on the materials and labor.
AG Gansler also advises consumers to be wary of phony relief efforts, fraudulent charities and scam artists who use the name of an organization similar to a well-known charity. Marylanders should contribute only to organizations that they know well and that willingly provide written information about their charitable efforts. Consumers should avoid making cash donations and always make checks payable to the organization, not the individual soliciting.
· Check that a charity is registered with the state as required by law, by calling the Maryland Secretary of State’s Charities Division at 410-974-5534 or 1-800-825-4510
· If you wish to file a consumer complaint – other than home repair – contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662 or 1-888-743-0023 toll-free in Maryland. You can also file a consumer complaint on line by visiting:http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/complaint.htm
· Learn more about consumer scams by visiting the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division website at:http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/index.htm<http://www.oag.state.md.us/Consumer/index.htm>
· For home repair consumer information; to see if a contractor is licensed, the contractor’s complaint history or to file a complaint, call the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410-230-6309 or visit the MHIC website at: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mhic/
DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS ADVISED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION THROUGH WEEK AS POWER OUTAGES PERSIST
August 29th, 2011Some Roads Remain Closed Because of Debris and High Water
(August 29, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.) – Despite the tireless efforts of State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), local jurisdictions, contract and utility crews continuing Hurricane Irene recovery, several road closures and traffic signal outages persist. Felled trees tangled with wires and high water continue to close two dozen state roads in Maryland, down from a list of nearly 200 on Sunday. Darkened traffic signals pose safety hazards at more than 100 intersections, where other roadway lighting may be out as well due to power outages.
Maryland State Police, MDTA Police and local law enforcement continue to respond to incidents and work to keep people safe. Motorists are urged to remain cautious and vigilant, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas as darkened traffic signals can be difficult to detect. If crossing an intersection with a signal without power:
· Do not assume other drivers will yield
· Reduce speed approaching intersections – but be courteous and take turns
· During daylight hours, wave and make eye contact with pedestrians and drivers at intersections
· At night, flash your headlights to get the attention of other drivers to indicate yielding
· Obey restricted lanes at dark intersections, cones are used to minimize conflict points
“With the storm over many of us are getting back to our normal routines, but we still need to be extra cautious since weakened limbs and trees in saturated ground could still fall onto roads, blocking lanes or hitting power lines,” said SHA Acting Administrator Darrell B. Mobley. “Our crews are continuing to work to restore signals and repair roads but with power still out in many areas, all drivers and pedestrians need to look out for one another.”
SHA also encourages you to try the new 511 traveler Information Service and Know Before You Go by dialing 511 or 1-855-GO-MD511 (1-855-466-3511) or logging onto www.MD511.org. With 511, you can see the same information available to SHA’s CHART personnel at the 24-7 operations center. With the power outages, some of the cameras and overhead signs are not available, but will be added when power is restored.
When traveling this week:
· Remain alert for highway and utility crews
· Do not try to cross a road with high/standing water. Water depth is difficult to perceive. Eighty percent of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Two feet of rapidly moving water can float a bus and six inches can knock a person off his or her feet.
· Do not attempt to drive around police or highway personnel who are blocking roads – they are doing so for a reason – your safety.
· Do not approach areas where there are downed or damaged power and transmission wires and cables.
Citizens are also asked to report locations along State-maintained routes where traffic safety may be affected as a result of Hurricane Irene. A list of SHA maintenance shops statewide is available at roads.maryland.gov. For current information on Maryland’s overall response to the hurricane and its aftermath, visit www.mema.state.md.us
Howard County Hurricane Irene Recovery – Day 2
August 29th, 2011County to distribute MRE (Military Ready to Eat meals) tomorrow for families without power
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – County Executive Ken Ulman wants residents to know that Howard County Government employees continue to work around the clock to clear debris from the few roads that are still blocked. Government operations were back on schedule today and will continue operations throughout the week.
The County has made arrangements through FEMA/MEMA to receive and distribute 750 MREs (Military Ready to Eat meals) to families throughout the region who are still without power. A temporary Community Distribution Site will open at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, August 30, at the County’s Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road in Ellicott City. Residents whose electrical service has not been restored will be eligible to receive two MREs and three liters of water per family member. Distribution will continue until supplies run out or until 6 p.m.
“While we are doing all that we can to assist BG&E with the restoration of power to all county residents, we know that some homes are still without service. I want to thank FEMA and MEMA for working with us to provide this small relief to families living under difficult conditions,” said County Executive Ulman.
The Howard County Police Department wants to remind residents that some traffic lights are still out of service — please treat these intersections like four-way stops. Curbside trash, recycling and yard waste pick up are running on schedule; you can also take your yard debris to:
· The Howard County Landfill which is open for extended hours from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday of this week and accepts yard/wood debris
· Residents who have yard waste pickup can set debris out on regular recycling days — bundle branches in 4 foot lengths weighing no more than 40 pounds
· The County has opened two Debris Dropoff Sites for yard/wood debris that will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Rockburn Park (entrance off Landing Road)
Schooley Mill Park (12975 Hall Shop Road, Clarkesville)
County to distribute MRE (Military Ready to Eat meals) tomorrow for families without power
The County’s Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor conditions and cleanup operations. For more hurricane safety information, visithttp://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html.
What should I do during a power outage?
August 28th, 2011Download Flyer from Red Cross
Keep food as safe as possible.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.Then use food from the freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
- Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
- If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
- Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
Electrical equipment
- Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
- Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out.
- When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
- Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
- Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
Using generators safely
- When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a portable generator to a home’s electrical system.
- If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need.
What should I do when the power comes back on?
- Do not touch any electrical power lines and keep your family away from them. Report downed power lines to the appropriate officials in your area.
- Throw out unsafe food.
- Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
- Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if they have been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can start growing quickly. Some types of bacteria produce toxins that cannot be destroyed by cooking.
- If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has ice crystals on it, you can refreeze it.
- If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with the food thermometer.
- Throw out any foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been exposed to temperatures higher than 40° F (4° C) for 2 hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feels warm to touch.
Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
- If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
- Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.
MTA MOBILIZES TO RETURN EVACUEES TO OCEAN CITY
August 28th, 2011Seasonal Student Workers Headed Back to Jobs
BALTIMORE, MD –(AUGUST 28, 2011) – The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will begin transporting more than 2000 evacuees from the Baltimore area back to Ocean City this afternoon.
The seasonal workers were moved to Baltimore after Ocean City officials ordered the evacuation of the resort community earlier this week ahead of Hurricane Irene.
The students were temporarily housed at Towson University, the Fifth Regiment Armory and the Jewish Community Center in Owings Mills.
Approximately 40 buses from MTA’s Local and Commuter Bus fleet will be used to return the students to the Eastern Shore.
The transfer of students is expected to begin around 3:00 p.m.
For general information on MTA service, visit the MTA website atwww.mta.maryland.gov. Customers can also call the MTA Transit Information Center Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 410-539-5000. TTY 410-539-3497. To sign-up for email about service modifications and delays, go to www.mta.maryland.gov/enotifications.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Irene approaches Maryland. Go towww.mema.state.md.us for the latest storm track and preparedness information.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge reopened with restrictions
August 28th, 2011The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has been reopened but with wind restrictions in place