MDEM Newsroom - Page 47 MDEM Newsroom
Portable Generators and Electrocution Risk from “Backfeeding” Power Lines
August 28th, 2011Advisory: Generators and Electrocution Risk from “Backfeeding” Power Lines
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration would like to remind first responders and the general public to assume that all power lines are energized.
Even though power may be out in your immediate area, improperly connected portable generators are capable of “backfeeding” power lines thought to be inactive. “Backfeeding” happens when you connect a portable generator directly to your home’s wiring without having a functional transfer switch. Without a transfer switch, your portable generator’s electricity can be sent back into the power grid from your house. This will energize the utility’s power lines on your street and poses an electrocution hazard for first responders, utility workers, and your neighbors who may not know that your voltage is present on the shared lines.
In addition, as the utility’s power is restored, your portable generator and house wiring may be severely damaged from improper usage
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER PROVIDES VITAL INFORMATION TO MARYLANDERS AS THEY RECOVER FROM HURRICANE IRENE
August 28th, 2011(Baltimore, MD) Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith today provided Marylanders with important information as they begin to recover from Hurricane Irene.
First, Commissioner Goldsmith activated emergency regulations requiring all health insurance carriers in the State to waive any time restrictions on payment for prescription medication refills and replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses and dentures while the State of Emergency declared by Governor O’Malley is in effect. This means that consumers forced to evacuate because of Hurricane Irene can obtain prescription refills or replace their eyeglasses, for example, regardless of the refill date or benefit plan time limitations.
Second, Commissioner Goldsmith reminded consumers that coverage from flooding generally is not covered by homeowner’s policies. A separate flood insurance policy must be purchased for flood damage. Anyone with a flood insurance policy who has questions about coverage can find helpful information by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov or calling the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-888-379-9531.
Third, homeowners should be aware that some homeowner’s insurance policies provide for a special deductible for hurricane-related damage, which can be considerably higher than the standard flat-rate deductible. The precise amount depends upon the terms of the particular homeowner’s policy. Homeowners should read their policies to determine whether a special deductible applies, and call their insurance company, insurance agent, or the Maryland Insurance Administration with questions.
The Insurance Administration has posted on its website at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us contact information for the major homeowners and automobile insurers in the State. You can also get this contact information by calling the Insurance Administration at (410) 468-2340. To better assist consumers with questions or issues about their insurance claims as the State recovers from Hurricane Irene, this telephone number will be staffed on weekdays during the expanded hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
CDC Warns Those in Hurricane’s Path: Follow Local Instructions
August 27th, 2011Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging people in the path of Hurricane Irene to protect themselves from storm hazards. In addition to storm surges and high winds, hurricanes can cause tornadoes, flooding, and dangers from downed power lines and debris. CDC also recommends taking specific steps to protect yourself and your family from the oncoming storm.
Before the storm:
- If evacuating, pack an emergency supply kit with food, bottled water, prescription medicines, and important document, such as insurance policies.
- If you plan to drive, fill your car?s gas tank as soon as possible.
- Turn off gas, electricity, and water, and disconnect appliances before leaving.
- Take steps to ensure your pets? safety during the storm.
- Follow designated evacuation routes for your area, and expect heavy traffic.
If you stay home during the storm:
- Pack an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food, bottled water, and prescription medicines to last from three to five days.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home, and make sure that everyone in your house is able to follow the escape plan to your chosen meeting place outside your home.
- Look for escape routes from upper levels of the house, in case of flooding.
- Do not go outside, even if the weather seems calm. Wait for local authorities to tell you it is safe to go outside.
- If your home is flooded or damaged, move to a neighbor?s or a local shelter.
After the storm:
- NEVER touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one.
- Turn off electrical power when there are hazards around your home such as standing water, fallen power lines, or gas leaks. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
- Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall.
- Listen to announcements in local media (radio, television or newspaper) to find out if it?s safe to use tap water, and follow instructions regarding water.
- If you are not sure if water is safe to use, boil it for 1 minute at a rolling boil before you use it for anything, including brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, making ice, or bathing. Seehttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp for more specific instructions.
- Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.
- Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, instead of candles, to prevent fires.
- Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, or charcoal burning devices release dangerous carbon monoxide gas and should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper, or even outside near an open window or vent. Follow manufacturers? instructions.
- Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
For more information about staying safe and healthy during hurricane season, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visitemergency.cdc.gov or www.ready.gov.
The Maryland State Fair and Thoroughbred Horse Racing are OPEN
August 27th, 2011The Maryland State Fair and Thoroughbred Horse Racing are OPEN, today, Saturday, August 27, 2011.
The 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale has been postponed.
We will continue to monitor weather conditions and will alert you if any other schedule changes are made.
Hurricane Irene has Potential to Cause Extensive Damage to Properties in Maryland
August 27th, 2011Disaster Recovery Starts Before the Storm Arrives
(Reisterstown, MD. August 27, 2011) – Persons who are interested in volunteering their time and talent or making donations to people in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene are asked to contact the Maryland Volunteers and Donations Management Team at 1-877-868-4954.
MEMA is asking members of the public who wish to volunteer their services to refrain from traveling to a disaster scene before the needs of survivors have been determined. Local emergency management officials are often swamped with their respective response and recovery duties. Persons who show up at the disaster site without being requested often have no means of support (shelter, food, fuel, communications, etc.) and thus become an additional burden to emergency management officials trying to manage the situation.
Public donations of materials without specifically being requested can also be a severe burden to emergency management officials because they must plan for the collection, storage, transport and distribution of the materials often before a need for specific items has been identified. At this time, cash is the best form of donation…and there are a number of organizations that can accept cash and procure specific items for survivors based on need. To see a list of these organizations, please visithttp://www.mdvoad.org/
Special Notes
The State Highway Administration recommends motorists plan ahead before traveling. For specific travel information and real-time traffic conditions, call 511 or visit www.MD511.org”
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.
Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps
August 27th, 2011* * * Fact Sheet * * *
Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps
Licensed health professionals are encouraged to register today to volunteer as part of Maryland’s MPVC program to assist those affected by Hurricane Irene.
Sign up is quick and easy by visiting http://MDResponds.dhmh.maryland.gov
The Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps (MPVC) consists of health care and community professionals ready to assist with disaster and emergency recovery during a declared emergency situation.
There is no financial compensation provided for work done as an MPVC volunteer. Once registered as a MPVC volunteer, your participation may be requested any time there is an emergency declaration or disaster in any area of Maryland.
A volunteer who registers with and is deployed by MPVC, when providing assistance in an emergency, is afforded immunity from personal liability under State law similar to that afforded to regular State employees and is treated as a State employee for purposes of coverage under the State’s self-insurance program and workers compensation.
The MPVC is a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) administered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The MRC program coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses, other health professionals, and citizens who are eager to address their community’s ongoing public health needs and to help during large-scale emergency situations.
MPVC volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with victims, and provide care directly to those with less serious injuries and other health-related issues.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is closed
August 27th, 2011Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is closed until further notice authority of Virginia OEM.
President Obama Signs Maryland Emergency Declaration
August 27th, 2011The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Maryland and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irene beginning on August 26, 2011, and continuing.
The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Baltimore, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester, and Baltimore City.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Thomas J. McCool as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.
Tornado watches and warnings
August 27th, 2011Snow Hill, MD — Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms, with whirling winds that can reach 300 mph. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms and Hurricane Irene, damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.
Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Pay attention to local media such as radio and television to monitor weather warnings in your area.
- Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Heed media updates and warnings.
- Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sited or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
During a Tornado Watch
- Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or commercial media for updates.
- Be alert for an approaching storm, particularly a revolving funnel-shaped cloud. Other tornado danger signs include a dark, almost greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; or a loud roar, similar to a freight train.
- Be warned that sometimes tornadoes develop so rapidly; there is no visible advance warning.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as an auditorium, cafeteria, supermarket or shopping mall.
- Be prepared to take shelter immediately. Gather household members, pets and disaster supplies.
During a Tornado Warning
- In a home/house or small building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. If there is none, go to an interior room on the lower level like a closet, interior hallway. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to cover your head and neck.
- Do not open windows. Use the time to seek shelter.
- Go to the center of the room, avoiding the corners, which attract debris.
- In large public buildings, go to predetermined shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually safest. Stay away from windows and open spaces.
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest possible floor.
- Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building. Never try to outrun a tornado in a congested area.
- If caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential of flooding.
- Do not go under a bridge or overpass. You are safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris from tornadoes, the cause of most fatalities and injuries.
After a Tornado
- Listen to the media for the latest emergency information.
- Be aware of broken glass and downed power lines.
- Help injured or trapped persons. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.
- Stay out of damaged buildings, returning only when authorities have deemed it safe.
- Use the telephone only in emergencies.
- Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
- Take photographs/video of the damage for insurance purposes.
- Remember to help your neighbors, particularly those who may require special assistance.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders in Maryland: 6pm August 27
August 27th, 2011Evacuation Orders in Maryland
6pm August 27
Mandatory Evacuation Orders
Download the Mandatory Evacuation_Orders_in_Maryland here.