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Agriculture Hurricane Aftermath Issue: Prevent the Spread Devastating Invasive Beetle

*** 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.

Tags: borer, clean up, hurricane, trees

Attorney General Gansler’s Hurricane Consumer Warning: Be wary of hurricane-related fraud

Baltimore, 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/

Tags: attorney general, frauds, irene, repairs

DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS ADVISED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION THROUGH WEEK AS POWER OUTAGES PERSIST

Some 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

Tags: 511, roadsm hurricane

Howard County Hurricane Irene Recovery – Day 2

County 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.

Tags: howard county, irene, recovery

What should I do during a power outage?



Download 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.

Tags: outage, power, what to do

MTA MOBILIZES TO RETURN EVACUEES TO OCEAN CITY

Seasonal 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.

Tags: mta, ocean city, return evacuees

Chesapeake Bay Bridge reopened with restrictions

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge has been reopened but with wind restrictions in place

Tags: chesapeake bay bridge, hurricane

Portable Generators and Electrocution Risk from “Backfeeding” Power Lines

Advisory: 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

Tags: generators, hurricane, power lines

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER PROVIDES VITAL INFORMATION TO MARYLANDERS AS THEY RECOVER FROM HURRICANE IRENE

(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.

Tags: baltimore, floodsmart, mdinsurance

CDC Warns Those in Hurricane’s Path: Follow Local Instructions

Officials 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.

Tags: cdc, hurricane, irene