MDEM Newsroom - Page 47 MDEM Newsroom
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
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.