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Survival Tips After a Hurricane Strikes
August 27th, 2011CPSC and USFA Warn About Deadly Dangers That Can Linger After Hurricane Irene Passes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are warning residents in hurricane-impacted areas about the deadly dangers that can remain even after Hurricane Irene strikes.
Consumers need to be especially careful during a loss of electrical power, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire increases at that time.
In order to power lights, to keep food cold or to cook, consumers often use gas-powered generators. CPSC and USFA warn consumers NEVER to use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements or sheds. The exhaust from generators contains high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) that can quickly incapacitate and kill.
“Don’t create your own disaster in the aftermath of a storm,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Never run a generator in or right next to a home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer. CO is odorless and colorless and it can kill you and your family in minutes.”
From 1999-2010, nearly 600 generator-related CO deaths have been reported to CPSC. CPSC is aware of an annual average of 81 deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators in recent years. The majority of the deaths occurred as a result of using a generator inside a home’s living space, in the basement or in the garage.
“We know from experience as victims try to recover from disasters, they will take unnecessary risks with candles, cooking and generators. These risks often result in additional and tragic life safety consequences,” said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “When you consider the challenges faced by firefighters and their departments to also recover from the same disasters, it is important that all of us remember even the simplest of fire safety behaviors following disasters of any type.”
Do not put your family at risk. Follow these important safety tips from CPSC and USFA in the aftermath of a storm.
Portable Generators
Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner’s manual and follow the instructions. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use.
Charcoal Grills and Camp Stoves
Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Burning charcoal or a camp stove in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. There were at least seven CO-related deaths from charcoal or charcoal grills in 2007.
CO Alarms
Install carbon monoxide alarms immediately outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home to protect against CO poisoning. Change the alarms’ batteries every year.
Electrical and Gas Safety
Stay away from any downed wires, including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage. If you are standing in water, do not handle or operate electrical appliances. Electrical components, including circuit breakers, wiring in the walls and outlets that have been under water should not be turned on. They should be replaced unless properly inspected and tested by a qualified electrician.
Natural gas or propane valves that have been under water should be replaced. Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open. Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion. Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.
Candles
Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
Consumers, fire departments and state and local health and safety agencies can download CPSC’s generator safety posters, door hangers and CO safety publications at CPSC’s CO Information Center or order free copies by contacting CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
Download USFA’s publications on disasters and fire safety and other safety issues at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov
HURRICANE IRENE MDTA FACILITY UPDATE – 10:45 p.m.
August 27th, 2011BALTIMORE, MD – The Tydings Memorial (I-95), the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial (US 40), the Harry W. Nice Memorial (US 301) and the Francis Scott Key (I-695) bridges are all now under Phase II Wind Restrictions. House trailers, empty box trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, hitch trailers with sides or any vehicle that cannot safely cross are prohibited from traveling the bridge.
Officials are also alternating traffic in both directions on the Nice Bridge due to standing water in the southbound lane.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US 50/301) remains CLOSED.
Citizens are encouraged not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
24/7 Bay Bridge traffic conditions are available by calling the BAYSPAN Hotline at 1-877-229-7726.
EXECUTIVE POLLITT ORDERS EVACUATION OF SEGMENTS OF WICOMICO COUNTY NEAR RIVERS IN ANTICIPATION OF AFFECTS OF HURRICANE IRENE
August 26th, 2011Salisbury, MD
August 26, 2011
County Executive Richard M. Pollitt, Jr. has issued a Declaration of Emergency for Wicomico County in anticipation of hurricane/tropical-storm strength winds and torrential rains that may begin in the county on August 27th as a result of Hurricane Irene. Mr. Pollitt urged citizens to NOT call 911 for hurricane-related information. He asks that citizens call a special “Hurricane Hotline” instead. That number is 410-548-9452.
After consultation with local emergency and public health personnel, Pollitt ordered the evacuation of segments of the county near the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers as part of the general Order. “While I know that it is greatly inconvenient to be evacuated,” emphasized Pollitt; “the experts have impressed upon me the real threat that the effects of this storm present to our county. There could be flooding up to 5 feet in lower areas; high winds and heavy rains upon saturated grounds could cause trees to fall on houses and roads. People on the wrong side of the flooding could become inaccessible to rescue workers should rescue be required. In brief, if Irene lives up to her expectations, we need to take every necessary precaution.”
Evacuation Details
—-Residents of the following areas are ordered to begin evacuating at 10:00 A.M. today and to complete the process by 4:00 P.M. tomorrow, August 27th. Tropical-force winds are anticipated to begin at about 4:00 P.M. on Saturday.
Areas in Wicomico County:
ZIP CODES: All of 21840 (Nanticoke Post Office)
All of 21814 (Bivalve Post Office)
All of 21865 (Tyaskin Post Office)
21856 West of Nebo Road (Quantico Post Office)
21830 West of Athol Rd. (Hebron Post Office)
21822 North and West of Upper Ferry Road (Allen Post Office)
All of 21837 (Mardela Post Office)
21861 North and West of Sharptown Road (Sharptown Post Office)
Areas In the City of Salisbury
Riverside Dr. from Douglas Rd. to Cooper Road on the West side of Riverside Drive.
Williams Landing Place, Wicomico St. (west of Riverside Dr.), Beauchamp St., Georgia Ave (west of Riverside Dr.) Ridge Road, N. Pinehurst on the Wicomico river side, Riverside Pines Court.
Cotton Patch Island, Bell Island Trail, Fitzwater Street,
King Street, Ford Street, Birch Street, Burton Street, Willow Street, W. Main Street between Mill Street and Fitzwater Street, Germania Circle,
Kent Ave, Queen Anne Street, Jefferson Street, Caroline Street, Dover Street, Liberty Street, Homer Street, Edgemore Avenue, Alexander Ave, Bowl Drive, Raymond Drive.
Anchorage Nursing Home
—-Besides alerts from the news media, affected residents will be notified by a pre-recorded phone call and loudspeaker announcements from fire and police vehicles.
Shelter
—-Citizens are urged to seek shelter with friends/relatives or at a motel or hotel. If this is not possible, shelter is available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD. The shelter opens at 10:00 A.M. today and is pet-accommodating.
—-If citizens use the Civic Center shelter, it is suggested that they bring these items:
• Use backpack etc.
• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled members of the household
• A change of clothes (several changes)
• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Waterless hand soap
• Games, books etc.
• Baby food & diapers
• Toiletries (Moist towelettes, toilet paper, garbage bags & ties for personal sanitation)
• “Go-Kit” for your pets/service animals (food, crate, medical records, ID tags, leash, etc.)
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each person
• Prescription medications
• Special items for infant (baby food/diapers) , elderly or disabled members of the household
• Important Papers (Easy to access)
• Flashlights
• Identification
Closings
—-Upper Ferry and the Whitehaven Ferry will not operate on Saturday and Sunday. Citizens are urged to check the Ferry Hotline 410-543-2765.
—-The Landfill and transfer stations will close at noon on Saturday and will be closed on Sunday.
In issuing the Emergency Order, Mr. Pollitt said, “Our county staff has all plans in place for the protection of our citizens if this weather event becomes as challenging as anticipated. I fully realize that being ordered to leave one’s home is truly disturbing. On the other hand, preventing risky rescue operations as a result of high winds and flooding is well worth it. I know the citizens of Wicomico County will rise to meet this difficult situation just as have our dedicated employees.”
Mayor Declares State of Emergency for Annapolis
August 26th, 2011Urges Residents in Low-Lying Areas to Leave by Tomorrow
Annapolis, MD (08-26-11) Mayor Joshua J. Cohen is declaring a State of Emergency within the city limits, effective 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 26, due to the anticipated impact of Hurricane Irene.
Under this directive, the mayor is strongly urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate by tomorrow afternoon. The Annapolis High School will open as a pet-friendly shelter at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27.
Efforts to reach these residents are being handled by Annapolis Police and Fire officials, who will walk door to door contacting residents and providing information. The City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management has created an emergency notification and will be calling anyone in or near a potential flood zone.
“We expect most of the residents who need to evacuate will be able to stay with friends or family that live on higher ground,” said Mayor Cohen. “For those who need a place to stay, Annapolis High School will open, and for those who need assistance we can provide transportation. Overall, we expect about one thousand homes to be affected under the most severe conditions.”
To this end, the mayor has ordered all four City garages to allow any residents who want to evacuate to park for free. Anyone needing assistance with transportation to the shelter should call 410-260-2211 after 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27.
As part of the State of Emergency, the mayor activated the hurricane call center effective 10:00 a.m. Anyone requesting information or needing non-emergency assistance related to the hurricane can call this number 24 hours a day through the duration of this event. The phone number is 410-260-2211.
The current path puts Hurricane Irene over the Carolina Outer Banks Saturday afternoon. Annapolis could begin to feel the effects of the storm late Saturday morning, with winds gusting to 60 mph in the afternoon. Gusts will be at their peak in Annapolis between 6:00 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect.
Go to http://www.annapolis.gov/ for updated information.
***TODAY*** GOVERNOR O’MALLEY TO GIVE HURRICANE IRENE UPDATE
August 26th, 2011ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 25, 2011) – TODAY at 2:30 p.m., Governor O’Malley will hold a press conference to give an update on Hurricane Irene.
The press conference will be streamed here.
WHAT: Governor O’Malley to hold press conference on Hurricane Irene
WHEN: TODAY, Friday, August 26, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
5401 Rue St. Lo Drive
Reisterstown, MD
Emergency Declaration: Charles County
August 26th, 2011Charles County has declared a local state of emergency in preparation of Hurricane Irene.
EOC Status: Somerset County
August 26th, 2011Somerset County has fully activated the EOC. Staff responding to evacuation and sheltering needs of the community.
CITIZENS URGED TO PREPARE PROPERTY NOW AS HURRICANE IRENE APPROACHES
August 26th, 2011REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 26, 2011) – Maryland Emergency Management Agency officials are urging citizens statewide to safeguard their property for the approaching hurricane, even if they are not in the high impact area.
“During tropical storm and hurricane force winds, items we usually consider harmless can become dangerous projectiles,” said MEMA Director Richard Muth. “We urge property owners to take a few minutes, look around and either bring items inside or make sure they are secure.”
Although the lower Eastern Shore is expected to take the worst impact from the storm, most of the state will experience severe weather, beginning Saturday evening. All citizens and business owners should follow these tips to protect their homes and property:
· Cover your home or business windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect from high winds.
· Secure any heating oil tanks on your property.
· Secure all outdoor furniture, grills, trashcans, pool supplies, or any other outdoor item that could become a projectile during high windows.
· Keep all trees and shrubs trimmed to reduce the risk of dangerous falling branches.
· Keep your gas tank filled in case you have to evacuate.
For more information log on to http://www.mema.state.md.us/
USE CHAIN SAWS WITH RESPECT AND CAUTION
August 26th, 2011REISTERSTOWN, Md. (August 26, 2011) — With Hurricane Irene promising to bring high winds and more rain to already saturated ground throughout Maryland, trees are certain to come down — and homeowners may think about using chain saws to break up the debris.
Think again and think carefully.
Chain saws can quickly cause severe injury or even death if not used properly. If you are not familiar with chain-saw techniques, saw maintenance and operation, be sure to – at minimum – read the owners manual completely and carefully and consult an expert for a demonstration. Other tips to follow to ensure safe use of chain saws:
- Consult with a dealer to get the right size saw for the woodcutting you will be doing. Then get him or her to demonstrate the saw.
- Use the fuel mix recommended by the manufacturer. Never fuel the saw near debris or when the saw is hot.
- Sharpen the saw regularly and maintain proper chain saw tension. A loose chain can come off the guide bar and hit the operator.
- Wear proper protective clothing, including safety goggles, hardhat, trim-fitting clothes (not loose or ragged), long-sleeve shirt and pants, gloves, and safety shoes.
- Never operate a chain saw when you are tired or using alcohol or drugs. Take frequent breaks.
Once you’ve surveyed the job and planned the task:
· Work with both hands on the chain saw handles.
· Keep your eyes on both the blade and what you are cutting.
· Cut only on the right side of your body.
· Do not overreach or cut above shoulder height.
· Cut only with the lower edge of the blade—cutting with the tip is inviting injury.
· Beware of cutting limbs and branches that are bent. They may snap back and hit you.
· Never force a dull chain to cut.
· Remember: Chain saws are made to cut wood—only wood.
More chain saw safety information can be found on the web site for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at:http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/psa/chainsaw.asp.
AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING DURING POWER OUTAGE
August 26th, 2011Use Caution When Using Alternative Power Sources and Cooking Fuels
Reisterstown, MD – (August 26, 2011) – Hurricane Irene will almost certainly cause wide-spread power outages across the state, and many Marylanders will turn to generators and alternative cooking fuels in the immediate aftermath. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) urges homeowners to understand the potentially catastrophic risks of using these alternatives and to ensure they know how to properly use them to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that can cause illness or death. It is produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, liquefied petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal, or wood may produce CO. Burning charcoal produces CO. Idling cars produce CO.
Adhering to the following guidelines can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- NEVER operate a generator inside a building and follow all other safety instructions for the use of generators, including keeping them a safe distance from doors and windows.
- Never burn charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle, or tent.
- Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
- Never use gas appliances such as ranges, ovens, or clothes dryers for heating your home.
- Never operate un-vented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.
- Do not use gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors. If use is unavoidable, ensure that adequate ventilation is available and whenever possible, direct engine exhaust to the outdoors.
- Make sure appliances are installed and used according to manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes. Most appliances should be installed by professionals.
- Never service fuel-burning appliances without proper knowledge, skills, and tools. Always refer to the owner’s manual when performing minor adjustments or servicing fuel-burning appliances.
- Install a CO detector/alarm that meets the requirements of the current UL standard 2034 or the requirements of the IAS 6-96 standard. A carbon monoxide detector/alarm can provide added protection, but is no substitute for proper use and upkeep of appliances that can produce CO.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
- The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include: headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness.
- Many people with CO poisoning mistake their symptoms for the flu or are misdiagnosed by physicians, which sometimes results in tragic deaths.
What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning?
If you think you are experiencing any of the symptoms of CO poisoning, get fresh air immediately. Open windows and doors for more ventilation, turn off any combustion appliances, and leave the house. Call your fire department or emergency medical service and report your symptoms. You could lose consciousness and CO poisoning can be fatal. It is also important to contact a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Tell your doctor that you suspect CO poisoning is causing your problems. Prompt medical attention is important if you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning when you are operating fuel-burning appliances. Before turning your fuel-burning appliances back on, make sure a qualified serviceperson checks them for malfunction.
Every year, more than 200 people in the United States die from CO produced by fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, ranges, water heaters, room heaters). Others die from CO produced while burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent. Still others die from CO produced by cars left running in attached garages. Several thousand people go to hospital emergency rooms for treatment for CO poisoning.
For more information, see: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers, CPSC Document #466,http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/466.html