{"id":23091,"date":"2020-08-02T19:16:23","date_gmt":"2020-08-02T23:16:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=23091"},"modified":"2020-08-02T19:16:23","modified_gmt":"2020-08-02T23:16:23","slug":"mema-calls-for-continued-vigilance-and-preparedness-as-isaias-impacts-maryland-early-this-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2020\/08\/02\/mema-calls-for-continued-vigilance-and-preparedness-as-isaias-impacts-maryland-early-this-week\/","title":{"rendered":"MEMA Calls for Continued Vigilance and Preparedness as Isaias Impacts Maryland Early This Week"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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Prepare for Possible Power Outages, Include COVID-19 in Plans, and\u00a0<\/em>Know Your Zone<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n

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REISTERSTOWN, Md. (August 2, 2020) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and affiliated state agencies are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias as it heads toward Maryland. Even though the storm is currently not a hurricane, Marylanders should be prepared for potential flooding, tidal surge in low lying areas, and tropical storm force winds (greater than 39 miles per hour).<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t let your guard down just because Isaias is no longer a hurricane,\u201d said Russ Strickland, MEMA’s Executive Director. \u201cBe prepared for potential power outages, flash floods and tidal flooding. This is still a dangerous system.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this time, it appears the lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland will be the hardest hit areas, with the heavily populated central region also expected to be affected. However, a slight shift westward of the storm track could bring heavy rain to parts of western Maryland. Regardless of location, most Marylanders can expect to feel some effects from Isaias.<\/p>\n

MEMA also reminds Maryland residents to make sure emergency kits include at least 2 face coverings for each person, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other COVID-19 related supplies in addition to the\u00a0usual disaster supply kit components<\/a>.<\/p>\n

During the COVID-19 pandemic it\u2019s more important than ever to pay attention to the hazards of hurricane season. As a Marylander or as a visitor to Maryland, you should\u00a0Know Your Zone<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0to see if the places you live, work, or visit are in one of Maryland\u2019s three evacuation zones. The\u00a0Know Your Zone<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0program allows local emergency officials to order evacuations by letter zones (A, B and C). To learn more about\u00a0Know Your Zone<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0or to see if you might be in an evacuation zone, please click\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Remember that even if you are not in one of the Maryland evacuation zones, you could still feel the effects of hurricanes and other hazards. Hurricanes can spawn flash floods, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes many miles away form the eye of the storm and 100 miles or more inland.<\/p>\n

Here are some additional considerations while planning for hurricanes and other hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic:<\/p>\n