From Harford County government:
Recovery from the aftermath of Hurricane Irene continues in Harford County nearly three days after the storm left the Baltimore Metropolitan Region.
The Harford County Department of Public Works, working in cooperation with both BGE and Delmarva Power, continue to clear roads that have been blocked or obstructed by fallen trees and power lines. As of noon Wednesday, 10 roads remain closed and 60 others have been opened since Sunday. Additionally, there are approximately 9,400 BGE customers throughout Harford County without electricity while Delmarva Power reports a little more than 100 of their customers are still without power in the county.
Not only did Hurricane Irene result in power outages for those in residential communities, but businesses were hard hit as well. Many businesses throughout the county were closed for more than 48 hours due to the storm which resulted in significant economic impact.
Harford County Public Schools were delayed by two days in opening for the 2011 – 2012 school year, and although the students went back to school Wednesday, 11 schools remained closed due to power issues and road closures.
Additionally, Harford County fire and EMS personnel responded to four “working” fires during the storm and transported seven (7) individuals to area hospitals for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of using portable generators indoors.
“Although Hurricane Irene has long since left Harford County, it will take weeks to recover from the damage left behind,” stated Harford County Executive David R. Craig. “I commend our first responders, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, local municipal police and utility workers for their hard work and tireless efforts on behalf of the citizens of Harford County,” Craig remarked.
To assist citizens of the county in disposing of their storm vegetation debris, the Harford County Department of Public Works has opened three (3) drop-off sites. The sites will remain available to the public through Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2011. Hours of operation for each of the three sites will be from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The locations are as follows:
– Edgewood Recreation Park parking lot
1702 Trimble Road in Edgewood
– Aberdeen Department of Public Works Maintenance Shop parking lot
end of Michael Lane in Aberdeen
– Havre de Grace Community Center parking lot
100 Lagaret Lane in Havre de Grace
Effective Monday, August 29, 2011 until further notice, the Harford Waste Disposal Center yard trim facility will be open to the public from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Both residential and commercial loads will be accepted.
The Tollgate yard trim drop-off site will be open beginning Tuesday, August 30, 2011. The site will be open from Tuesday – Friday of this week from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Additionally, Saturday, September 3, 2011 through Labor Day the site will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Tollgate yard trim drop-off site ONLY accepts residential loads!
The site will be open following the Labor Day weekend, Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. until further notice.
Commenting on the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, County Executive Craig stated, “Hurricane Irene was a significant weather event which challenged the resources of federal, state, county and local governments. However, as with most difficulties we encounter, patience is required. We are working diligently to return our beautiful county to a state of normalcy as quickly as possible,” Craig stated.
Still on generator along with the neighbors. BGE is not dependable for sure!
Maybe they just don’t like you?
Thank you for the update.
Yes I am still without power and yes I did prepare but I didn’t think it would take this long. I am on a well with no functioning water but my bathtub water preparation is running low now. All the kids in the neighborhood had to go to school today under the same conditions – it is not fun!!!
BGE needs to become much more pro-active instead of reactive! Driving around the county one sees many instances where our tree-trimming friends “sculpt” a little “tunnel” around overgrown wires and branches,thereby creating a situation that allows them to return next year to the same places and cut overgrowth back AGAIN. Job justification? No doubt. Waste of taxpayer $$$? Defintely, beyond a shadow of doubt.
Actually I hate to defend BGE but the tree sculpting is in reaction to public outcry against cutting down trees. In my view, cut the tree down or bury the lies. Either way works.
And taxpayers don’t pay for it but Constellation stockholders do. And so do people who buy their electricity from BGE or Constellation, or have it delivered by BGE. Almost everyone has it delivered by BGE in Maryland.
If you think about it, BGE probably never ran a line through a stand of trees. The homeowners planted the trees when they are small and cute where they would grow into the power lines. I think BGE should have the authority to drive copper spikes into all trees within 20 feet of their lines. When the tree dies it becomes Harry Homeowner’s responsibility to remove it.
Spoken like a true know nothing. Yensan for Mayor. Oh, wait….