Harford County Urged to Prepare for “Severe Weather Event” Thursday

From the Harford County Department of Emergency Services:

(Bel Air, MD) – – The Harford County Department of Emergency Services urges Harford County residents to prepare for a squall line of thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, and higher tides as a result of a fast moving and severe weather event approaching the region. As storm moves across the state, Harford County and other areas of Maryland could feel the effects from the storm on Thursday, June 13.

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services recommends citizens prepare for the storm by reviewing their storm survival plan and restock any needed food, water or other supplies to get them through the storm. Additionally, emergency management personnel recommend residents test their battery-powered flashlights and radios to ensure they are storm ready.

“Preparation is the key to staying safe during a severe weather event,” stated County Executive David R. Craig. “We urge citizens to follow the progress of storm on radio, television or the internet and take all precautions necessary to ensure the safety of family and loved ones,” County Executive Craig remarked.

Harford County emergency management personnel caution homeowners to prepare their yards for the potential of strong or gusting winds from the storm. Many items can become flying debris which may result in damage to homes, vehicles and other property.

Homeowners and occupants should make sure outside oil or fuel tanks are properly anchored so they will not overturn or float away due to rising water. Additionally, items in the yard that cannot be moved inside should be anchored or secured so there is less chance of becoming projectiles in high winds.

The pending storm with the likelihood of strong, gusting winds could result in fallen trees and downed power lines. As a result some areas of the county may be without power for several days until electrical service is restored. Citizens should be prepared for the possibility of widespread power outages and make appropriate plans for living arrangements or business operations.

If, as expected, the storm brings rain, hail and damaging winds, citizens should stay off the roads during the storm unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office urges motorist not to drive through standing water or turn around in standing water which may cause vehicles to become disabled and a traffic hazard.

Harford County and a number of other jurisdictions have been placed under a “Flash Flood Watch” from midnight tonight, Wednesday, June 12 through 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening.

For storm preparedness tips, go to the Harford County Department of Emergency Services website at www.harfordpublicsafety.org and click on “Surviving the Storm” icon. Residents are also encouraged to add their cell phone numbers to the Harford County Emergency Notification System by clicking the “Sign Up Now for Notifications” Icon on the main Webpage or by contacting the Department of Emergency Services at 410-638-4900.

The Harford County Department of Emergency Services, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, local and State Police and our fire and emergency medical services personnel are ready to meet the challenges of the pending storm,” stated Russell J. Strickland, Director of the Department of Emergency Services. “Nonetheless, surviving the storm is everyone’s responsibility,” Strickland said.