From Harford County government:
It only takes one storm to change your life and your community. In recognition of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 24 – 30, the Harford County Department of Emergency Services is teaming up with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) to promote citizen awareness and preparedness. The Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30, with most hurricane-like weather seen in mid-August through late October.
In Maryland, it is possible to have hurricanes or hurricane-like activity during the summer, according to the NWS. “Damage to coastlines and destruction several hundred miles inland can be seen with these tropical storms,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chris Strong. “Hurricanes can produce 150+ miles per hour winds, devastating high tides, flooding from torrential rain and even tornadoes.”
Harford County is at risk for storm effects, including strong winds, heavy rain, and the potential for shoreline and inland flooding. Flooding and debris from strong winds are often the most deadly and destructive results of a hurricane.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our citizens,” said Harford County Executive Barry Glassman. “I urge everyone to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season by putting together a disaster supply kit, and familiarizing themselves with hurricane evacuation routes and high ground in their area. Harford County citizens should also sign up for emergency messages through the county’s notification system, and follow instructions from authorities if protective actions become necessary.”
The Harford County Department of Emergency Services also recommends the following:
– Make an emergency plan with your family
– Prepare your home and have an emergency supply kit ready with a minimum of 3 to 7 days of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon of water per person per day, minimum)
– Put copies of important documents and some cash in a sealed plastic bag in your supply kit
– Remember food and water for your pets
– Ensure that cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices are fully charged
– Check your supply of prescription medicines and ensure that you have extra on hand
– Check in on anyone without a support network
– Monitor weather conditions and follow instructions when issued
– Stay tuned to radio station WXCY 103.7 FM and local TV news for official weather information
As a reminder of the need to prepare for hurricane season, Harford County Director of Emergency Services Edward Hopkins recalled the devastation from Hurricane Sandy: “Sandy had a significant impact on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and surrounding counties, causing millions of dollars in damages. We have been fortunate that while the last two hurricane seasons have been relatively quiet, hurricanes can and do strike Maryland. It’s very important to always be prepared because it only takes one storm to have devastating and long-lasting effects on our community”.
To sign up for the county’s emergency notification system, Blackboard Connect CTY, please go to https://portal.blackboardconnectcty.com/welcome.aspx?eiid=1207B6088C3676A6697E
Additional preparedness information can be found on the Department of Emergency Services Web page at www.harfordpublicsafety.org; MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov or FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov.
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