From Harford County government:
The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations (EOC) is urging Harford County residents to prepare for high winds, heavy rain and higher tides as a result of heavy rains ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole. As the storm moves northward, Harford County and other areas of Maryland could feel the effects from this significant weather event over the next 24 hours.
The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations recommends citizens preparefor 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 storm emergency,” stated County Executive David R. Craig. “We urge citizens to follow the progress of Tropical Storm Nicole on television or radio and take every necessary precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their 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 as a result of the storm. Many items can become flying debris and result in damage to homes, vehicles and other property during a severe storm.
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.
For additional storm preparedness tips, go to the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations website at www.harfordpublicsafety.org and click on “Surviving the Storm” icon.
The pending storm could result in significant flooding as well as the potential for tornadoes to develop. Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris is picked up or a funnel cloud appears.In the event of a tornado, take shelter until the storm has passed. Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowes tfloor if possible. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Get to the center of the room and stay away from corners of a room because they attract debris.
Vehicles, trailers or mobile homes do not provide good protection from tornadoes. If possible try to get to a building with a strong foundation if possible to maximize survivability.
If shelter is unavailable, persons should lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Avoid getting under an overpass or bridge.
“The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations, 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 this storm,” stated County Executive Craig.
“Nonetheless, surviving the storm is everyone’s responsibility,” Craig said.
The Harford County Government Hotline, 410-838-5800, will be operational from midnight Wednesday through the duration of the storm.
Tom says
The mention of tornadoes in this story prompted me to write. Your “government at work” is currently developing a new series of weather satellites to be put into orbit in 2015 or there abouts. One of it’s capabilities will be to accurately predict the formation of tornadoes and their locations about 20 minutes prior to their formation. This is just one of the many capabilities that will revolutionize weather forecasting, and severe weather tracking. You can thank your NASA friends for this. So while the government does waste a lot of money, sometimes they actually do something that is beneficial and can save lives.
Ted says
I can think of many reasons why NASA is important….too bad we’re in the minority, Tom.
Curious says
How about Pres. Obama telling NASA to work on muslim relations? http://usgovinfo.about.com/b/2010/07/07/obama-tells-nasa-to-improve-muslim-relations.htm
Watcher says
Oh, no! How dare we practice religious tolerance? The horror!
Curious says
hreally? you think NASA’s job is to improve muslim relations? Maybe they should have been focusing on the meteor that passed in between us and the moon last month, which they didn’t discover until 2 days before! Nasa should not have any concern for anyones religion!!!
Cdev says
Curious while I agree NASA is not a religious tolerance organization. You do realize the Earth Impact budget for NASA only allows for them to watch about 3% of the sky, that is alot of unwatched sky.
unbelievable says
I find it absolutely incredible that Harford Co. Public Schools even opened today. The system that closes at the hint of a snowflake exposes everyone to unnecessary risk in the face of an impending and well publicized monsoon. Even the county was sending robo calls on Wed. night to warn everybody about the pending danger. Do the people running the school system have a clue? Where is the common sense?
Brian Goodman says
Updates from a crazy, stormy day.
Please add your own experiences:
http://www.daggerpress.com/2010/09/30/havre-de-grace-schools-close-down-as-weather-worsens/