From Harford County government:
Harford County Executive David R. Craig has declared a State of Emergency for Harford County. The County Executive executed the Order Friday, October 26, 2012 at 3:44 p.m.
The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations also partially activated Friday in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy late Sunday or early Monday morning. Additionally, all departments and agencies of Harford County Government have been involved in briefings and planning for the impending storm. The Department of Public Works Division of Highways began preparations on Thursday.
The Harford County volunteer fire and emergency medical personnel, as well as local, county and state law enforcement officials have also initiated preparations for Hurricane Sandy. Among the specialized units preparing for the storm are the Technical Rescue Team (TRT), the Swift Water Rescue Team and the Hazardous Materials Response Team.
To help individuals and families be better prepared for Hurricane Sandy the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations (EOC) encourages citizens to take the following actions:
– Have a battery powered radio to monitor weather and storm related news.
– Have working flashlights with fresh batteries readily available. In the event of a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles.
– Have an adequate supply of water for drinking and sanitation purposes – at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three (3) days.
– Have an adequate supply of non-perishable foods available – at least enough to last three (3) days.
– When using portable generators, do not operate the generator inside the home or garage as this may result in a build up of carbon monoxide and become a severe life-safety issue for the occupants of the home.
– Only use cooking equipment intended for outdoor use, outside the home. Never use a portable grill or barbeque inside a home.
– Prepare an emergency kit with medicines and supplies available for you and those in your care.
– As necessary, fill prescription medications before the storm if a prescription is running low.
– For those who must drive during the course of the storm, treat all intersections as a four-way stop if traffic lights are not functioning due to power outages. Come to a complete stop at all such intersections and then proceed with caution.
– If you leave your home during the storm, tell family members or neighbors where you are going and how to contact you in the event of an emergency.
“The best way to survive a storm or severe weather event is by being prepared,” said County Executive Craig. “Harford County Government is working hard with our local and state partners to ensure the safety of our residents during Hurricane Sandy. Our citizens can do their part by being prepared,” County Executive Craig remarked.
From Harford County government:
Hurricane Sandy Update 2
Good Afternoon, this is Emergency Manager Rick Ayers with a Hurricane update. This is going to be a long-lasting event, two to three days of impact for our citizens. Wind damage, widespread power outages, heavy rainfall, inland flooding and the possibility of a significant storm surge along the bay. The impacts will start to be felt Sunday night and last through the early morning hours Wednesday. On Sunday afternoon, we may ask those citizens living in flood prone areas to voluntarily evacuate to a safe area. Our emergency responders (both fire and police) may not be able to rescue people in those areas during the height of the storm. On Sunday evening, the county will open an emergency shelter at Patterson Mill High School at 7 PM; however, this should be a last resort for people that have no place else to relocate to. Citizens using electrical life sustaining equipment should consider alternatives at this time and/or consider using the shelter if required. For those people who must drive during the storm, treat all intersections as a four-way stop if traffic lights are not functioning due to power outages. Come to a complate stop at all such intersections and then proceed with caution. Also, please don’t drive through high standing water. A safety message for today is for those people using a portable generator, please don’t operate the generator inside the house or garage. For other important information: visit our website at www.harfordpublicsafety.org and review the “Surviving the Storm Guide.” The supplies you should have on hand, those areas prone to flooding, etc are listed in this guide. Thanks and be safe.
Thanks you Walmart, for being here 24 hours a day to provide us in our hour of need. Super Walmarts rock as they have everything in their super stores. Can’t wait until the one opens in Bel Air.
HA!
you sir win an internet.
I hope they will sell ammo.
“- For those who must drive during the course of the storm, treat all intersections as a four-way stop if traffic lights are not functioning due to power outages. Come to a complete stop at all such intersections and then proceed with caution.”
Hugely ignored issue by hundreds of drivers in this state. It is now LAW to stop at an intersection with malfunctioning lights, effective Oct 01, 2012. $90 fine and two points, and even more money and points if you stupidly blow through one of these intersections and are involved in or cause an accident.
Pay attention folks and DRIVE SAFELY.