This afternoon Gov. Martin O'Malley has declared a STATE OF EMERGENCY in preparation for Hurricane Irene.
"Maryland must prepare for potential destruction and minimize the threat to public safety."
Ocean City, MD has now been ordered to evacuate - the last time this happened was in 1985
Annapolis and Baltimore City began handing out sandbags this afternoon... more info via Baltimore Sun
Maryland residents are being advised to stock up on supplies to last at least 72 hours
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Do take this seriously. It's been awhile since the last major Hurricane hit our area and some people tend to forget how destructive one can be. As a military spouse I naturally listen to clues from the Military: the Navy has ordered all its ships in the Hampton Roads, VA area out to sea - This hurricane is not to be taken lightly! A Category III can produce winds up to 130 mph and cause extensive damage!
Do check your emergency supplies:
flashlights
batteries
battery-powered radio
non-perishable food/water
diapers
working fire extinguisher
water-proof container to store important documents (home owner's policy, car insurance etc.)
list of important phone numbers
first aid kit
Do check your home and yard:
make sure downspouts and gutters are clean
store outdoor furniture inside or secure tightly (that includes trash cans, potted plants etc.)
trim trees and shrubs
on Saturday, make sure you close all blinds or shutters if you have them (to minimize impact of flying glass)
Do not panic but prepare and stay informed:
Do you know your area's evacuation route?
Do you have somewhere else to go if necessary?
Do you have a family emergency plan in place?
PLEASE STAY ALERT AND FOLLOW THE NEWS!
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT
FEMA: Are you prepared?
READY AMERICA: HURRICANES
TWC: Hurricane Storm Surge: Size Matters!
TWC: Prepare for the Aftermath, Not Just the Storm!
also check out Wendy Rulnick's blog (a fellow Active Rainer):
Hurricane Preparedness from a Destin Floridian
UPDATE AUGUST 27TH, 2011:
PRESIDENT DECLARES EMERGENCY FOR MARYLAND
"President Obama has declared a state of emergency for Maryland, making federal aid available as Hurricane Irene's winds and rain arrive in the state.
The declaration brings the state help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, supplementing state and local responses to the storm.
FEMA says the declaration will allow the government to help save lives and protect public health, safety and property, and specifically mentions the threat to the city of Baltimore and the Eastern Shore counties of Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester."
UPDATE AUGUST 28TH, 2011:
HOWARD COUNTY SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW!
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