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The Calvert County Department of Public Safety encourages residents to review hurricane preparedness procedures and family plans as we enter the 2012 mid-Atlantic hurricane season which runs from June 1 through November 30.

In the event of a major coastal storm, emergency management staff will provide information, precautionary advice and public safety instructions through local media, the county website and, in some cases, emergency telephone notification calls.  Residents should bear in mind that sometimes the best course of action may be to shelter in place at home or work. At other times evacuations may be necessary and the amount of time available to leave may be limited.

Therefore, consider the following actions and be prepared in case these potentially dangerous storms threaten:

Prepare for High Winds

• If necessary, protect all windows with shutters or 5/8-inch plywood panels.

• Reinforce garage doors.

• Designate an interior room with no windows or external doors as a “safe room.”

• Assess your landscaping and trees to ensure they do not become a wind hazard.

Prepare for Flooding

• Determine the elevation of your property to learn your vulnerability to flooding.

• Evaluate your insurance coverage.

• In flood-prone areas, keep materials on hand such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, plastic garbage bags, lumber, shovels, work boots and gloves.

• Be aware of areas known to flood so your evacuation routes are not cut off.

If Storms Approach

• Most mobile/manufactured homes are not built to withstand hurricane-force winds. Residents of these homes should relocate to safer structures if an evacuation order is issued.

• Secure lawn furniture and other outside objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

• Listen carefully for safety instructions from local officials. Monitor a NOAA weather radio.

During Storms

• Stay inside and away from windows, skylights and doors.

• Listen to a battery-powered radio for storm updates.

• Have flashlights/batteries handy and avoid open flames and candles.

• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce damage when power is restored.

After Storms

• Stay away from downed or dangling lines.

• Beware of weakened tree limbs.

• Open windows and doors to ventilate your house.

• Use your phone only in emergencies.

• Do not drive into water of unknown depth.

• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas.

• Stay away from downed power lines.

• Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters.

• Pump out wells and have the water tested before drinking.

If you have questions about hurricanes or other disaster preparedness, please contact the Calvert County Division of Emergency Management at 410-535-1600, ext 2638, or e-mail oem@co.cal.md.us. Further hurricane preparedness information is available through the Maryland Emergency Management Agency online at www.mema.state.md.us.