Cliff dwellers urged to leave homes
Lusby, MD – Aug. 27, 2011
By Marty Madden
Residents of over 200 houses within 100 feet of cliffs along Calvert County’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline
were ordered to evacuate today due to the approach of Hurricane Irene. The mandatory evaluation was
issued by the Calvert County Commissioners.
According to Calvert County Government spokesperson Danita Boonchaisri, the county’s “reverse 911”
system sent out 895 notifications to evacuate. Boonchaisri reported there are approximately 245 homes
located in the areas where officials believe high winds, heavy rains and large battering waves could
present a dangerous situation, especially due to the instability of the cliffs.
“About 10 [residents] said they weren’t going to leave,” said Boonchaisri. “We do offer assistance to
people who are homebound.”
Anyone who needs a ride or special assistance should call either 410-535-0396 or 410-535-0314.
As of 4:15 p.m. today, 49 people were using the temporary shelter at Calvert High School in Prince
Frederick, 27 residents were occupying the shelter at Southern Middle School and 12 people were
sheltered at Huntingtown High School.
According to Calvert officials, conditions along the coastlines are expected to worsen late this evening.
Up to eight inches of rain is possible, with wind gusts reaching 40 miles-per-hour and an approximate
three-foot storm surge on the bay.