June is traditionally the start of hurricane and summer
storm season. Take precautions to stay safe, including heeding storm warnings
issued by the National Weather Service and taking shelter when appropriate.
A hurricane watch is issued if there is a threat of
hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours. A warning is issued when hurricane
conditions are expected in a specified area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane
conditions include winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or
dangerously high tides and waves. Actions to protect life and property should
begin immediately when the warning is issued.
Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive up-to-date information on hurricane watches and
warnings and other storms. Alerts can be sent to one or more electronic
devices, including cell phones, text pagers and wireless PDAs, along with home
and work emails.
Storm Preparedness Tips
• Keep flashlights, battery-powered radios and extra
batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water,
and a non-electric can opener.
• Listen to the radio or television for weather reports.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and
garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be
tossed by high winds.
• Clean out gutters.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting
in anticipation of a power outage. Open the door only when necessary and close
quickly. Frozen food in a half-full freezer will remain safe for up to 24
hours, and in a full freezer, up to 48 hours.
• Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the
regular pickup.
During Power Outages
• Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light and
battery-powered radios and computers for storm progress reports and
information.
• Avoid using candles to prevent the risk of a fire.
Flooding
• In anticipation of possible flooding, residents are
encouraged to store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots,
canals and streams.
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be
stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is
not always obvious.
Night Time Safety
• Use extra caution at night when it is harder to recognize
flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.
High Winds
• To report downed trees on public property, Montgomery
County residents should call 311 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county or
from a cell phone), or
file a report. If
live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a
structure or if anyone is trapped under a fallen tree, call 911.
• Trees that have fallen on private property are the
responsibility of the property owner. The County’s Office of Consumer
Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to
call Consumer Protection first to check on a business complaint record.
Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636.
Important Utility Numbers and websites
BG&E (Baltimore Gas and Electric): 1-877-778-2222 or
1-800-685-0123,
www.bge.com
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