Somerset County asks residents to prepare now for hurricane season
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is less than one month away (it runs from June 1 to November 30). As some of our citizens in Somerset County know, it only takes one storm to change the rest of your life. That is why it is so important to take the time now, before tropical weather is threatening, to make sure that you and your family are prepared.
Hurricanes and tropical storms are powerful forces of nature that can be very destructive, even deadly. Even if you live far from the coast, you can experience dangerous flooding and storm surge, destructive winds and tornadoes.
Somerset County Emergency Services advises all residents to take the time now to develop a plan for your family that addresses what you will do if tropical weather threatens. Make sure you become familiar with “Know Your Zone” which designates evacuation zones within Somerset County. You can find out what your evacuation zone is by going to KnowYourZoneMD.com and entering your address. And while you’re doing that, each member of your family should put together a Disaster Supply Kit that they can take with them.
If you are advised by local officials to evacuate, where will you go? To a family member’s or friend’s home or to a hotel that is out of harm’s way? If so, make sure somebody knows where you are. If you are advised to evacuate, and you are not going to one of the places mentioned above, you would need to go to Washington High School in Princess Anne as this is the only American Red Cross approved shelter in the county.
When you go to the shelter, remember to take along your Disaster Supply Kit. Each kit should include enough provisions to last 3 days. Include in your kits identification and important papers, necessary medicines, personal hygiene items, any special dietary items you may need, snacks, and some comfort items and quiet entertainment such as cards, games or a stuffed animal for the kids.
Pets are accepted at the WHS shelter so be sure to bring them, along with food and any special medications that they may need as well.
Do you know the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning? A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.
A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for important preparation.
Purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio is a great investment in the safety of yourself and your family. A weather radio can alert you to impending severe weather, and is especially useful at night when you may be asleep.
For further information on preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm, contact Somerset County Emergency Services at 410-651-3457 or see the Emergency Evaucation Guide.
You can also go to the following websites to learn more about hurricane preparedness, developing plans for your family and putting together a disaster kit:
