Community Corner

Howard County Hurricane Guide: Elkridge Edition

People to call, things to do before Hurricane Irene.

As of midnight Saturday, Hurricane Irene was 440 miles south of Washington, D.C., according to the National Weather Service (NWS). 

"Final preparations to protect life and property should be completed before conditions deteriorate," said the NWS, stating that winds and heavy rain could make travel dangerous once the storm starts.

Here's our checklist of things to do before the flooding and tropical storm conditions arrive in Elkridge Saturday afternoon and evening. Add your tips in the comments.

Find out what's happening in Elkridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Elkridge emergency numbers
Howard County emergency information: 410-313-2900
BGE power outage: 1-877-778-2222
BGE downed power lines: 410-685-0123
Store these in your phone or write them down, in case you lose power. 

Howard County preparations

Find out what's happening in Elkridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • As of Friday, no shelters had been opened, said Samantha O’Neil, spokeswoman for Howard County government. "The Office of Emergency Management and the county are continuing to monitor the progress of the storm,” said O’Neil, and will open shelters if needed.
  • Those living in mobile homes should "leave it for more substantial shelter," said the NWS in an 11 p.m. update Friday.
  • Sanitarians from the Howard County health department are prepared to address flooding and food safety issues from power outages. (Tip from Councilwoman Courtney Watson: “When it's all over, keep the children from playing in flood waters, which carry tremendous bacteria.”)

Family preparedness

  • Establish a family communication plan, including identifying an out-of-town contact.
  • Locate the safest areas in your home or community.
  • Make sure pets have collars and ID tags, plus ample medication if applicable. Have leashes and carriers ready.
  • Check on neighbors, particularly senior citizens or disabled individuals who may need help.

Home preparations

  • Put away everything that could be tossed about by high winds: garden tools, outdoor furniture, garbage cans, grills, ladders, building materials, lawn ornaments, wind chimes and window boxes.
  • If you haven't cleaned your gutters recently, clean them now.
  • Turn off propane tanks.
  • Check sump pump and lift the floating switch.
  • Trim trees and shrubs.
  • Reinforce garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
  • Fill the bathtub and other containers with water for things like cleaning and flushing toilets.
  • Tip from Councilman Calvin Ball: Close blinds to avoid shattering glass.
  • Secure any loose siding, roofing, shutters or decking.
  • Check your insurance coverage—flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

 Personal checklist

  • Buy or bottle plenty of water for drinking.
  • Have food that requires no cooking. Power could be out for days, so be prepared. Don’t count on being able to buy anything at the grocery store after the storm. Find out how to keep food safe during and after an emergency at www.FoodSafety.gov.
  • Ensure your prescriptions are filled.
  • Keep flashlights, extra batteries and first aid kit handy.
  • Have some cash; banks and ATMs may not be available.
  • Park your car in a place where falling trees will not hit it. Fill up the gas tank—if the power is out, gas pumps will not work.
  • Put mementos somewhere safe before the storm hits. Anyone who has lived through a disaster will tell you that it’s losing this stuff that hurts most.

Arbutus Patch editor Bruce Goldfarb contributed.


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