Thursday, June 13, 2013

Storm Tips and Social Media Update

Montgomery County fire officials are providing the following tips and are asking residents to plan ahead, be ready and be safe:  

Stay informed by monitoring TV news, radio, the National Weather Service and the internet as storm information is updated throughout the day that may affect you and your family.

Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive text alerts and emergency information as Montgomery County Fire and Rescue social media platforms will be operating at various points throughout the storm however will not
be a 24-hour source of timely EMERGENCY information.

For this weather event on Twitter, use the hashtag #mocostorm

The primary social media platforms used will be:
Safety Tips
  • Ensure your cell phones, laptops, tablets and other important devices are fully charged BEFORE the storm.
  • Make sure you secure, or bring inside, any loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
  • Stay prepared by getting your emergency preparedness kit out and having a ready supply of essential items (food, water, batteries, flashlights, battery-operated radio, blankets, etc.).
  • It’s a great time to make sure the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm are fresh. Test all smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
  • If possible, stay off the roads and heed the advice of local officials. These are serious conditions that are often underestimated and can make driving, and even walking, very hazardous.  Occupants of cars and trucks also are vulnerable to being hit by falling trees and utility poles. Further, high profile vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks, buses, and sport utility vehicles may be blown over. 
  • Stay Inside and away from windows.  Go to a basement if you have one.
  • Listen to the authorities. Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is issued.
  • Use extreme caution when cleaning up storm damage on your property.  Downed or damaged power lines can send electrical currents through tree branches and metal fences, so survey the area carefully.  Use extreme caution around downed or damaged power lines. Do not remove fallen tree limbs or other debris from power lines, never drive over down lines and treat all wires – even those that are hanging or down – as if they are “live” (energized) and call 911 to report them.
  • For downed trees on public property, Montgomery County residents should call -311 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county or from a cell phone), or file a report at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311. 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.
  • Do NOT use candles for lighting. Using candles during a power outage poses an extreme risk of fire. Use flashlights or battery-powered lighting options and make sure you have a battery-operated radio to keep up-to-date.
  • If you are using a generator, make sure it is in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of breathing harmful fumes. Never place a generator under an open window and follow all manufacturer instructions.
  • Reach out to your neighbors who may need help, especially those that are elderly, disabled or infirmed.
  • Know your limits. Many storm-related deaths and injuries involve existing health problems exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup activities.
  • Drive with caution. Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road, which could lead to becoming stranded or trapped because the depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.
  • Treat all intersections where traffic lights are out as a four way stop.
  • Please only call 911 for emergencies. Crews will be in high demand throughout the storm. If you do not have a life-threatening emergency, call 311 for assistance. 

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