Severe Storm Potentially On The Way…..Are You Ready?

Hopefully most of you have been paying attention the last day or so to Hurricane Sandy and her potential track over the next several days.  As of this moment, indications are Sandy will have a potentially historic impact from our area up to New England starting sometime late Sunday through as late as Tuesday.

I encourage everyone to keep a close eye on this as it is an ever changing event.  A good source of info, beside your local news coverage, is the National Hurricane Center web site.  Take a moment to look around and keep track of this storm.

Also highly encouraged is to make sure your Emergency Preparedness plans are ready and up to date.  Now is a good time to check and make sure you have all the tools needed to take care of you and loved ones – especially if your electric power service is knocked out for a few days.

Below, please find some links that I hope you might find useful.  I believe it will be well worth your time to go through each to learn more and possibly look at ways you can better prepare for this, or other like, events.

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and Try an Alternate Route! List of Roads That Flood.

National Preparedness Month – Sign Up For Alert Montgomery

Prepare, Plan and Stay Informed – Ready.Gov

After The Storm Tips

Are you prepared for a disaster?  From Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Again, stay informed and be ready!  We will have more information on this site as appropriate.

Stay Safe,

Bill

Fire Chief Richard Bowers Comments on June 29 Storm Response

A recent video below from our Fire Chief re the big storm a few weeks ago that I thought might be of interest.

Stay Safe,
Bill D

Update: 240 Intersections w/o Traffic Lights; Partial List of Primary Intersections w/o Working Stoplights

From ALERT MONTGOMERY below: 


Approx. 240 Intersections w/o Traffic Lights; Obey 4-Way Stop Rules and Drive with Caution. 

As of 5:30AM, there are approximately 240 intersections without working stoplights in Montgomery County. As a reminder, treat ALL intersections without a working stoplight as a four-way stop.

-Allow extra time for your commute and plan on delays.
-Proceed with caution ONLY when traffic permits.
-Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
-Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
-Be alert for police officers directing traffic.

A partial listing of primary intersections without working stoplights include:

-Connecticut Ave(MD185) & Randolph Rd
-Connecticut Ave(MD185) & Veirs Mill Rd(MD586)
-Cabin John Pkwy & Mac Arthur Blvd
-Colesville Rd(US29) & University Blvd E(MD193) (Four Corners)
-Columbia Blvd & Georgia Ave(MD97) & Seminary Rd
-Forest Glen Rd & Forest Glen Rd(MD192) & Georgia Ave(MD97)
-Jones Bridge Rd & Rockville Pike(MD355)
-River Rd(MD190) & Wilson Ln(MD188)
-Little Falls Pkwy & River Rd(MD190)
-Democracy Blvd & & Old Georgetown Rd(MD187)
-E Gude Dr & Frederick Rd(MD355) & W Gude Dr

Sent to Montgomery County Severe Traffic (24 hrs), Montgomery County Severe Traffic 6am-10am/3pm-8pm (E-mail accounts, Cell phones) through Alert Montgomery

After The Storm Tips

1. Listen to the authorities. Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is issued.

2. 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 - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole, ax or chainsaw.

3. 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.

4. Know your limits. Many storm-related deaths and injuries involve existing health problems exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup activities.

5. 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.

6. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

7. Call 911 for life threatening situations only.

8. Call authorities to report any hazards such as downed power lines, leaking gas mains, broken water mains and overturned gas tanks.

9.  Watch what you eat. If power was off during the storm, check refrigerated and frozen foods for spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.

10. Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Never attempt to drive on a flooded road.  

11.  Replenish supplies used from your emergency kit as soon as possible, you might need it again next week. 

12. Check on your neighbors - especially the elderly, those with special needs or the disabled.

May 27-June 2 is Hurricane Preparedness Week.

According to the National Hurricane Center, every year an average of 11 tropical storms develop over the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Many of these remain over the ocean and never impact the U.S. coastline. Six of these storms become hurricanes each year. In an average 3-year period, roughly five hurricanes strike the U.S. coastline, killing approximately 50 to 100 people anywhere from Texas to Maine. Of these, two are typically "major" or "intense" hurricanes (a category 3 or higher storm on theSaffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale). By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. Learn more...

From Nat'l Capital Region News & Information

After the Storm Tips

1. Listen to the authorities. Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is issued.

2. 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 - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole, ax or chainsaw.

3. 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.

4. Know your limits. Many storm-related deaths and injuries involve existing health problems exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup activities.

5. 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.

6. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

7. Call 911 for life threatening situations only.

8. Call authorities to report any hazards such as downed power lines, leaking gas mains, broken water mains and overturned gas tanks.

9.  Watch what you eat. If power was off during the storm, check refrigerated and frozen foods for spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.

10. Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Never attempt to drive on a flooded road.   

11.  Replenish supplies used from your emergency kit as soon as possible, you might need it again next week. 

12. Check on your neighbors - especially the elderly, those with special needs or the disabled.

Hurricane Survival Guide

The most important thing you can do is be informed and prepared 

Rockville - - - Area residents are encouraged to be prepared for the possible impacts of severe weather as Hurricane Irene heads north and expected to hit the region this weekend. Hurricane Irene is the first major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season and officials are monitoring its projected path closely.

As with any weather-related emergency, residents are urged to take steps now to ensure that their homes and families are prepared for a possible close encounter with Hurricane Irene. Hurricane hazards may come in many forms including lightening, flooding, storm surge, tornadoes, high winds, etc. With the month of September designated as “National Preparedness Month,” it’s the perfect time to review and restock your Emergency Kit supplies and ensure everyone is familiar with your family’s Emergency Communication Plan.

Before the storm
 
- Check and restock your emergency supply kit with items such as non-perishable foods, a manual can opener, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries.   

- Understand what the various weather advisories mean and keep apprised of conditions outside.

- Know your local radio stations for weather updates and keep a battery-powered radio on hand for changing conditions.

- Keep the lines of communication open. Charge cell phones and wireless laptop computers in advance.

- Have flashlights on hand, along with fresh batteries.

- Update your list of emergency phone numbers and include folks that may require special care, such as seniors and people with disabilities.

- Prepare your home - bring in any outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, wind chimes and garden tools that you can; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.

- Check all smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm is vital to your safety year-round and can immediately alert you to potential danger 24/7. 

- Make sure your gas tank is filled.

- Have a plan for your pets. Have adequate food and water and use caution when letting your pet outdoors after the storm. Downed power lines, glass and other hazards could present real dangers to your pet.

During the storm

- Avoid using candles for lighting - flashlights are the best and safest choice during a power outage.

- Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, since the
candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.

- Try to stay in an interior room or away from windows.

- Stay calm and do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

- Unplug electronics. During a power outage, turn off as many appliances as possible. This will minimize losing power again through a power surge and protect the equipment and your home when power returns.

- Use care with generators. Carbon monoxide is a quick killer. If you have a generator, make sure you also have a carbon monoxide detector, either battery operated or with a battery backup. Never operate a generator inside a house, garage, shed or other enclosed area, even if windows and doors are open. Do not use it outside near open windows or doors.

- Do not go outside. Flying debris, downed wires from high winds are a real danger.

After the storm

1. Listen to the authorities. Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is issued.

2. 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 - especially if you'll be using a pruning pole, ax or chainsaw.

3. 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.

4. Know your limits. Many storm-related deaths and injuries involve existing health problems exacerbated by the physical demands of cleanup activities.

5. 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.

6. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

7. Call 911 for life threatening situations only.

8. Call authorities to report any hazards such as downed power lines, leaking gas mains, broken water mains and overturned gas tanks.

9.  Watch what you eat. If power was off during the storm, check refrigerated and frozen foods for spoilage. When in doubt, throw it out.

10. Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Never attempt to drive on a flooded road.   

11.  Replenish supplies used from your emergency kit as soon as possible, you might need it again next week.

12. Check on your neighbors - especially the elderly, those with special needs or the disabled.

Important utility company numbers:

PEPCO:  To report an outage: 877-PEPCO-62 (877-737-2662) and press 1
                To report a downed wire: 877-PEPCO-62 (877-737-2662) and press 2

BG & E: To report an outage: 877-778-2222
                To report a downed wire: 410-685-0123

Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power): 1-800-255-3443

Dominion Virginia Power: 1-866-366-4357

Washington Gas: 800-752-7520
WSSC: 1-800-828-4002

Sign up for AlertMontgomery

Be sure to sign up for “Alert Montgomery” at http://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov. Alert Montgomery can deliver important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you. While signing up for Alert Montgomery is free of charge, your wireless carrier may charge you a fee to receive text messages. Check the website FAQ link and your wireless agreement to review your carrier’s pricing information.    

                                                                # # #

Turn Around - Don’t Drown!

Many Roads in Montgomery County Susceptible to Flooding so Consider Alternate Routes Beforehand!

County residents are urged to be alert to changing weather conditions and should be prepared for possible flash flooding over the next 24 hours as a storm system already in our area is expected to bring heavy rains.

When it rains heavily, there may be flash floods, flood warnings and flood watches issued. Flash floods more often occur in mountain streams, hilly areas or low-lying areas. But they do happen in urban and suburban areas like Montgomery County, as well. Flash floods can occur even though it's not raining where you are. It may be raining hard farther upstream and raining so hard that the water can not be absorbed into the ground.
Safety Tips:

If a flash flood warning is issued, act immediately. Don't wait for high water to dictate your course of action.

Know your location when you are driving. If you needed rescue, would you be able to direct emergency crews to your location? Distracted driving can lead to a situation where you are stranded and unable to direct emergency crews to you. Be alert!

Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Turn Around - Don’t Drown and try an alternate route! In many cases, it takes far less than a foot of water to incapacitate a vehicle. It may stall, leaving you stranded, and depending on the level of water, you may not be able to open a vehicle door. Do not underestimate the power of moving water.

Watch for flooding at bridges and dips in the road. Never drive where water is over bridges or roads. Turn around - Don’t Drown! The bridges or the road could suddenly be washed out. If you're driving at night be especially careful. Often visibility is limited due to wind and rain.

Often what you can't see below the surface of the water is far more dangerous than the high levels of that water. Remember that rocks, tree limbs and other debris can be caught in moving water and can be dangerous if you are forced to walk, wade or swim through flood waters.

If you have to walk or wade through flood water, use a stick to poke the ground in front of you with each step. It can help you determine water levels, the bottom surface and the safest possible way to get to higher ground.

Remember that flash floods can come without warning, and sometimes without weather. Be alert and heed all warnings and recommendations from officials. From FEMA's website, some further information about driving through flooded roadways:

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.

A foot of water will float many vehicles.

Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-ups

TURN AROUND - DON’T DROWN and try an alternate route!

ROADS IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY SUBJECT TO PERIODIC FLOODING:

DOWN-COUNTY AREAS

MD 29 (Columbia Pike) at Paint Branch - N. of White Oak
MD 185 (Conn. Ave) at Rock Creek - S. of Kensington
MD 190 (River Road) at Cabin John Creek - Potomac
MD 193 (Univ. Blvd) at Sligo Creek - Wheaton
MD 586 (Viers Mill Rd) at Rock Creek - S. of Twinbrook Pkwy.
Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park - Kensington-Chevy Chase
Sligo Creek Pkwy - Silver Spring-Takoma Park

UP-COUNTY AREAS

MD 97 (Georgia Ave) at Reddy Branch - N. of Brookeville
MD 124 (Woodfield Rd) at Goshen Branch and at Gr. Seneca Creek - N. of Brink Rd.
MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Gr. Seneca Creek - W. of Gaithersburg
MD 117 (Clopper Rd) at Little Seneca Creek - E. of Boyds
MD 355 (Frederick Rd) at Little Seneca Creek - W. of Brink
MD 121 (Clarksburg Rd) near Little Seneca Lake - N. of Boyds
MD 118 (Germantown Rd) at Great Seneca Creek - S. of Germantown
River Rd and Berryville Rd at Seneca Creek - Seneca
Blunt Road at Great Seneca Creek - S. of Brink Rd.
Davis Mill Rd at Great Seneca Creek - N. of Gaithersburg
Brighton Dam Rd at Hawlings River - NE of Brookeville
Goldmine Rd at Hawlings River - E of Olney
Zion Rd at Hawlings River - E. of Laytonsville
Hoyles Mill Rd at ford of Little Seneca Creek - Germantown, west of soccer complex
Loghouse Rd at Magruder Branch - S. of Damascus
Elton Farm Rd at Haights Branch - N. of Sunshine
Howard Chapel Rd at Haights Branch - N. of Sunshine
White’s Ferry Road and River Road - White’s Ferry

More at: Street Flooding Hazards

Storm Photo

An impressive photo taken from Lewisdale and Prices Distillery by A/C Scott Goldstein, Special Operations Chief, MCFRS.  Everyone please monitor the weather and stay in tune with local news.  It is going to be a stormy day!