Hurricane Florence may impact Maryland as early as Thursday according to weather reports on Tuesday, September 11. The area may see damaging winds and flooding due to excessive rainfall since the storm is expected to slow or stall after landfall in the Carolinas on Friday and into the weekend. Later reports indicate the storm may be less severe by the time it comes to Maryland.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) urged residents in mid-Atlantic states to monitor the progress of the hurricane. Storm updates are posted daily on the NHC website at nhc.noaa.gov. The Greenbelt Police urge residents to prepare home, family and pets, taking all necessary precautions, including:
- Clean out gutters and downspouts. If clogged with leaves and debris, they will overflow, and water can penetrate and damage walls and footings.
- Refresh or build home and car disaster supply kits. Verify five days-worth of nonperishable food/snacks and water for each family member including pets. Have equipment and supplies at the ready: first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Include sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties. Plan and prepare for any other needs. Visit ready.gov/build-a-kit for an extensive list of items for disaster supply kits.
- Fill all necessary prescriptions and verify how to properly store the medications.
For more information on hurricane preparations, visit FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website at ready. gov/hurricanes. Also check the Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s website at mema. maryland.gov. In the event of emergency, contact the Police Department at 301-474-5454. To report a power outage, call Pepco’s 24- hour emergency line at 877- 737-2662. Downed wires should be reported by calling Pepco at 202-872-3432.