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Politics & Government

What Should I Do? Harford County Hurricane Tips

Follow these tips from local emergency services officials.

What you need to know for Hurricane Irene in Harford County.

The eye of the storm is supposed to pass by at approximately 2 a.m. Sunday morning. -Edward Hopkins, Maryland Emergency Management Agency

From MEMA:

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

BEFORE THE STORM

  • Take some cash out of the bank
  • Fuel your vehicles and extra gas cans in case you have to evacuate or use your generator for an extended period of time.
  • Start your generator for a test run.
  • Clear your gutters and drains.
  • Stock up on food, water and batteries.
  • Charge all your electronic devices.

We’re not on shifts. We’ll sleep at the firehouses. -Susquehanna Hose Company Chief Scott Hurst

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

DURING AND AFTER THE STORM

  • Make sure your generator is used outside—not in a carport or garage.
  • Check on elderly or disabled neighbors.
  • When to call 911: when you have a fire, severe threat of fire, or threat of structure collapse.
  • When to NOT call 911: your basement is flooded but there is no fire damage or threat of structure collapse.

The fire dept’s going to be adequately staffed this weekend with personnel. If you call we will come. … Don’t feel like they’re imposing on us. Extra staffing has been put in place for this in anticipation of the storm. -Rich Gardiner, Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS spokesman

  • Do not drive when it's windy—with the ground highly-saturated, there will be a high risk for trees and power lines falling in the road.
  • Follow local media (I recommend Patch) for weather and travel updates.

SHELTER AREAS

  • Patterson Mill Middle/High School will 1 p.m. Saturday
  • C. Milton Wright High School would open second, if necessary
  • North Harford High School would open third, if necessary

Bring personal items including pillows, blankets and medicine.

It really takes a community  to both survive and recover from these events. -Edward Hopkins, Maryland Emergency Management Agency

HURRICANE CATEGORIES

Hurricane Irene is projected to be a Category 1 or 2 storm when it reaches Maryland. From the Associated Press:

Category 1 – Hurricane has central barometric pressure of 28.94 inches or more and winds of 74 to 95 mph, is accompanied by a 4 to 5 foot storm surge and causes minimal damage.

Category 2 – Pressure 28.50 to 28.93 inches, winds from 96 to 110 mph, storm surge 6 to 8 feet, damage moderate.

Category 3 – Pressure 27.91 to 28.49 inches, winds from 111 to 130 mph, storm surge 9 to 12 feet, damage extensive.

Category 4 – Pressure 27.17 to 27.90 inches, winds from 131 to 155 mph, storm surge 13 to 18 feet, damage extreme.

Category 5 – Pressure less than 27.17 inches, winds greater than 155 mph, storm surge higher than 18 feet, damage catastrophic.

Only three Category 5 storms have hit the United States since record-keeping began.

HARFORD COUNTY: SURVIVING THE STORM 2011 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

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