June Marks Start of Hurricane Season: How to Prepare

With some areas of the East Coast still recovering from last year's Hurricane Sandy, Montgomery County urged residents to prepare for 2013's hurricane season well in advance of storms.

"The effects of a hurricane or tropical storm can be far-reaching. Areas impacted directly by a hurricane or tropical storm can be affected by high winds and flooding, especially along waterways and in low-lying areas," according to a release from county governement. "Fringe areas of these storms are vulnerable to tornadoes and in-land flooding caused by heavy rain. Hurricane season continues through November."

The county urges residents to sign up for Alert Montgomery, the automated system of alerts used for serious weather events. Sign up online or call 240-777-0311, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The county offers these storm preparedness tips:

• Keep flashlights, battery-powered radios and extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener.
• Listen to the radio or television for weather reports.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but could be tossed by high winds.
• Clean out gutters.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the door only when necessary and close quickly. Frozen food in a half-full freezer will remain safe for up to 24 hours, and in a full freezer, up to 48 hours.
• Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During Power Outages

• Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light and battery-powered radios and computers for storm progress reports and information.
• Avoid using candles to prevent the risk of a fire.

Flooding

• In anticipation of possible flooding, residents store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams.
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road—you can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

Night Time Safety

• Use extra caution at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

High Winds

•  To report downed trees on public property, Montgomery County residents should call 311 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county or from a cell phone), or file a report. 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.
• Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. The county’s Office of Consumer Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check on a business complaint record at 240-777-3636.

More information about preparing for emergencies is available on Montgomery County's website.