Residents Urged to be Prepared for Severe Summer Weather
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – As the first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Tropical Storm Arthur serves as a reminder for residents to be prepared for the effects of severe summer weather.
Residents are reminded to refresh their emergency kits, review family plans and familiarize themselves with the following types of summer storm alerts that can be issued by emergency agencies.
- A Tropical Storm Watch is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of at least 39 miles per hour or higher poses a possible threat, generally within 48 hours.
- A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when sustained winds of 39 miles per hour or higher associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less.
- A Hurricane Watch denotes that hurricane conditions are possible within the specified area.
- A Hurricane Warning indicates hurricane conditions are expected within the specified area.
- A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing a tornado.
- A Tornado Warning indicates a tornado is either occurring or imminent based on radar information.
- A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means there is the potential for thunderstorms that may produce large hail or damaging winds.
- A Severe Thunderstorm Warning signals that a severe thunderstorm is occurring or is imminent based on radar information.
The following tips can help residents remain safe in the event severe weather threatens.
- Residents and visitors in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for their pets.
- Know your evacuation zone and be sure to follow the direction of state and local officials if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
- Storm surge, the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, is often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. It poses a significant threat for drowning and can occur before, during or after the center of a storm passes through an area. Storm surge can sometimes cut off evacuation routes, so do not delay leaving if an evacuation is ordered for your area.
- Driving through a flooded area can be extremely hazardous and almost half of all flash flood deaths happen in vehicles. When in your car, look out for flooding in low-lying areas, at bridges and at highway dips. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- If you encounter flood waters, remember: turn around, don’t drown.
- Tropical storms have the potential for tornado formation. If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately in the center of a small interior room (closet, interior hallway) on the lowest level of a sturdy building. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
If you do not have an emergency kit or family plan, or to learn about steps you can take now to prepare your family for severe weather, visit the Calvert County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division, online at www.co.cal.md.us/EmergencyManagement or call 410-535-1600, ext. 2638. Preparedness information is also available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency at ready.gov.
