Press Release: OEM - Be Prepared. Hurricane Season Begins June 1

City of Annapolis

Office of Emergency Management

Director Kevin J. Simmons

199 Taylor Ave

Annapolis, MD 21401

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Media Contact: Nicole Reibert (410) 216-9167

The Office of Emergency Management Encourages Annapolitans to Be Prepared Before, During, and After the Storm

Hurricane Season starts June 1st and runs through November 30.

Annapolis, MD (May 31, 2023) - The City of Annapolis maintains a state of readiness for whatever the Atlantic Hurricane season brings our way. The City encourages residents to be as prepared for the aftermath of a storm as they are before it strikes. Once the community weathers the storm together it is important to continue to practice recovery safety during the cleanup.

"Annapolis has over two dozen miles of coastline, making us vulnerable not only to the impacts of tropical cyclones with attendant winds and flooding, but other extreme weather events including coastal inundations during high tides, wind events, and even sunny day or nuisance flooding," said Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley. "Make sure the tools in your toolbox have you prepared."

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a near-normal hurricane season. A near-normal hurricane season indicates a range of 12-17 named storms are possible. NOAA is predicting that in 2023, the Atlantic could experience three to four major storms (Category 3 or higher).

Nearly 40% of the U.S. population lives in coastal counties and communities.

"Hurricanes and tropical storms pose the most destructive weather risk to these communities bringing rain, wind, waves and storm surge," says Kevin Simmons, Director of Emergency Management. "How well you prepare for these types of weather occurrences will determine how well you and your family will recover from them. This year, make the commitment not only to prepare your family, but to help prepare your neighbors with special needs and senior adults in your community who may need additional assistance."

Get Prepared:Take action now to be prepared for hurricane season. Waiting until a storm is approaching can often be too late to start getting ready. Make sure you have family evacuation and communications plans, update your emergency supply kit, and evaluate your flood insurance needs.

• Complete a family communication plan. Plan how you will assemble your family and loved ones and anticipate where you will go for different situations. Get together with your family and agree on the ways to contact one another in an emergency and identify meeting locations.

• Create or restock your emergency kit. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours per person and pet. A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency, including food, water, and an all weather radio.

• Check your insurance coverage. Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover damage or losses from flooding. Review your policy, ensure you're adequately covered and understand exclusions, and contact your agent for any changes.

Stay Informed:Know where to go for trusted sources of information during a hurricane event. Monitor local news resources for hurricane watches and warnings in Annapolis and follow directions of local officials.

• Download the Prepare Me Annapolis app. Prepare Me Annapolis promptly notifies citizens of weather alerts, traffic updates, government closings, and other essential information.The app also provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, tips on how to survive disasters, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

• The City of Annapolis shares information through a community notification center called Alert Annapolis. It is completely free and allows us to reach thousands of residents and businesses at once. You can sign up to receive emails, phone calls, or text messages. Residents are also able to sign up to receive alerts in their preferred language. Please visitalertannapolis.civicready.comto register.

• Follow the Office of Emergency Management on Social Media.

  • Facebook: The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management

  • Twitter: @AnnapolisOEM

  • NextDoor: The Annapolis Office of Emergency Management

Use Caution After: Even after the storm clouds roll away, dangers may still remain. Stay vigilant and help your neighbors when it is safe to do so.

• Use caution around portable generators at all times. Never use a generator inside a home as carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death in areas experiencing power outages. When using a generator outside, ensure that it is at least 20 feet away from the home.

• Flood waters pose many hidden dangers. They may contain harmful bacteria, chemicals, sharp objects, and in some cases may even be electrified if downed wires are present. Never drive through flooded roads even if your intention is to check on a loved one. It only takes 12 inches of water to float a car.

• Avoid overexertion when cleaning up after a storm. Stay hydrated and wear loose fitting clothing. Overexertion may lead to heat strokes, heart attack, or other serious illness. Check on your neighbors. Only together may we recover after a storm.

Considerations for Seniors and Persons with Special Needs

Special Assistance Roster:Residents with functional or access needs and those who might need assistance during a disaster should contact OEM to be registered on our special assistance roster. This will allow OEM the ability to check on your welfare before, during, and after an emergency event. To register or to get additional information regarding emergency preparedness or assistance with information and notification services, call OEM at 410-216-9167 or visit www.annapolis.gov/1371/Special-Assistance-Roster. When signing up, please tell our office of any functional needs (hearing impaired, mobility impaired, etc.) you may require assistance with.

Individuals Who are Blind or Have Low Vision:

• You should connect with your neighbors and establish a network of folks who can assist with alerting you of any emergencies or evacuation orders you may not be aware of.

• Pack an extra cane and any other assistive devices you may need to get around.

• Make plans for your service animals. All shelters must accept service animals. When packing your emergency preparedness kit, include three days of food and water for your service animal as well as any other grooming products they may need. As with any animal, keep a copy of your service animals veterinary records and proof of ownership.

• Keep communication devices for your particular needs, such as a Braille or deaf-blind communications device as part of your emergency supply kit.

Individuals Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Battery operated lantern to enable communication by sign language or lip reading, especially when the electricity is out and it is dark.

• Extra hearing-aid batteries.

• Weather radio (with text display and flashing alert)

• Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language)

Individuals Who are Taking Medication

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medication.

• Keep a list of your prescription medications. Include information about your diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs and allergies.

• Have a cooler and chemical ice packs available to chill medicines that need to be refrigerated.

Additional Items

• Several days supply of prescription medicines.

• A list of all medications, dosage, and any allergies.

• A backup supply of oxygen.

• Extra eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, and batteries.

• Copies of insurance and Medicare cards

• Contact information for doctors, relatives, or friends who should be notified if you are hurt.

• A list of the style and serial number of medical devices (include special instructions for operating your equipment if needed).

• Pet food, extra water, collar with ID tag, medical records, and other supplies for your service or support animal.

Additional information can be found on the Annapolis Office of Emergency Management website atwww.annapolis.gov/oemand the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) website atmdem.maryland.gov. Feel free to call the Office of Emergency Management with questions at 410-216-9167 or follow us on social media by searching for Annapolis OEM on Facebook and Twitter.

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