Hurricane and Storm Preparedness

Just in case a storm hits - this information may be helpful!

The hurricane season traditionally runs through November. Montgomery County's Homeland Security officials remind residents that they should prepare for the possibility of high winds, power outages and flooding.

Some hurricane and winter storm tips to remember:

• Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with emergency food, water, and a non-electric can opener.
• Listen to the radio or television for storm progress reports.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage.
• To prepare for possible flooding, store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container; and 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.
• Purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  Call NFIP at 1-800-720-1093 to secure the name of an insurance agent in your area who can help.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.
• For downed trees due to high winds, report those on County property to the County's Department of Public Works and Transportation at 240-777-6000. To report trees that have fallen on utility lines, contact the local utility companies. "Hot" wires or sparking wires -- especially those across roadways -- may be reported by calling 9-1-1.
• 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 tree removal businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check on a business complaint record. Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636.

Hurricane information and publications are available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) web sites: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ (with information on hurricane awareness, natural hazard statistics and publications) and http://www.education.noaa.gov/ (with resources for teachers and students).

For more information about emergency preparedness, call the office of emergency management of the County's Homeland Security Department at 240-777-2300.