Post by Nws Olney Maryland on Aug 26, 2011 14:09:59 GMT -5
Background (all hurricanes)
While hurricanes are unusual in Maryland, we sometimes sustain damage - and some; fatalities - from the tropical storms that follow in their wake. Agnes in 1972, Floyd in 1999 and Isabel in 2003 are some of the hurricanes-turned-tropical-storms that have caused significant damage in Maryland in recent history. Those storms frequently cause flooding, coastal storm surge and wind damage and often spawn tornadoes and thunderstorms. Wide-spread power outages are common after a hurricane. Please make sure to visit those other areas of our site to learn about other weather hazards resulting from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Before hurricane season
Check insurance policies. MAKE SURE you are covered for flood damage. Most homeowner's policies don't cover floods. And, make sure flood insurance covers things like outbuildings, sheds, seawalls, private bridges, etc.
If you live in a coastal area, put together a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Clear gutters and downspouts and trim trees and shrubs.
Learn the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
During a storm threat
Stay tuned to radio and tv for official weather information.
Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
Bring in or tie down lawn furniture and other loose items outdoors.
If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
If you live in a high-rise in a coastal area, plan to leave. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
Stay away from windows and doors even if they're covered. Try to stay in an interior room or hallway.
Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer buttoned down in your home than out on the road where flying debris can be hazardous.
Turn refrigerator to maximum cold setting.
Turn off utilities if told to do so.
Fill bathtub and large containers with water.
Remember:
Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, flooding and flash flooding as well as hail and lightning. Stay inside during a hurricane!
While hurricanes are unusual in Maryland, we sometimes sustain damage - and some; fatalities - from the tropical storms that follow in their wake. Agnes in 1972, Floyd in 1999 and Isabel in 2003 are some of the hurricanes-turned-tropical-storms that have caused significant damage in Maryland in recent history. Those storms frequently cause flooding, coastal storm surge and wind damage and often spawn tornadoes and thunderstorms. Wide-spread power outages are common after a hurricane. Please make sure to visit those other areas of our site to learn about other weather hazards resulting from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Before hurricane season
Check insurance policies. MAKE SURE you are covered for flood damage. Most homeowner's policies don't cover floods. And, make sure flood insurance covers things like outbuildings, sheds, seawalls, private bridges, etc.
If you live in a coastal area, put together a Disaster Supplies Kit.
Clear gutters and downspouts and trim trees and shrubs.
Learn the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
During a storm threat
Stay tuned to radio and tv for official weather information.
Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
Bring in or tie down lawn furniture and other loose items outdoors.
If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
If you live in a high-rise in a coastal area, plan to leave. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
Stay away from windows and doors even if they're covered. Try to stay in an interior room or hallway.
Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer buttoned down in your home than out on the road where flying debris can be hazardous.
Turn refrigerator to maximum cold setting.
Turn off utilities if told to do so.
Fill bathtub and large containers with water.
Remember:
Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, flooding and flash flooding as well as hail and lightning. Stay inside during a hurricane!