(Glen Burnie, MD) - The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on Monday, June 1, 2020 and lasts until Monday, November 30, 2020. Mid-August through the end of October is historically known as the peak of hurricane season in Anne Arundel County. Due to the predicted “extremely active” season, the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management is dedicating Sunday, August 16 to Saturday, August 22 as the first ever Anne Arundel County Hurricane Preparedness Week. Throughout the week, hurricane season preparedness tips will be shared via the Anne Arundel County’s Office of Emergency Management social media accounts.
As with every hurricane season, the need to be prepared is critically important this year. The Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management encourages you to keep COVID-19 in mind, when revising or making your plan for you and your loved ones, including your pets. Remember to practice physical distancing and adhering to additional CDC guidance to keep you and others safe from COVID-19.
Anne Arundel County has already been impacted this hurricane season by Tropical Storm Isaias on August 4, 2020, therefore, it is essential for Anne Arundel County residents to prepare now using the following information as a guide to ensure a safe hurricane season.
Sunday, August 16, 2020 - Start of Anne Arundel County Hurricane Preparedness Week
Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause major damage because of storm surge, wind damage, and flooding. They can happen along any U.S. coast or in any territory in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Join us this week for the first ever Anne Arundel County Hurricane Preparedness Week to continue preparations for the remainder of hurricane season!
Monday, August 17, 2020 - Hurricane Season Update
On Thursday, August 6, 2020 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the mid-season update, highlighting what could be an “extremely active” season. On Monday, our office will provide a hurricane preparedness video featuring several members of our staff.
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 - Make a Plan and Stay Informed
- Discuss your emergency plans with family or household members on how to shelter-in-place or evacuate the area, if necessary;
- Monitor the following radio and TV stations or follow us on Facebook or Twitter;
- Listen for emergency information and alerts;
- If told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately; and
- Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use email or text messages to communicate with family, friends, and neighbors.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - Personal Safety - COVID-19 Considerations
- If you must go to a community or group shelter remember to follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting yourself and family from COVID-19.
- Be prepared to take cleaning items with you like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces you may need to touch regularly;
- Maintain at least 6 feet between you and persons not part of your immediate family while at the shelter [by avoiding crowds or gathering in groups] as much as possible;
- Anyone over the age of two years old should use a cloth face covering while at these facilities; and
- Never use or operate gas powered generators indoors or inside a garage.
Thursday, August 20, 2020 - Be Financially Prepared
- Gather and safely store critical financial, personal, household, and medical information;
- Document any property damage with photographs, ensure to contact your insurance company for assistance;
- Consider saving money in an emergency savings account that could be used in any crisis. Keep a small amount of cash at home in a safe place if ATMs fail due to power outages;
- Obtain or review property (homeowners or renters), health, and life insurance if you do not have them;
- Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so you may need to purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program; and
- Download the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) to get started planning today.
Friday, August 21, 2020 - Build a HurriDemic Go-Kit
- Include face coverings (two per person), disinfectant wipes, soap/hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol), and personal hygiene items to protect against COVID-19;
- Check proper operation and battery life for radios, flashlights, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers;
- Have a week’s supply of prescription medicines and a first aid kit to keep you, your family, and pets well;
- Provide a 5 day supply of non-perishable foods and drinking water for each family or household member; and
- Have extra blankets or sleeping bags on hand for extreme temperatures or power outages.
Saturday, August 22, 2020 - Have a Plan for Pets
- Include your pets in your emergency plans;
- Build a separate emergency kit for your pets;
- Make sure and keep digital records and/or pictures to identify your pet after a disaster in case you become separated;
- Create a list of places that accept pets if an emergency happens; and
- Bring pets indoors.
An alternate format is available upon request. Contact the Office of Emergency Management at 410-222-0600 or oem@aacounty.org. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.