The emergency command center is staffed and all eyes are on the radar and satellite feed as tropical depression Ernesto crawls up the Atlantic Coast.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency went to “Level Two” status Friday morning, increasing staffing in the Maryland Joint Operations Center in Reisterstown to monitor the effects of the storm statewide. Shortly after 10 a.m., MEMA Director John Droneburg briefed Gov. Robert Ehrlich on the preparations.
Baltimore Gas & Electric started calling in the reinforcements, ensuring enough linemen would be in town and drilling on repair techniques as the storm got closer.
“Although this storm has declined in intensity, high wind always has the potential to bring down trees on power lines, which lead to power outages,” said Stephen Woerner, vice president of electric transmission and distribution. “We ask our customers for theirpatience as our employees may find themselves working under very challenging and hazardous conditions. As always, the safety of our customers and employees must take priority.”
MEMA sent regional administrators for Western and Southern Maryland to support emergency operations in Garrett and St. Mary?s counties, and the Maryland National Guard is on alert.
The storm was expected to continue moving up the coast at 14 mph through Saturday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center. Gale-force winds and predictions of 4 to 7 inches of rain had residents in Annapolis and Alexandria, stacking sandbags to protect low-lying homes and basements Friday.
Maximum winds registered around 35 mph Friday and the storm was expected to peter out by Sunday evening.
Residents seeking information about local conditions or preparedness should contact the emergency managers in Maryland?s 23 counties, Annapolis, Baltimore and Ocean City. Residents also may visit mema.state.md.us for preparedness information.
Preparing for a storm
What you might need if the power goes out:
» Flashlights, not candles
» Fresh batteries
» Battery-operated clock radio
» Corded telephone
» Fully charged cell phone
» Nonperishable food
» Blankets
Source: Baltimore Gas & Electric
