Public Information Office
Press Release

CITIZEN WEATHER EMERGENCY GUIDE

Hagerstown, MD (August 26, 2011) – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services encourages citizens to be aware and use caution when dealing with potentially hazardous weather conditions over the weekend. 

Hurricane Irene will impact the East Coast of the United States, and is predicted to cause heavy rain and winds up to 30 miles per hour in Washington County on Sunday.

Sam Anderson, Emergency Planner with the Washington County Emergency Management Office, cautions that storms of this type are unpredictable. “Things can change quickly. This storm is very large and the rain bands and wind fields stretch out around 200 miles from the center of the hurricane. Everyone should still keep a close eye on Irene,” he said.

Practical measures citizens can take are as follows:

• Listen to radio or television for weather reports and emergency information.
• Maintain adequate food and medical supplies.
• Avoid over-exertion and provide adequate rest periods during clean-up and recovery efforts.
• Watch for signs of impending dangerous structural weakness and do not enter any unsafe areas or structures.
• Avoid working in dangerous areas unless properly trained and with adequate safety precautions and protective equipment.
• Avoid travel in low lying areas that are prone to localized flooding and do not drive through standing water.
• Pay close attention to marked roadways as State and local resources continue to identify, clear and maintain open roadways.