Hurricanes can produce destructive winds over 150 miles per hour, flooding from torrential rain, devastating high tides, and even tornadoes. The hurricane season affecting Harford County runs from June 1 – November 30, with most hurricane-like weather seen in mid-August through late October. Preparing for hurricanes and other serious storms helps protect you, your family, and your community.
As a reminder of the need to prepare for hurricane season, Director of Emergency Services Edward Hopkins recalled the damage from hurricanes Isabel and Sandy, Tropical Storm Lee, and two F1 tornados spawned from storms that touched down in Fallston. “The devastation from Isabel and Sandy followed by Lee caused millions of dollars in damage, flooding, closed roads, and power outages. Harford County is fortunate that recent hurricane seasons have been relatively quiet, but hurricanes can and do strike Maryland. It’s very important to always be prepared have a plan. It only takes one storm to have disastrous and long-lasting effects on our community.”
The Harford County Department of Emergency Services offers the following safety tips for hurricane season:
- Sign up now to receive Harford County’s emergency alerts: https://harfordcounty.bbcportal.com/
- Make an emergency plan with your family
- Familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation routes and high ground in your area
- Have an emergency supply kit ready with a minimum of 3 to 7 days of nonperishable food and water (1 gallon of water per person per day at a minimum)
- Include copies of important documents and cash in a sealed plastic bag in your supply kit
- Remember to stock food and water for your pets
- Check your supply of prescription medicines and ensure that you have extra on hand
- Ensure that cell phones and other mobile devices are fully charged
- Check in on elderly neighbors or anyone without a support network
- Monitor weather conditions and follow instructions when issued
- Stay tuned to radio station WXCY 103.7 FM and local TV news for official weather information
“Harford County has dedicated emergency service providers ready to assist when disaster strikes, but I urge our citizens to take these simple steps to help everyone stay safe this hurricane season,” said County Executive Barry Glassman.
To view or print a copy of Harford County’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, please visit http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5328.
