For Immediate Release:
Queen Anne’s County Monitoring Tropical Storm Florence
Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, urges Queen Anne’s County residents to prepare. Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services is closely monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Florence. It is still too early to determine the exact track of the storm and how it will impact Queen Anne’s County.
Queen Anne’s County has many flood prone areas, for a map of areas that could be affected go to www.qac.org. Flooding may involve numerous hazardous conditions, including moving water, washed-out roads, damage to utility systems, and damage to structures. It is strongly recommended that residents living in flood prone areas make alternative arrangements to stay with family or friends whose homes are not prone to flooding for the course of this event and until the flooding threat subsides. If you are driving and encounter flood waters or standing water, do not attempt to drive your vehicle through the water. Try to find an alternate route or wait until the water recedes.
Before flooding occurs residents and local businesses should:
Sign up for Queen Anne’s County Citizen Alerts, the county’s emergency text and email alert system at www.qac.org. You can also follow QACDES on Facebook and Twitter.
Fill out an Emergency Plan Card containing important emergency information and contacts for you and your family. A template can be found at http://www.ready.gov/emergency-planning-checklists. If you live in a flood-susceptible area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home. Consider getting flood insurance. Protection against loss due to floods is not covered under a homeowner's policy. Flood insurance is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Listen to local news for critical updates.
If your home is susceptible to basement flooding you should:
If possible, seal any floor drains in your basement, as they are the lowest points of entry of sewer backup.
Do not store anything of value in your basement.
If you have time before the next heavy rainfall, relocate your valuables prior to flooding.
To prevent sewer blockages never pour grease, paint or other thick liquids into sinks or drains. Avoid flushing items that are not suitable for sanitary sewer disposal such as paper towels, diaper wipes, contraceptive and feminine products.
Verify with your insurance company if you have flood and sewer backup coverage, especially if your basement is finished. This will usually require a separate rider to your policy.
Never enter a flooded basement – the risk of electrocution is present. Wait for the water to subside.
To learn how to prepare for emergencies and to get a list of emergency supplies, visit www.qacdes.org
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