Be Prepared for the Effects of COVID-19 on 2020 Hurricane Season
Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services is updating response procedures to include COVID-19 as we plan for the 2020 hurricane season, and encourages everyone to do the same. Disaster will not wait because of COVID-19, and evacuation, sheltering, and access to essential preparedness items will be different than in years past.
“We all need to take a closer look at our hurricane preparedness because of COVID-19,” said Scott Haas, Director of Department of Emergency Services. “It is more important than ever to make sure you have a family emergency plan and to be ready to follow the directions of local emergency officials.”
Queen Anne’s County has been working with all of our partners to update hurricane —and all natural hazards— plans for the months ahead.
It also may be important to allow extra time to evacuate because shelters might be farther away. Since a hurricane evacuation shelter is a refuge of last resort, you are better off sheltering with family or friends outside the expected danger zone or staying at an accommodation of your choice. State, local, and nonprofit partners will still provide shelter options.
We also understand that many people are under financial and psychological stress because of COVID-19, and the start of hurricane season can add to that stress. One way to alleviate some stress is to prepare ahead and plan for things you can control.
Make sure you have a plan if you need to evacuate, prepare a disaster supply kit to the best of your ability, and follow weather information so you will know if a tropical weather system is headed toward the Middle Atlantic region. You should also make sure the supply kit has adequate masks and hand sanitizer for everyone in your evacuation group.
You also should Know Your Zone to see if the places you live, work or visit are in one of Queen Anne’s County’s evacuation zones. The Know Your Zone program allows local emergency officials to order evacuations by letter zones (A, B and C). To learn more about Know Your Zone or to see if you might be in an evacuation zone, please click here.
Remember that even if you are not in one of the evacuation zones, you could still feel the effects of hurricanes and other hazards. Hurricanes can spawn flash floods, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes many miles away from the eye of the storm and 100 miles or more inland.
Here are some additional considerations while planning for hurricanes and other hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic:
If you must evacuate, bring items such as hand sanitizer, cleaning materials, and two cloth face coverings per person. Children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who cannot take the cloth face covering off without help should not wear cloth face coverings.
Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding.
Keep in mind that your best protection from the effects of a hurricane may
differ from your best protection from disease.
Unless you live in an evacuation zone, make a plan to shelter-in-place in your home, if it is safe to do so.
If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable.
Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
Only use outdoor generators that are at least 20 feet away from your home and away from windows, doors, and vents.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit qacdes.org, MEMA, FEMA, the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.