Email Archives

Subject: Hurricane Irene
Date Sent: August 26, 2011

Hurricane Irene is due to bring rain and high winds to our area beginning tomorrow.
You may also visit the Countys homepage at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ for tips on how to prepare for the storm, how to keep safe during the storm and important phone numbers for utilities if your service is disrupted. Use 911 for emergencies only.

Below is information you and your family can use to stay prepared before, during and after the storm. You will also find important phone numbers for utilities if your service is disrupted at the bottom of this message.

Before a Storm

Make sure vehicle gas tanks are full.
Secure or bring inside exterior items that might become windborne, such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
Fill prescriptions that might be needed and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.
Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, and emergency food and water.

During a Storm

Avoid using candles for lighting. Use a battery-powered flashlight.
Try to stay in an interior room or away from windows.
If flooding occurs, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
During a power outage, turn off major appliances. This will minimize losing power again through a power surge and protect the equipment when power returns.
Do not go outside. Flying debris from high winds is a danger.

After a Storm

Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances. Stay away from puddles with wires in or near them. Do not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
Call police or your utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains or overturned gas tanks.
Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road you can be stranded or trapped.
For downed trees on public property, call 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the County or from a cell phone) or go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 at any time to report the problem.
If live wires are involved, the tree is blocking a roadway, the tree is on a structure, or if persons are trapped under the fallen tree, call 9-1-1.
For non-emergency police assistance, call the police non-emergency number, 301-279-8000.

Important Utility Numbers:

Pepco: 1-877-737-2662
BG&E: 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power): 1-800-255-3443
Washington Gas: 800-752-7520
WSSC: 1-800-828-4002

Stay safe. Best regards,
Ted Garrett
BCA President