Ellicott City Flood: How To Help And Where To Get Assistance

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The morning after floodwaters went gushing through Ellicott City, authorities have offered resources for those impacted by the storm. Police also confirmed one person has died in the flood. Eddison Alexander Hermond, 39, of Severn, was last seen in the area of La Palapa near Lot D on Main Street at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, police said. His body was found on Tuesday.

Closures

Frederick Road is closed between Rogers Avenue and the Patapsco River, Howard County's public information officer told Patch. Where Ellicott Mills meets Main Street is also not accessible.

"There are no words to describe the devastation in Ellicott City," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said Monday morning. "In addition to the business that have been destroyed, a portion of Ellicott Mills Drive has been washed away."

Kittleman shared this picture:

Members of the public as well as Ellicott City business owners and residents are asked to avoid downtown Ellicott City, particularly around Main Street.

"We understand that you are anxious to claim your belongings and assess property damage, but while shoring operations continue we cannot safely allow you in the flood area," Howard County government officials said.

There is a strong law enforcement and emergency personnel presence downtown Monday morning to secure properties and prevent unauthorized access to the area, county officials reported.

Gas and electric had been shut off so crews can assess gas mains and power lines, according to BGE. Repairs may require flood waters to recede and debris and water to be pumped from gas pipes, officials said. Extended outages are possible where buildings and infrastructure sustained heavy damage. Some gas and electric systems may need to be rebuilt, the utility company reported, and in many cases, properties may be too damaged to restore services.

Shelter

Howard County coordinated shelters in the aftermath of the flood, but as of Wednesday those are no longer operational.

People in need of shelter, food or other basic necessities may call 2-1-1 for assistance from the United Way, or reach out to the Howard County Emergency Operations Call Center at 410-313-2900.

Vehicle Recovery

The Howard County Police Department has begun towing vehicles from downtown Ellicott City, officials said Monday morning. The towing will continue Tuesday.

People who left their vehicles around Main Street on Sunday are asked to send an email with the following information to HCPDCarRecovery@howardcountymd.gov:

• Name
• Cell phone
• Other contact information
• Car make, model and color
• Vehicle license plate number

Those who send their information will receive a reply with a response from the Howard County Police Department.

"As soon we have a location of where [you] can claim [your] vehicle and paperwork needed to do so, we will share this info," Howard County government said.

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Volunteers

"Due to safety issues, we are not able to utilize any volunteers yet," Howard County government officials said Monday.

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to register online at the Howard County Recreation and Parks Disaster Recovery website. The link to register was not yet active as of noon on Monday, May 28. However, Howard County officials say that is the place to register and get notified of volunteer opportunities, and a Google doc has been set up for entering information in the meantime.

Donations

The Community Foundation of Howard County has been identified by Howard County government officials as the go-to for donations. The nonprofit set up the Howard County Community Relief Fund after the 2016 flood in Ellicott City and is again coordinating the collection of funds to assist. Here is the place to donate online to flood recovery efforts in Ellicott City. Money from the fund will go toward things that are not covered by insurance, according to the Community Foundation of Howard County.

The United Way has reactivated its ECStrong Fund from the 2016 flood and says 100 percent of donations will go to providing relief. Give to the United Way ECStrong Fund online or text ECStrong to 71777 to be taken to the donation page.

Government On Social Media

There is now an Ellicott City 2018 flood information page maintained by Howard County government.

Here's where to follow Howard County government on social media:

• @HoCoGov on Twitter
• Howard County Government on Facebook
• Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman on Facebook
• @HoCoGovExec on Twitter
• Howard County Police Department on Facebook
• @HCPDNews on Twitter
• Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services on Facebook
• @HCDFRS on Twitter

Who To Call

People in need of shelter, food or other basic necessities may call 2-1-1 for assistance from the United Way of Howard County.

Members of the public who have questions may contact the Howard County Emergency Operations Call Center at 410-313-2900. Media inquiries should be sent to ECFloodRecovery@howardcountymd.gov or 410-313-3600.

Those who need to talk to someone because of mental health may contact the Grassroots Hotline, available 24/7, at 410-531-6677.

"There are people and resources available to help you in this vulnerable time," Howard County government officials said, encouraging those in crisis to seek support.

Main photo of Ellicott City storm damage courtesy of Governor Larry Hogan. Pictured are the governor and county executive assessing the situation on Main Street near Ellicott Mills Drive.