Ellicott City Flood Victims to Get 10 Minutes with Property: Officials

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Residents and business owners in Ellicott City will be able to collect their belongings and document damage until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, county officials said.

Two residents from each address will be escorted by safety personnel to the Main Street area, where they will have 10 minutes to pick up essential items and look at their homes and businesses. The flood victims will be provided with county-issued containers.

"Our emergency personnel have worked to ensure that this can be done safely and we truly appreciate the patience of all those who have been displaced," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said in a statement.

Main Street has been closed since Sunday, after 6.5 inches of rain fell and flooded downtown. Business owners were allowed to tour their properties earlier in the week but on Wednesday officials restricted access due to what they said was the "imminent collapse" of two buildings in the 8100 block of Main Street.

"A small number of properties are still not accessible, but even those residents will be allowed into town to visually inspect their properties," Kittleman said.

Those going downtown should wear closed footwear such as work or hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirt and bring a flashlight, gloves and eye protection. Residents should meet at Saint Peters Episcopal Church at 3695 Rogers Avenue before 7:30 p.m. For more information, residents may call the Howard County Resident Information Line at 410-313-2900.

• 'Imminent Collapse' of Buildings on Main Street Restricts Ellicott City Access: Howard County
• Maryland Governor Declares Howard County in State of Emergency
• Ellicott City Flood Damage by the Numbers
• Police Identify 2 People Killed in Ellicott City Flood

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.