Prince George's Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather

After last summer's storms like the derecho and Bladensburg microburst hit parts of Prince George's County leaving damage in its wake, county officials are urging residents to be prepared for the band of storms heading in Maryland's direction overnight and Thursday.

—meaning there could be power outages as well.

But residents can stay informed. Beyond following local news outlets, they can sign up for Notify Me Prince George’s to receive updates regarding the weather. Register by logging into the website or by texting 411912 to receive real-time notifications via registered mobile devices. Prince George’s County will also keep citizens updated through usage of its Office of Emergency Management Facebook and Twitter.

Officials also want to remind residents to only call 911 in emergencies. For information about the storm, to report storm-related damage or learn about shelters and public services they can call 311.

The Office of Emergency Management offers the following tips help you prepare, before, during and after the storm:

BEFORE A STORM:

• Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries handy, along with a first aid kit.
• Non-perishable food for up to three days, 1-gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days, and a manual can opener.
• Have Preparedness Kits available in your home and vehicle. 
• Ensure copies of important documents are stored in a safe place.
• Have some cash on hand.  
• Make sure vehicle gas tanks are full.
• Secure or bring inside exterior items that might become windborne.
• Fill prescriptions that might be needed and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage. Open the doors only when necessary and close quickly.

DURING A STORM

• Please remain calm and do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency.
• Do not go outside. Flying debris from high winds is a danger.
• Try to stay in an interior room; stay away from windows or soft spots in the home.
• Avoid using candles for lighting due to fire hazards. Use flashlights.
• Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern because the candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.
• 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 the power returns.
• Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

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 to avoid electrocution.
• Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas, water mains or overturned gas tanks.
• Avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams. Do not attempt to drive on a flooded road –motorists can be stranded or trapped. The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious; therefore, do not make assumptions.
• Be very cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

Important Utility Numbers include:

• Pepco: 1-877-737-2662
• Baltimore Gas and Electric (BG&E): 1-877-778-2222 or 1-800-685-0123
• Washington Gas: 1-800-752-7520
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC): 1-800-828-4002
• Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) 1-877-747-6326