Carroll County Times Articles
Being Prepared for Disasters an Important Step
by Catherine McDonald – August 20, 2006
Okay, it's not really the end of the world, maybe it's an extreme snow storm or flash flooding or even just the sewer drains backing up into the house or business. (When you hear the word “emergency” or “disaster”, do you ever stop to think about your sewer drains? Probably not, but they can make a building uninhabitable and can cause an “emergency” situation!) What do you do? What are your options for food, shelter, medical, transportation, communications, pets, special needs, and other vital areas? If a business, how do you keep operating or will this put you out of business?
Every day, we concern ourselves with food on the table, a roof over our head, health and health care, etc. However, in an emergency situation, our normal supply lines could be disrupted. What then? Do we just expect food to be provided for us? What if you're unable to get to a shelter, or there is a tornado warning, or other disaster situation. What do you do?
Are you aware that Carroll County has a community emergency information line. This 24-hour, seven days per week service gives emergency information in case of severe weather or other emergencies. You can dial toll-free 1-888-5-GET-EOC, or 410-848-3017.
Test your Emergency Knowledge
You are in a flooded area and are not sure if it is safe to try to walk or drive through the flood area. There is an area that is only six inches deep, is this safe? Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
What Should You Do During a Thunderstorm?
What do you do during a thunderstorm to get to safety if: you are in a forest, in an open area, or on open water? In a forest ? seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In an open area ? go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, but be alert for flash floods. On open water ? get to land as quickly as possible and find shelter immediately.
What does it indicate if you are in a thunderstorm and you feel your hair stand on end? It means that lightning is about to strike. Immediately squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Make yourself the smallest target possible and MINIMIZE your contact with the ground. Do NOT lie flat on the ground.
What Should You Do During a Tornado?
If you are in a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building), go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level.
If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
If you are in a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home, get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
If you are outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, immediately leave the vehicle for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.
Important Resources
- Carroll County 24-Hour Emergency
- 1-888-5 GET EOC
- Maryland State Police
- 410-386-3000
- Maryland Center for Missing Children
- 1-800-637-5437
- Maryland Relay Service
- 7-1-1 or 1-800-735-2258
- Poison Center
- 1-800-492-2414
- American Red Cross
- 410-848-4334
- Allegheny Power
- 1-800-255-3443
- Baltimore Gas and Electric
- 1-877-778-2222; 410-685-0123
- Verizon
- 410-539-9900
Important Websites
- ccgovernment.carr.org
- Carroll County Emergency Services, Citizen Guide to Emergency Preparedness, Fire Departments, Police Departments, Carroll Hospital Center, Red Cross and more. 410-386-2455, 410-386-2877, 410-386-2296
- www.redcrossstore.org
- RedCross.org Store sells Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Kits.
- www.mema.state.md.us
- Maryland Emergency Management Agency 410-517-3600 (between 8am and 5pm EST)
- www.domesticpreparedness.com
- Domestic Preparedness has information for the First Responder (Police, Fire Fighters, Security Guards, etc.), Medical Response, Military, Borders, and more 410-518-6900
- www.fema.gov
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) web site has information for emergency personnel, Businesses, Government, INDIVIDUALS, KIDS, and more 800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 800-462-7585
- training.fema.gov
- Emergency Management Institute with Training and Education Information from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). There are free online courses available.
Advanced Preparation
With some advanced preparation, you will know the correct course of action to best protect yourself during any type of emergency. You may even serve as a source of information and assistance to help others out in times of crises.
About the Author
Catherine McDonald is President of A & O Computer Consultants, specializing in Homeland Security, and a member of the Carroll Technology Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating businesses, government and residents about technology issues. Questions are welcomed and may be addressed in future articles. Email advisors@carrolltechcouncil.org or go to www.carrolltechcouncil.org for a list of Advisor categories.
The viewpoints expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Carroll Technology Council.
