Maryland prepares for Hurricane Florence

(September 11, 2018, WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Governor Larry Hogan has declared Maryland a state of emergency as Hurricane Florence approaches. To prepare, residents along the east coast are urged to follow the direction of local officials, monitor news and check local government website in order to get the latest updates and emergency instructions. Potential dangers include significant coastal and inland flooding, storm surge and damaging winds.

“It takes more than FEMA to respond to storms of this magnitude,” said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. “The federal government has people and supplies along the east coast from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, but this will take all levels of government, the private sector, and individuals. Now is the time to prepare, and listen to warnings and orders from local officials.”

History shows that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. It is crucial that residents and visitors in the areas that will be affected by these storms listen to and obey the instructions of local, state and tribal officials.

Everyone should acknowledge that services such as power, phone, water and sewage could be disrupted and remember to:

• Refill your gas tank and, if evacuating, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
• Get prescription refills if needed.
• Have cash on hand.
• Don’t drive around barricades, or through high water.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Florence is currently projected to make landfall in the Carolinas on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane, and may have catastrophic impacts to a wide-spread area throughout the east coast including Maryland.

To learn more on how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane, visit: www.ready.gov/hurricanes.