BALTIMORE, MD. (October 26, 2012) – Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake convened all City agency heads to immediately begin preparedness operations for Hurricane Sandy. Mayor Rawlings-Blake and City agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure that all necessary emergency response vehicles are in-service and fully fueled, and that adequate police, fire, EMS, public works, and forestry staffing plans are in place, going into the expected storm period. The Mayor's Office of Emergency Management will continue to work with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service to monitor and prepare for Hurricane Sandy and this weekend’s potential severe weather. If weather conditions are expected to further deteriorate, Mayor Rawlings-Blake will activate Baltimore's Emergency Operations Center. In addition to preparing City agencies, Mayor Rawlings-Blake urged residents to prepare household emergency kits as a general precaution and in case Hurricane Sandy impacts the Baltimore area. It is possible that Baltimore City could experience fallen trees, minor flooding, and power outages from the heavy rain, wind, and possibly mix of ice or snow. “Citizens should prepare for the possibility of severe weather in Baltimore as a result of Hurricane Sandy,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake said. “In addition to preparing your own home, it's important to check on elderly or disabled friends and neighbors to assist them with storm preparations.” Prepared for a severe weather event with these three essentials first:

• A battery-powered radio with extra batteries. If the power goes out, a battery-powered radio may be the only way to receive information.
• Flashlights or battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries. These are essential, even during relatively brief power outages. Don't use candles! They pose a serious fire risk.
• Enough water to last three days. That’s at least one gallon per person, per day for drinking and sanitation.

Planning Ahead:

• City residents with special medical needs, prescription drug needs, or important medical appointments should plan ahead now and make arrangements that may be needed in the event of severe weather, prolonged power outages, and possible flooding.
• City residents are also encouraged to clear any debris from neighborhood storm drains to ensure proper drainage and prevent flooding.
• To protect your food during a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Food will stay frozen for 36 hours or more in a fully-loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. Residents are also advised to stock up on non-perishable items.

For more information on preparedness, visit: http://emergency.baltimorecity.gov/Preparedness.aspx For forecast models and storm tracking, visit: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Citizens are also reminded they can call 311 for the latest information about the City’s preparations during weather events.