Harford County in State of Emergency

Harford County Executive David R. Craig has declared a State of Emergency for the county.

The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations also partially activated
Friday in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Sandy late Sunday or early Monday morning, according to a statement from the executive.

Additionally, personnel from all departments and agencies of Harford County Government have been involved in briefings and planning for the impending storm.

The Department of Public Works' Division of Highways began preparations on Thursday.

The Harford County volunteer fire and emergency medical personnel and county and state law enforcement officials have also initiated preparations for Hurricane Sandy. Among the specialized units preparing for the storm are the Technical Rescue Team, the Swift Water Rescue Team and the Hazardous Materials Response Team.

To help individuals and families be better prepared for Hurricane Sandy, the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations encourages citizens to take the following actions:

• Have a battery powered radio to monitor weather and storm related news.
• Have working flashlights with fresh batteries readily available. In the event of a power outage, use flashlights instead of candles.
• Have an adequate supply of water for drinking and sanitation purposes – at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of thre days.
• Have an adequate supply of non-perishable foods available – at least enough to last three days.
• When using portable generators, do not operate the generator inside the home or garage—this could result in a build up of carbon monoxide and become a severe life-safety issue for the occupants of the home.
• Use cooking equipment intended for outdoor use only outside the home. Never use a portable grill or barbeque inside a home.
• Prepare an emergency kit with medicines and supplies available for you and those in your care.
• As necessary, fill prescription medications before the storm if a prescription is running low.
• For those who must drive during the course of the storm, treat all intersections as a four-way stop if traffic lights are not functioning due to power outages. Come to a complete stop at all such intersections and then proceed with caution.
• If you leave your home during the storm, tell family members or neighbors where you are going and how to contact you in the event of an emergency.

“The best way to survive a storm or severe weather event is by being prepared,” Craid said in the statement. “Harford County Government is working hard with our local and state partners to ensure the safety of our residents during Hurricane Sandy. Our citizens can do their part by being prepared."