Emergency Preparedness

Cut out and put on refrigerator or someplace handy…

What to do In Case of a House Fire – Click on House Fire

Weather Updates….

Know where to go for important weather updates. Follow statewide power outages at this link:   https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/Power-Ou… Monitor weather watches and warnings at this link: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/homeland-security/services/alert-prince-georges  Monitor the weather by radar at this link:   https://radar.weather.gov/ If at all possible, stay off the roads during times of severe weather. If you must drive, the following links may be helpful in planning for safe driving routes:   https://chart.maryland.gov/TrafficCamera…
and   https://chart.maryland.gov/InteractiveMa…

PG County Warming Centers – Map and List

Freezing Notes – expert tips to prevent your pipes from freezing: shut off exterior water valve if you have one in the basement, keep heat running at 65 degrees day & night, consider an insulating faucet cover for outside, and turn outdoor faucets to a trickle if they can’t be shut off or insulated (with a bucket or bin underneath). If you have an electric vehicle (depending on model), keep plugged in to warm the battery to prevent damage from the extreme cold.

Weather updates. Follow statewide power outages at link.  Monitor weather watches and warnings at link. Monitor the weather by radar at link.  If at all possible, stay off the roads during times of severe weather. If you must drive, the following links may be helpful:   https://chart.maryland.gov/TrafficCamera… &  https://chart.maryland.gov/InteractiveMa…

Attack the Snow – Like a Pro – Salt/Deicer Amounts to Use

Thanks to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions for putting this together.  For further information, check this article

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOUSE GETS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

Note:  Lightning is an amazing natural phenomenon with bolt temperatures hotter than the sun’s surface and voltages sometimes greater than 100 million volts. You will hear a very loud, powerful boom that might shake your entire house Knowing what immediate steps to take in a lightning emergency could save you a lot of money and possibly even your life

  • First – make sure everyone is okay.
  • Second – If you see fire or smell smoke, evacuate your home immediately. 
  • Third – Call 911, and tell them your home was struck by lightning.
  • Fourth – Do this regardless of whether or not you detect a fire hazard. 
  • Fifth – The fire department will come out to your property and assess the area for damage, including using thermal imaging cameras to search inside walls for heat that could or already has started a fire. 
  • Sixth – Once your home is assessed and found to be safe, you will be able to return inside.
  • Seven – Call your insurance company and explain what has happened. 
  • Eight – Call a trustworthy electrician to come out and inspect your home wiring.