MEMA Calls for Continued Vigilance and Preparedness as Isaias Impacts Maryland Early This Week

Prepare for Possible Power Outages, Include COVID-19 in Plans, andKnow Your Zone


REISTERSTOWN, Md. — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and affiliated state agencies are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Isaias as it heads toward Maryland. Even though the storm is currently not a hurricane, Marylanders should be prepared for potential flooding, tidal surge in low lying areas, and tropical storm force winds (greater than 39 miles per hour).

“Please don’t let your guard down just because Isaias is no longer a hurricane,” said Russ Strickland, MEMA's Executive Director. “Be prepared for potential power outages, flash floods and tidal flooding. This is still a dangerous system.”

At this time, it appears the lower Eastern Shore and Southern Maryland will be the hardest hit areas, with the heavily populated central region also expected to be affected. However, a slight shift westward of the storm track could bring heavy rain to parts of western Maryland. Regardless of location, most Marylanders can expect to feel some effects from Isaias.

MEMA also reminds Maryland residents to make sure emergency kits include at least 2 face coverings for each person, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, and other COVID-19 related supplies in addition to the usual disaster supply kit components.

During the COVID-19 pandemic it’s more important than ever to pay attention to the hazards of hurricane season. As a Marylander or as a visitor to Maryland, you should Know Your Zone to see if the places you live, work, or visit are in one of Maryland’s three evacuation zones. The Know Your Zone program allows local emergency officials to order evacuations by letter zones (A, B and C). To learn more about Know Your Zone or to see if you might be in an evacuation zone, please click here.

Remember that even if you are not in one of the Maryland evacuation zones, you could still feel the effects of hurricanes and other hazards. Hurricanes can spawn flash floods, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes many miles away form the eye of the storm and 100 miles or more inland.

Here are some additional considerations while planning for hurricanes and other hazards during the COVID-19 pandemic:

If you must evacuate, bring items such as hand sanitizer, cleaning materials, and two cloth face coverings per person. Children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who cannot take the cloth face covering off without help should not wear cloth face coverings.
Pay attention to emergency information and alerts from official sources.
Keep devices charged in case of possible power outages.
Know who to contact if you lose power. A list of contact information for power utilities in Maryland can be found here.
Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding.
Keep in mind that your best protection from the effects of a hurricane may differ from your best protection from disease.
Unless you live in an evacuation zone, make a plan to shelter-in-place in your home, if it is safe to do so.
Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
Only use generators outdoors and never in a garage. The generator should be at least 20 feet away from your home and away from windows, doors, and vents.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

It is also important to allow extra time to evacuate if needed because shelters might be farther away. As always, residents are better off locating shelter with family or friends outside the expected danger zone or staying at an accommodation of their choice. But state, local, and nonprofit partners will still provide shelter options.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit MEMA, FEMA, the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross.

To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to COVID-19 and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland during this hurricane season and beyond, text "MdReady" to 898211.