Talbot County Department of Emergency Services warns of the possibility of tornadoes until 8 p.m. Saturday. Anyone who has not evacuated the area by 3 p.m. Saturday should take shelter where they are and not venture out in the store.
Fire and emergency rescue crews will not be dispatched if winds hit a sustained level of 50 miles an hour.
Here is the full text of the Department of Emergency Services announcement:
Talbot County Department of Emergency Services (DES)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Michael Boldosser
Date: 8/27/2011, 12:00pm 410-770-8160
“Hurricane Irene – Bring all Preparations to a Close”
Attention:
Hurricane Irene is bearing down on our area this afternoon and will continue to effect throughout the night. We will continue to experience strong rain bands which may include high winds, heavy downpours, frequent lightning, and possible Tornados.
Storm Preparations:
All preparations should to be brought to completion in the next couple of hours as weather conditions will deteriorate rapidly later this afternoon and again will be preceded by rain bands that may produce high winds, dangerous lightning, and possible tornados.
Individuals considering Evacuating:
All Evacuations in Talbot County should be completed as soon as possible as roadways may become dangerous due to weather conditions. If you have not evacuated by3:00 pm consider sheltering in place or if you feel you are in danger go to your nearest Fire Station or call 9-1-1.
Assistance:
If we experience sustained winds of 50 miles per hour it is important to realize that responders may not be able to respond to assist until conditions improve. If you need information you may call 410-770-8160 or monitor us on our web page at www.talbotdes.org , Facebook, or Twitter
An Emergency Shelter remains open at the Easton High School for people and pets.
Points to Consider:
• During the storm, remain indoors in the center core of your building away from all windows (a bathroom, utility room etc…). Do not venture out until the storm passes… and be aware if a portion of the eye of the storm passes over our area the weather may improve, and then rapidly deteriorate once again… so don’t get caught outdoors if this occurs.
• If you find you are cutoff from leaving your area after the storm … remain calm until you are able to leave the area or assistance arrives. If you have an emergency and can’t contact assistance display or affix a large bed sheet prominently so that aircraft can see it from the air who will alert responders.
• After the storm, please use caution when approaching downed wires. Assume they are energized and report them as soon as possible.
• In the event of a power failure and you use a portable generator, please make sure it is adequately vented so you don’t become overcome with fumes which can be fatal.
• Battery powered emergency lighting is preferred to burning candles as this presents a fire hazard.
• Please use caution after the storm when cleaning up and especially when using chain saws.
As always, if you encounter an emergency situation you should activate emergency assistance by calling 9-1-1 and appropriate resources will be dispatched to address your emergency.
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