…………………… SEVERE STORMS…………………

KEEP AWARE>>>

IN CARROLL COUNTY

<<<BE PREPARED

Office of Public Safety Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/CCOPSSS

Carroll County Government Website: http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/default.asp

Carroll County Government Twitter: @CarrollCoMD

Carroll County Access Channel 24

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property before severe weather:

 •Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. This kit should also include a pair of goggles and disposable breathing masks for each member of the family.

 •Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.

 •Continually monitor the media – Be aware of storm's which could impact your area.

 •Know how you will be warned in an emergency (NOAA Weather radios with a tone alert are a good option).

 •Know if you live or work in a flood prone area. Check with your local emergency management for details.

 •Know where to shelter (ie: basement, interior room/hall, bathroom, closet, etc) if conditions warrant and where shelters in your area are located.

 •Ensure your home is ready – Elevate items in the basement which could be flooded. Bring in outdoors items such as children's toys, patio furniture, garbage cans, etc which could be blown around and damaged. Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.

 •Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water and gas, to your home. Have proper tools (i.e.: wrench) ready and nearby.

 •Find out what types of events and kinds of damages are covered by your insurance policy. Keep insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe and secure location.

 •Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them.

  "IS IT TIME TO CHANGE THE BATTERIES"

HOME FIRE SAFETY

Fireplace Safety

 BEFORE YOU LIGHT IT...............Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents should be inspected at least once a year. Inspection should include: soundness, deterioration, freedom from deposits and animal nests.  Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs must be done if necessary.

Don't put your family or home in jeopardy.