Howard County to Open Hurricane Call Center Saturday Morning

Howard County government announced Friday it has activated a prerecorded emergency information line that will be a staffed hurricane emergency call center at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Citizens can now call 410-313-2900 for tips on preparing for an electricity outage, flooding and high winds, and as weather conditions deteriorate Saturday, staff will be available to assist in emergencies. The county said in a press release that it is prepared to open emergency shelters "if conditions warrant."

“We are actively preparing for the storm and encourage residents and businesses to prepare properties for potential flooding and wind damage,” Howard County Executive Ken Ulman said on the Howard County government website.

The Howard County Office of Emergency Management offers these tips on preparing for flooding and power loss:

• Be sure you have on hand: Flashlights and extra batteries, drinking water – one gallon of water per day for every household member, a battery operated or crank radio, non-perishable food and a can opener that does not rely on electricity.
• Check your business, home and yard for anything that could become an airborne threat. Move lawn furniture indoors and secure trashcans and loose or freestanding signage.
• Establish a family communication plan, including identifying an out-of-town contact, and teach family members how to use text messaging to get around network disruptions when a phone call might not be able to get through.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Clean downspouts directed away from the foundation of your house.
• Make sure your pets have collars and identification tags.