Sep 6, 2008 6:27 am US/Eastern
O'Malley Issues Statewide Declaration Of Emergency
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
A statewide effort is underway to ensure everyone is prepared for Tropical Storm Hanna. Memories of Hurricane Isabel have everyone on alert.
Weijia Jiang reports as Hanna makes her way up the East Coast, Marylanders are bracing for the storm.
"We opened up all of our storm drains, our gutters, made sure all the leaves are out. We're ready, I think," said one homeowner.
Governor Martin O'Malley has just issued a statewide declaration of emergency while state and local officials ensure everyone is prepared.
"In Baltimore County, we are asking that people watch the news, watch the messages coming out from the local emergency management staff. If conditions deteriorate, we will let them know what to do, what protective actions to take and where they can expect to see the worst," said Asst. Chief Mark Hubbard with Baltimore County Fire.
Hurricane Isabel is an eerie reminder of what could happen. Isabel destroyed homes and displaced residents back in 2003.
"Whenever we deal with storms, we always go back to Hurricane Isabel and the problem was the unpredictability," said Hubbard.
Maryland emergency managers say four out of four models showed Hanna would brush by the Chesapeake Bay. A high wind advisory went into effect for the Bay Bridge.
"With severe weather planned for the area, be mindful of the fact that power outages should be expected. Plan for these things by having a sufficient number of flashlights, back-up batteries and other devices to be used for lighting," said Battalion Chief Matthew Tobia with Anne Arundel County Fire.
A declaration of emergency allows the state to use the National Guard to ask other states for help and request federal aid.
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