Mother Nature is planning to visit bringing torrential rains and possibilities for floods and flash flooding. September is National Preparedness Month and the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department is teaming up with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign in encouraging Americans to take an active role in personal and community disaster preparedness.
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide campaign highlighting the simple steps each of us can take to be prepared for emergencies.
With a motto that inspires us to 'Plan Now. Work Together. Be Ready.' National Preparedness Month 2010 will highlight ways for us to be prepared in our homes, businesses and communities.
The men and women, career and volunteer, of your Fire/EMS Department need your help in “Keeping you Safe” and ask that you remember to; “Stay Informed, Stay Prepared and Stay Safe.”
Is there any irony that a potentially major weather event is occurring on the last day of National Preparedness Month?? For additional information on preparedness and an Emergency Kit, Click Here
The National Weather Service has issued the following advisory for September 29th and 30th, 2010:
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT EDT TONIGHT
THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING...
THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR
* PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND NORTHEAST MARYLAND...THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA...CENTRAL AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND THE EASTERN WEST
VIRGINIA PANHANDLE.
* FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING
* LIGHT RAIN OVERSPREADING THE AREA FROM THE SOUTHEAST THIS
AFTERNOON WILL INCREASE IN INTENSITY TONIGHT...BECOMING HEAVY AT
TIMES OVERNIGHT AND THURSDAY AS LOW PRESSURE TRACKS UP THE EAST
COAST. RAINFALL TOTALS OF TWO TO FOUR INCHES ARE EXPECTED...
WITH LOCALIZED AMOUNTS UP TO SIX INCHES POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. FLASH FLOODING IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
PEOPLE LIVING IN AREAS THAT ARE PRONE TO FLASH FLOODING SHOULD
MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD
FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
Flood Safety Tips...
• Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving floodwater. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Remember, 2 feet of water will float your vehicle and 6 inches of fast moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.
• If you come upon floodwaters, STOP, TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY!!
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.
• If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.
• Stay informed about the storm and possible flooding by listening to your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio or television or the world wide web.
Did you know that floods kill more people every year than any other weather event??
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Gas Leak Closes Roads and Community College
At about 8:15 am, Wednesday, September 29, 2010, firefighters responded to a report of a natural gas leak near Largo Road (Route 202) and Campus Way South in Largo. Upon arrival they found a 4 inch high-pressure natural gas line break that occurred during land excavation on the grounds of the Prince George’s Community College (PGCC).
There were 35 firefighters, paramedics and hazardous material technicians working on the scene and deploying atmospheric monitors throughout the affected area. Taking all safety precautions into account; roads were closed and the Fire/EMS Department evacuated 8 buildings on campus. These building included Bladen Hall and others in the immediate vicinity. Largo High School was not evacuated, however, asked to curtail outdoor activities until the situation was mitigated.
PGCC officials took additional precautions and conducted an evacuation of the remaining buildings on campus including the day care center.
Washington Gas Company officials arrived and worked to stem the high pressure release of natural gas. At about 12:45 pm, an all clear was received when the gas was secured. Fire/EMS Department units cleared the scene and released all evacuated buildings back to PGCC officials. There were no injuries during the course of the incident.
There were 35 firefighters, paramedics and hazardous material technicians working on the scene and deploying atmospheric monitors throughout the affected area. Taking all safety precautions into account; roads were closed and the Fire/EMS Department evacuated 8 buildings on campus. These building included Bladen Hall and others in the immediate vicinity. Largo High School was not evacuated, however, asked to curtail outdoor activities until the situation was mitigated.
PGCC officials took additional precautions and conducted an evacuation of the remaining buildings on campus including the day care center.
Washington Gas Company officials arrived and worked to stem the high pressure release of natural gas. At about 12:45 pm, an all clear was received when the gas was secured. Fire/EMS Department units cleared the scene and released all evacuated buildings back to PGCC officials. There were no injuries during the course of the incident.
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