Stephanie-Rawlings Blake: Baltimore City will be ready for Hurricane Earl

BALTIMORE - Hurricane Earl is tracking in the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to impact Maryland's eastern shore, but Baltimore City leaders are not taking any chances should the storm shift course and take a more inland approach.

This morning, Baltimore City Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, held a press conference about what people should have should severe weather impact the city Thursday and Friday. The mayor's office released the following statement this morning:

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Reminds Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Emergencies

With the National Weather Service predicting that Hurricane Earl may bring heavy amounts of rain and tropical storm winds this weekend, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake reminded residents to prepared their families and their homes for possible severe weather. The mayor was joined by department heads, including Fire Chief James Clack, Police Commissioner Frederick Bealefeld, Transportation Director Al Foxx, and Public Works Director Khalil Zaied.

“As we have learned from previous hurricanes, just because we are not in the eye of the storm does not mean we are free from danger,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “High winds, rain, and a storm surge can cause flooding and the downed power lines. It is absolutely vital that our residents are prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.”

The Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been tracking Hurricane Earl since late last week, and will continue to monitor it and Tropical Storm Fiona, which is currently active in the Atlantic Ocean. The storms are predicted to come dangerously close to the eastern shores of our state and any small shift could bring severe weather to our area.

The mayor instructed all city agencies to begin preparations in case the storms hit the Baltimore region. OEM has developed robust emergency plans, which detail each agency’s role in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from severe weather.

The Mayor reminded residents what they should do to prepare for a severe weather emergency:

• Have an emergency kit, including a flashlight (with extra batteries), a 3 day supply of water, and an AM/FM battery operated Radio.
• Stay tuned to your local TV and Radio Stations for instructions.
• Identify a personal and/or family plan to shelter-in-place, or for the remote possibility of an evacuation.
• Check on family members and friends who may be vulnerable or have special needs.

For a more detailed list of items, check out our Must-have hurricane supplies