Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Roadways Known to Flood During Heavy Rains

Areas and roadways in Prince George's County that are prone to flash flooding and flooding days after the storm include:

Brock Bridge Road near Laurel-Bowie Road (RT 197) Laurel

Areas along Route 1 and Main Street in Laurel

Baltimore Ave and Ammendale Road in Beltsville

Sunnyside Avenue between Rhode Island Ave and Edmonston Rd in Beltsville

Piney Branch Rd and New Hampshire in Adelphi

Portions of Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park

Governors Bridge Road at Anne Arundel/Prince George's County border. Road is currently closed for bridge work (unrelated to storm)

Water Street in Upper Marlboro

Marlboro Pike and Largo Rd in Upper Marlboro

Governor Oden Bowie Road in Upper Marlboro

Livingston Road and Oxon Hill Road in Ft Washington

Livingston Road and Palmer Road in Fort Washington

These roads should be avoided during periods of heavy rain and heed any signage posted. Any and all roads could suddenly become overwhelmed by flooding waters. Do not drive through standing or swift moving water.

Flood Facts...

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall or a dam failure. Flooding is a longer-term event and may last a week or more.

Most flash flooding is caused by (1) slow-moving thunderstorms, (2) thunder-storms repeatedly moving over the same area or (3) heavy rains from hurricanes and tropical storms.

Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, and destroy buildings and bridges.

Densely populated areas have a high risk for flash floods. The construction of buildings, highways, driveways, and parking lots increases runoff by reducing the amount of rain absorbed by the ground.

Water can erode the roadbed creating unsafe driving conditions.

Many flash floods occur at night when flooded roads are hard to see.

2 feet of water will float your car, truck or SUV!!! 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock you off your feet.

Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are auto related. If your car stalls, leave it and seek higher ground, if you can do so safely.

Underpasses can fill rapidly with water, while the adjacent roadway remains clear. Driving into a flooded underpass can quickly put you in 5-6 feet of water.

Flood Safety Tips...

Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift-moving floodwater. 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.

STAY INFORMED - STAY READY - STAY SAFE!!!

Mark E. Brady
Chief Spokesman/PIO
Prince George's County Fire/EMS
240-508-7930

Stay Informed-Stay Ready-Stay Safe with Severe Weather

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

The National Weather Service is forecasting potential strong storms moving through Prince George’s County this afternoon and evening. These storms could produce damaging winds, torrential rain, thunderstorms, flash flooding and a potential for isolated tornado's.

Citizens and residents are advised to take appropriate precautions now to stay safe.

Stay informed by monitoring local news broadcasts about approaching weather.

Stay ready to take quick actions in the event of hazardous weather including remaining indoors and going to the lowest possible level or floor and if possible in a room with no windows. Have your emergency kit ready. For additional information on preparing your emergency kit visit ready.gov

Sign up for "Notify Me - Prince George" for notification on your mobile device about weather alerts and warnings. To sign up, click here.

Fully charge your laptops, tablets and cell phones now and keep them charged.

Stay Informed, Stay Ready, Stay Safe.

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 flood waters, 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, Internet or television.

In the event of a power outage – do not use candles!!! – Use battery powered flashlights and lanterns. Ensure that all power switches on electrical appliances are in the “off” position. This will avoid a fire hazard when power is restored. Never use a gasoline powered generator inside a home, garage or outside near windows and doors.

Treat all downed utility lines as if they are energized. Deny access to the area of the downed wire and notify 911. Never touch or handle a downed utility line.

Do you have a non-emergency condition or need to ask a question -- Call 311.

For updated Weather alerts go to:
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/wwaatmget.php?x=MDC033

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Before A Storm Safety Tips

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

BEFORE THE STORM:

Stay informed by monitoring local news broadcasts about approaching weather. Sign up to Notify Me- Prince George's and receive important news and storm updates on your mobile device. Follow @PGFDPIO on Twitter, www.PGFDNEWS.com and PGFD Facebook for up to the minute Fire/EMS news and safety advice. Have all mobile devices fully charged before and during the storm.

Have your emergency kit prepared, stocked and ready. For additional information on what should be in your kit go to: www.ready.gov

Your emergency kit should include a battery operated radio and flashlights. We do not recommend the use of candles during power outages.

Ensure your Smoke alarm and CO detector are tested and have fresh batteries.

Consider purchasing bags of ice that can be stored in your freezer.

Ensure your cell phones, lap tops and tablets are completely charged.

Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.

Consider having a quantity of cash on hand in the event that ATM's and banks are out of power.

Remove any objects in your yard that could become airborne during periods of high winds. Secure larger items by tying them down.

Clean and clear your storm drains of any debris that could clog and back up rain water.

Management companies should safely inspect their rooftops to ensure all gutters and roof top drains are clear and clean up any debris that will clog drains when it rains. Pooling water on roof tops could cause water damage inside and cause a possible collapse.

Stay ready to take quick actions in the event of severe weather including remaining indoors and going to the lowest possible level or floor and if possible in a room with no windows. Have your emergency kit ready.

Check with your work location on what is the plan and notification for cancellations.

Set up a communications plan with family members and friends. Remember that "texting" has been more reliable then cell phone calls and emails during times of high usage and outages.

If you have a generator - follow manufacturer's instructions on how to use it safely, position it far enough away from your residence to avoid CO finding it's way inside, refuel after cool-down, use approved outdoor heavy-duty extension cords that are free of any rips and tears.

Stay Informed, Stay Ready, Stay Safe. Don't panic, stay calm and prepare.

Firestorm Presentations

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

It seems appropriate that presenting Department Citations for one of the busiest days in the history of the Prince George's County Fire/Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department also required the longest to present. It has taken since September 2011 for the Fire Chief to personally present the Fire Storm Awards to every station. The final stations were visited today with only support offices and staff presentations remaining. This plaque and uniform ribbons were presented in recognition of what is being referred to as "the busiest day" in the history of the Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department. The award reads;

February 19-20, 2011, Prince George's County faced the busiest 24-hour period in our history, responding to a record number of calls generated by high sustained winds and extremely dry conditions of "Firestorm 2011." Over 600 personnel operated at seven simultaneous major incident scenes, as well as multiple smaller scale incidents.

All 45 Fire/EMS Stations were engaged in emergency operations, along with mutual aid companies from throughout the Metropolitan region and neighboring States. A call-back of off-duty personnel was required for the second time in the Departments history.

All emergency responders and support personnel performed admirably throughout the duration of the incident. You are hereby commended for your dedication and commitment to duty.

Signed, September 2011 by Fire Chief Marc S. Bashoor

Additional information can be found by clicking on the following links:

One of the Busiest Days in Department History

County Executive and Fire Chief Comment on Firestorm

First Firestorm Citation Issued