MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, September 18, 2003

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RELATING TO HURRICANE ISABEL SEPTEMBER 2003

How can I learn up-to-date information on Hurricane Isabel?
Many sources are available for this sort of information. The City of Frederick works with Key 103.1, WFMD AM930, WFRE FM 99.9, as well as local television channels; Frederick County Government Channel 19, City of Frederick Channel 99, NBC 25 and Adelphia Channel 10.
The City will also update its website, www.cityoffrederick.com and Emergency Public Information Line, 301-600-1300, as information becomes available.
City of Frederick Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty will establish a Media Center in City Hall. Hourly updates will be LIVE beginning at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, September 18, and then at the 30 minutes past the hour, last throughout the duration of Hurricane Isabel.

Will the City of Frederick set up shelters?
No. Shelters are established by the American Red Cross. For shelter locations and availability please contact the Red Cross, 301-662-5131.

Who should I call if I need medical attention?
911.

Will the City of Frederick supply residents with sandbags?
No. The City of Frederick does not stock sandbags and will not be distributing them to the public. Due to our location the City does not typically have a need for such devices. Citizens are encouraged to use sandbags to protect their property if they are prone to flooding.

I am not sure if I should stay or evacuate.
When a hurricane threatens your area, you will have to make the decision whether you should evacuate or whether you can ride out the storm in safety at home.
In general:

• If you live near a body of water or in a flood plain, plan to leave.
• If you live on high ground, away from coastal beaches, consider staying. In any case, the ultimate decision to stay or leave will be yours. Study the following list and carefully consider the factors involved, especially the items pertaining to storm surge.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Learn location of official shelters.
• Trim back dead wood from trees.
• Check for loose rain gutters and down spouts.
• Clean out gutters and down spouts.
  

What should I do to prepare for the Hurricane?

• Have a family emergency plan. Make sure that all members of your family are aware of the plan.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit (details see next question).
• Establish a "go bag" in the event that you must leave your home. In that bag have a change of clothes, food, water, important documents, medications, etc.
• Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.
• Fuel car.
• Stock up on canned provisions.
• Check supplies of special medicines and drugs.
  
• Have extra batteries for radio and flashlights.
• Bring in lawn furniture, flowerpots, and loose materials outdoors, etc. If you cannot bring them inside, secure them.
• Tape, board, or shutter windows to prevent shattering.
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks.
• Move valuables to upper floors.
• Bring in pets.
• Fill containers (bathtub) with several days supply of drinking water.
• Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and don't open unless necessary.
• Use phone only for emergencies.
• Charge cell phones.
• Stay indoors on the downwind side of house away from windows.
• Check on neighbors who are not able to go to the store to prepare.
• Locate your insurance policy and seal it in an airtight container or bag.
• Locate important family documents and keep in a watertight, fireproof container.

What supplies should I include in a disaster emergency kit?

• A battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries for both.
• A first aid kit, prescription medication, eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc.
• Water. Plan to have one gallon per day, per person. Maintain a 3-day supply.
• Supply of non-perishable foods.
• Manual can opener.
• If you have a baby, include extra diapers; formula and other infant care items.
• Change of clothing, including rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags.
• Extra set of house keys and car keys.
• Money. Make sure you have cash as banks and ATM machines may not be open and operable.

If I must evacuate what shall I do?

• Plan an evacuation route.
• Lock up house
• Drive carefully to nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes.

If I need to evacuate to a shelter what should I do with my pets?

Pets are not allowed into emergency shelters for health and safety reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local shelters. If you must leave your pets, make sure to leave adequate food and water.

What shall I do after the hurricane?

• Stay tuned to local media for updated information.
• Drive only if necessary.
• Avoid loose or dangling electrical wires. Report such lines to power company, police, fire, or rescue departments.
• Never attempt to drive through standing water.
• Be aware of road closures and seek alternate routes.
• Report broken or damaged water, sewer, and electrical lines.
• Use caution re-entering home.
• Check for gas leaks.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage.
• Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
• Take photos of damage, both to house, contents and property, for insurance claims.
  

How can I report downed trees?

Contact the City of Frederick's Department of Public Works, 301-600-1440, to report a tree that is blocking a city right-of-way.

Will the City hold a special tree collection?
This answer has not been determined. It will be based upon the severity of the damages sustained from Hurricane Isabel.

Will the City still collect my garbage?
Garbage collection has been cancelled for Friday, September 19. If additional cancellations occur the City will advise the media.

How can I contact utility companies?

Adelphia Cable 301-662-6822

Allegheny Power 800-255-3443 301-668-0964

Frederick Gas 301-662-2151

Verizon 301-954-6260