Preparing For Hurricanes

Representatives from city agencies including Police, Fire, Housing, Transportation, Housing, Rec and Parks and DPW will join the Office of Emergency Management at the EOC ensuring the city's resources are in place as officials follow any storm's progress.

Areas of most concern are the low lying areas throughout Baltimore. Traditionally, the hardest hit of these are the lower parts of Mt. Washington, the Clipper Mill area and the Fells Point area.

The city is asking people living in these areas to keep abreast of the latest information by staying tuned to the news media and the Emergency Alert System for any instructions from the city. Citizens can call 311 for the latest information about the city's preparations.

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works also is asking citizens to keep a close eye on any outdoor storm drains that may be clogged to help avoid the possibility of flooding. If you know of a clogged storm drain, please call 311 and report it.

DPW's preventative cleaning program is ongoing and extra crews will be on standby as needed. Sweep up and clear debris from your sidewalks, curbs, alleys and gutters as this debris can hamper the flow of storm water.

Are you in a hurricane inundation zone?

• Category 1: winds 74-95mph, storm surge 4-5 ft. above normal
• Category 2: winds 96-110 mph, storm surge 6-8 ft above normal
• Category 3: winds 111-130 mph, storm surge 9-12 ft above normal
• Category 4: winds 131-155mph, storm surge 13-18ft above normal
• Category 5: winds 155 plus mph, storm surge 18ft plus above normal

What You Can Do

• The public should batten down any loose items and try to secure their property as best as possible.

• Storm drains should be cleaned and kept free of obstruction to assist in drainage during and after the storm.

• Cranes and temporary structures may need to be lowered or secured to avoid toppling over.

• Outdoor items such as pink flamingos, lightweight grills, porch furniture, trash cans and bird feeders (to name only a few) should be taken inside.

• With the expected high winds, residents should prepare for the possibility of trees being uprooted.

• Residents should have disaster kits prepared. They should include items such as:

Any other items needed to increase your comfort (4 day supply)