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EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT | Box 4117 | Gaithersburg, MD 20878
240-777-2300 (voice) | 240-777-2345 (fax)

• Storm Warnings: when winds of 55-73 miles an hour (48-63 knots) are expected. If a hurricane is expected to strike a coastal area, gale or storm warnings will not usually precede hurricane warnings.

• Hurricane Watch: issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

• Hurricane Warning: issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

• Flash Flood Watch: a flash flood is possible in the area; stay alert, stay tuned to your radio or TV.

• Flash Flood Warning: a flash flood is imminent; take immediate action. Go to high ground as soon as possible.

• Tornadoes: can be spawned by severe thunderstorms and hurricanes, often producing severe damage and casualties. If a tornado is reported in your area, a warning will be issued.

• Tornado Watch: The National Weather Service has determined that weather conditions in your area are favorable for the formation of tornadoes.

• Tornado Warning: Tornadoes have been seen in the vicinity, or detected by Doppler radar by the National Weather Service.

Homeland Security Home

When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area:

• Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio
• Ensure your car has a full fuel tank
• Check mobile home tie-downs
• Securely moor small craft (double lines) or move to safe mooring.
• Stock up on canned provisions
• Check supplies of special medicines and drugs
• Check batteries for radio and flashlights. Have plenty of spare batteries.
• Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.
• Tape, board, or shutter windows to prevent shattering
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting out of their tracks

Homeland Security Home

When a Hurricane Warning is issued for your area:

• Stay tuned to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins
• Stay in your home if it is sturdy and on high ground
• Board up garage and porch doors
• Move valuables to upper floors
• Bring in pets
• Fill containers with several days supply of drinking water
• Turn up the refrigerator to maximum cold and don't open unless necessary
• Use the telephone only for emergencies
• Stay indoors on the downwind side of the house away from windows
• Beware of the eye of the hurricane. The winds will die down and the sun may shine for about 15 to 30 minutes. But the winds will resume very rapidly as the opposite side of the hurricane approaches. Don't get caught unprotected.
• It is wise to evacuate mobile homes. Even with tie-down straps, very strong hurricanes can destroy these types of homes.
• Evacuate areas which might become submerged by storm surge or stream flooding. Move far inland and/or to high ground as soon as possible.
• Plan ahead. Leave early - in daylight if possible.
• Shut off water, gas, and electricity to your home at the main shutoffs.
• Take small valuables, credit cards, and important papers but travel light.
• Leave food and water for pets (shelters will not take them in with you).
• Lock up house securely.
• Drive carefully to the nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes.

Homeland Security Home

When a tornado warning is issued for your area:

• Seek shelter in a windowless interior room in the lowest level of the house. Go to the basement, if you have one. Stay away from windows.

• If you are caught in the open during a tornado, stay low and seek a drainage ditch or other low point on the ground. Culverts under streets and highways may offer effective shelter.

• If you are in your vehicle during a tornado, get out of the vehicle and seek shelter in drainage ditches or culverts. Do not try to outrun a tornado.

For general information, contact Montgomery County Emergency Management at (240) 777-2300, between the hours of 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, or fax your inquiries to (240) 777-2345.