Re: Hurricane Sandy - Watches and warnings issued - Large storm could bring strong winds, flooding and extensive power outages to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
Re: Hurricane Sandy - Watches and warnings issued - Large storm could bring strong winds, flooding and extensive power outages to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
State of Emergency declared in advance of Sandy for the the following states:
Connecticut
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GOV. MALLOY SIGNS DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
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October 27, 2012
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(HARTFORD, CT) ? In advance of Hurricane Sandy?s likely impact on Connecticut, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today
signed a Declaration of Emergency, otherwise known as a state of emergency. The Declaration of Emergency provides Governor Malloy with a number of emergency powers, including:
?The forecast path of Hurricane Sandy has convinced me that the signing of this declaration is necessary, and will help us react more quickly and effectively in the event of a serious weather event,? said Governor Malloy. ?This storm needs to be taken seriously and just as the state is taking preparatory actions, I encourage the public and all of the state?s utility companies to do the same.
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Massachusetts
The Official Website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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Mass.Gov Alert
State of Emergency Alert
Last updated at October 27, 2012 12:45 PM
Governor Patrick Declares State of Emergency
FRAMINGHAM, MA ? At 12:45 on Saturday, October 27th, Governor Patrick signed a State of Emergency Declaration for the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This will allow the Commonwealth to use all of our resources, and deploy them in a swift and effective manner. The Massachusetts National Guard has been activated. Once the storm reaches us, their mission will be to assist with evacuations, searches and rescues as well as transporting emergency services personnel, augmenting MEMA Rapid Response Teams and assisting law enforcement with security and traffic control.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA go to
www.mass.gov/mema
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New Jersey
Governor Chris Christie Declares Statewide Weather State of Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Sandy
Trenton, NJ ? Anticipating severe weather conditions including high winds, rain, coastal, stream and river flooding, and the storm?s potential to threaten the public?s health and safety, Governor Chris Christie today declared a state of emergency throughout the state as a result of severe weather conditions anticipated from Hurricane Sandy. In addition to taking this preemptory step to mobilize government in preparation for the storm, Governor Christie urged New Jerseyans to be vigilant in monitoring conditions of the storm, its effect on their communities, and in making preparations for themselves and their families.
"As we move towards what is an increasingly likelihood of seeing Sandy make landfall in New Jersey, I am urging all New Jerseyans to take every possible and reasonable precaution to ready themselves for the storm?s potential impact. That means having an emergency action plan for their families and other loved ones who may require assistance, and avoiding unnecessary risks in the severe weather, including staying off of the roads,? said Governor Christie. ?At the state level, we are taking immediate steps to prepare for the storm?s impact and ensure that state, local and county governments have the tools they need to manage and respond in a coordinated way. With this, government at every level can respond more effectively to conditions on the ground, activate emergency operations plans, and ensure that resources are being marshaled to assist and protect the public through this storm."
The declaration activates elements of the State Emergency Operations Plan, broadening powers of the New Jersey State Police including traffic control, limiting access and egress from impacted areas and issuing evacuation orders if needed.
As provided by the declaration, the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management will be authorized to mobilize and deploy resources beginning immediately to respond to the storm conditions, including resources of the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and New Jersey Department of Transportation, in coordination with county and municipal emergency management officials in impacted areas throughout the state.
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Virginia
For Immediate Release
Contact
<TABLE width="100%" align=center><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>October 26, 2012 </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Governor McDonnell Declares State of Emergency in Preparation for Hurricane Sandy
? Long Duration Storm Has Potential to Produce Extensive Power Outages; Significant Flooding ?
Impact in Commonwealth to Begin Saturday Night, Possibly Continue Through Wednesday; Storm Will be Followed by Colder Temperatures
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell has declared a state of emergency in Virginia in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, which is anticipated to affect the Commonwealth over the weekend and early next week. There is some uncertainty with the storm's final track, but all forecasts call for significant impacts to Virginia. Sandy will be transitioning to an extratropical storm as it reaches Virginia, leading to a broader wind field with a wider reach across the Commonwealth. In addition, current models predict a slower storm and therefore a longer duration event than usual.
Based on current forecasts, the eastern third of Virginia could experience tropical storm force winds for more than 48 hours, several inches of rain and coastal flooding. Even inland areas of Virginia could see strong winds and significant rainfall. There is a strong possibility of extensive power outages. Residents in the western and southwestern parts of the state could see some snowfall, and all areas of the Commonwealth will experience colder temperatures in the wake of Sandy, which, when coupled with anticipated power outages, could produce additional challenges for Virginians.
Speaking about the State of Emergency, Governor McDonnell noted, "We are issuing this state of emergency today as a precautionary measure in order to ensure that we are ready for any potential effects of Hurricane Sandy in the Commonwealth. Weather forecasters are predicting significant weather impacts across much of Virginia, and a long duration event. Due to the track of this storm, and the fact that it will be a hurricane transitioning into a more nor'easter like system, we could see severe weather lasting for 48 hours or more in the state. In that scenario, saturated soil coupled with high winds could lead to major tree damage and extensive power outages. Now is the time for all Virginians to prepare for those possible power outages and disruptions to public services. In addition, forecasters predict falling temperatures during and behind this system, and in areas that suffer power outages this will lead to new challenges in the days after the storm departs. Virginians should make sure their family members, friends and neighbors are prepared for this storm. I encourage all Virginians to gather batteries, blankets, water, canned goods, and other necessities prior to the anticipated onset of storm conditions late Saturday and early Sunday."
Eastern Virginia residents who live in low-lying areas should be ready to evacuate ahead of the storm. Citizens should listen to local TV and radio stations for instructions, such as an evacuation order for specific areas, details about evacuation routes and locations of evacuation shelters. If an evacuation is ordered for your area, take your emergency supplies with you, including all medications. For a list of suggested emergency supplies you should collect for your family, visit:
http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/getakit.
At this time, the Commonwealth does not plan to reverse lanes on Interstate 64, however a final decision on this matter will be reached this evening. Residents should review the evacuation routes for their area to determine the best route for their families. In the event that a mandatory evacuation is necessary in specific areas, citizens will be provided further instructions through local and state authorities.
A state of emergency is declared under state law so that state resources can be made available. The governor's emergency declaration ensures a fully coordinated state response to support local initial recovery efforts. A declaration also decreases time needed to get personnel, equipment and supplies on scene.
State agencies are preparing for Sandy in the following ways:
- The Commonwealth has activated the Virginia Emergency Response Team.
- The Virginia Emergency Operations Center is coordinating the state's response with increased staffing available 24 hours a day.
- Virginia State Police personnel have been placed on stand-by and will be pre-positioned to the areas where they will be needed based on the final projected path of the hurricane. The Virginia State Police Swift Water Rescue Team is standing by in strategic locations.
- Chainsaw crews from the Virginia Department of Forestry are standing by with emergency response personnel and to help with debris removal.
- Virginia Department of Transportation crews are ready to clear roads and ensure roads are safe for travel.
- The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring personnel on state active duty and begin prepositioning resources.
- The Virginia Department of Health is coordinating with hospitals and long-term care facilities to ensure that they are prepared for storm impacts.
Emergency preparedness is everyone's responsibility. For information about preparing for Hurricane Sandy and for regular updates, visit
http://www.vaemergency.gov/. For general information about the storm, dial 211.
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Maryland
Hurricane Preparedness
Page Content
Precautions to take during a Hurricane
While hurricanes are unusual in Maryland, we sometimes sustain damage ? and some; fatalities ? from the tropical storms that follow in their wake. Agnes in 1972, Floyd in 1999 and Isabel in 2003 are some of the hurricanes-turned-tropical-storms that have caused significant damage in Maryland in recent history. Those storms frequently cause flooding, coastal storm surge and wind damage and often spawn tornadoes and thunderstorms. Wide-spread power outages are common after a hurricane. Please make sure to visit those other areas of our site to learn about other weather hazards resulting from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Emergency Documents
Friday, October 26, 2012
District Government Prepares for Hurricane Sandy
Mayor Gray Declares State of Emergency as Workers Clear Storm Drains, Distribute Sandbags, Prep to Remove Debris; Multiple Agencies Will Work through Weekend to Ready District
(WASHINGTON, DC) ? Mayor Vincent C. Gray has declared a state of emergency in the District in anticipation of the effects of Hurricane Sandy and a simultaneous Nor?easter, which are expected to rake the region beginning late this weekend and continuing through the early part of next week. He and other District officials have been meeting to coordinate preparations for the storm, and multiple agencies are working to mitigate its potential effects on the District.
Officials will work through the weekend to ensure the District?s residents, businesses and infrastructure are as ready as possible for the effects of the storm, which could include heavy rain and street flooding, strong winds and power outages, and storm-surge flooding along the Potomac River and its tributaries. Forecasters are predicting 4? to 8? of rain to fall between Sunday night and Wednesday, with bursts of rain falling at a rate of 2? per hour. Sustained tropical-storm-force winds of 40-60 miles per hour with gusts up to hurricane strength (75 miles per hour or more) are possible, and duration of the storm?s peak impact may be several hours.
?Meteorologists are sounding increasingly dire warnings about the magnitude and historic nature of this combined storm, and the District is preparing in earnest,? Mayor Gray said. ?We are working hard to ensure that we minimize any of this storm?s negative effects in the District.?
Preparations
The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) is coordinating the District government?s advance preparations. ?Crucial District government agencies are already implementing their storm-response plans,? said City Administrator Allen Y. Lew. ?We will be ready for this storm.?
Lew highlighted responses already underway:
? DC Water is clearing storm drains citywide.
? DPW will distribute sandbags tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 27) between
10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at RFK Stadium, Lot 7.
? The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is assigning staff and
contractors to be ready to collect storm debris starting
Monday, October 29, and DPW crews will assist.
? DPW tow trucks will be deployed as necessary to
remove vehicles blocking roadways.
? DDOT has generators in place at major intersections.
If power is disrupted, traffic signals will continue to work, and
DDOT traffic control officers will be deployed to direct
traffic where necessary.
For Residents
DPW is postponing Monday?s bulk garbage collections and notifying residents of the new day. Also, residents are asked to bag their leaves so they don?t collect in the storm drains and cause flooding.
Residents may go to the
DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency website to get tips to help them prepare their homes and families for the storm. To receive important text messages about the latest information on weather, traffic, closings and more, sign up for ALERT DC at textalert.ema.dc.gov.
DC government agencies will maintain a constant presence throughout the storm on Twitter and other social-media outlets and provide crucial information as conditions develop. Please follow the Mayor (@MayorVinceGray), DPW (@dcdpw), DDOT (@ddotdc) and DC Water (@dcwater) on Twitter for information on Hurricane Sandy response, using #SandyDC as a hashtag.
Tips to Prepare
Dealing with Downed Trees
Residents are reminded to stay clear of broken and hanging tree branches, which can fall at any time.
? Please report any downed tree branches by calling 311.
Residents are also reminded to stay away from downed wires, as they could be energized and electrical contact could be fatal. Report downed wires to Pepco by calling 1.877.PEPCO62
Power and Water Outages
To report a power outage, please call Pepco at 1.877.PEPCO62. Customers may report outages online at
pepco.com or download Pepco?s smart phone app, pepco.com/mobileapp to report and track outages. To report a water outage, residents can call DC Water at 202.612.3400
Roadways
Motorists are reminded to treat dark intersections as four-way stops and to avoid driving through standing water.
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New York State
Governor Declares State of Emergency
In preparation for the potential impact of Hurricane Sandy, which may hit NYS in the coming days, the Governor has declared a state of emergency.
Click here to read the release.
The Governor urges New Yorkers to pay close attention to TV and radio for the latest information and make sure you have a storm emergency kit.
Visit
www.dhses.ny.gov for the latest info on the storm.
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North carolina
10/26/2012
EO 129: DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
EXECUTIVE ORDER 129
DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
Pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution of the State of North Carolina and N.C.G.S. ?166A-19.20:
Section 1.
I hereby declare that a state of emergency as defined in N.C.G.S. ?? 166A-19.3(6) and 166A-19.3(18) exists in the State of North Carolina. The emergency area as defined in N.C.G.S. ?? 166A-19.3(7) and N.C.G.S. 166A-19.20(b) includes the following counties: Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne.
Section 2.
I order all state and local government entities and agencies to cooperate in the implementation of the provisions of this declaration and the provisions of the North Carolina Emergency Operations Plan.
Section 3.
I delegate to Reuben F. Young, the Secretary of the Department Public Safety, or his designee, all power and authority granted to me and required of me by Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the General Statutes for the purpose of implementing the State?s Emergency Operations Plan and deploying the State Emergency Response Team to take the appropriate actions as are necessary to promote and secure the safety and protection of the populace in North Carolina.
Section 4.
Further, Secretary Young, as chief coordinating officer for the State of North Carolina, shall exercise the powers prescribed in G. S.? 143B-602.
Section 5.
I further direct Secretary Young, to seek assistance from any and all agencies of the United States Government as may be needed to meet the emergency and seek reimbursement for costs incurred by the State in responding to this emergency.
Section 6.
I hereby order this declaration: (a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public; (b) unless the circumstances of the state of emergency prevent or impede, to be promptly filed with the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, the Secretary of State, and the clerks of superior court in the counties to which it applies; and (c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.
Section 7.
This declaration does not prohibit or restrict lawfully possessed firearms or ammunition or impose any limitation on the consumption, transportation, sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages as provided in N.C.G.S. ? 166A-19.30(c).
Section 8.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. ? 166A-19.23, this declaration triggers the prohibition against excessive pricing as provided in N.C.G.S. ? 75-37 and 75-38.
Section 9.
This declaration is effective Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 7:00 a.m. and shall remain in effect until rescinded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in the City of Raleigh, this 26th day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
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Beverly Eaves Perdue
Governor
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[FONT=Verdana,Bold][FONT=Verdana,Bold]Pennsylvania[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Bold][FONT=Verdana,Bold]News for Immediate Release[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Verdana,Bold]
[FONT=Verdana,Bold]Oct. 26, 2012[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Bold]Governor Corbett Declares Disaster Emergency in Advance of Hurricane[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Bold]Sandy[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana,Bold]Harrisburg [/FONT]
[/FONT]
? Governor Tom Corbett today declared a statewide disaster
emergency to enable state, county and municipal governments to respond
effectively to the impact of Hurricane Sandy.
The storm, which will likely begin to impact the state on Sunday evening, is
expected to bring heavy rain to much of the state, and even snow in some areas of
southwestern Pennsylvania and in higher elevations. Flooding and power outages
are also anticipated, and could last for several days.
Sustained high winds will likely
contribute to damage across the state as well.
The proclamation authorizes state agencies to use all available resources and
personnel, as necessary, to cope with the magnitude and severity of this
emergency situation. The time-consuming bid and contract procedures, as well as
other formalities normally prescribed by law, are waived for the duration of the
proclamation.
Corbett issued the disaster proclamation based on the recommendation of Glenn
Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and
forecasts from the National Weather Service.
Staff at the state's Emergency Operations Center, located at PEMA headquarters in
Harrisburg, has been monitoring conditions statewide to assess conditions and
coordinate any response necessary to support county and local officials in the
affected areas. PEMA remains in communication with multiple state agencies,
including the state departments of Transportation, Health, Public Welfare, General
Services, State Police, Pennsylvania National Guard, Turnpike Commission, Public
Utility Commission and the American Red Cross.
Individuals needing assistance should call their local municipal emergency
management office in the ?Blue Pages? section of the phone book or, if they have
an emergency, should call 911 immediately. When calling 911 to report an
emergency, it is critical for callers to stay on the line, even if for an extended series
of rings, until the operator answers. Hang-ups due to frustration result in wasted
staff time as the 911 center tries to re-establish contact.
Never call 911 to request or report road conditions.
