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Politics & Government

Local Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for 'Frankenstorm'

Annapolis city officials are recommending residents prepare for potential power outages and property damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Annapolis officials are urging residents to prepare for Hurricane Sandy, which is expected to bring high winds, high tides and heavy rain to the area early next week. 

Surrounded on both sides by water, Broadneck residents should pay particular attention as updates continue to come on Sandy's progress.

“The Office of Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management is monitoring the storm closely so we can make important decisions to ensure the safety of our citizens,” said Mayor Josh Cohen. “At this point, the best thing we can all do is prepare residents and businesses.”

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The storm, dubbed a "Frankenstorm" by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is about 480 miles from Charleston, SC with winds of about 80 miles per hour, according to a city press release.

Hurricane Sandy slammed Cuba on Thursday with heavy rain and winds around 110 miles per hour. By Friday morning, the death toll was listed at 21 across the Caribbean, according to The Huffington Post.

Find out what's happening in Broadneckwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

BGE issued a statement on Wednesday for Maryland customers, saying it was preparing for the possibility of weather-related outages this weekend and into next week. 

"BGE encourages customers to take time now to ensure they are prepared should severe weather affect the service area resulting in extended power outages," according to the statement.

Patch will be updating its readers on the storm as it develops. For up to the minute updates follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We will also send out breaking news alerts if necessary. To receive them, sign up for our newsletter.

City officials are asking residents to keep generator safety in mind and reminded them to never use a generator indoors. During June's derecho storm, several families were hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper generator use.

Officials also recommend using battery-operated lanterns and light sticks instead of candles when indoors.

Annapolitans should make sure they have the following items:

  • First aid kit and essential medications.
  • Canned food and can opener.
  • At least 3 gallons of water per person
  • Protective clothing, rain-gear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
  • Written instructions for how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (remember, a professional should turn them back on).
  • Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places; a friend's home in another town, a hotel/motel, or a shelter.
  • Make sure to charge your cell phone.

For more preparedness information, go to Annapolis Office of Emergency Preparedness and Risk Management. The city will also have all updated information posted on its home page at www.annapolis.gov.

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