Baltimore County Executive James Smith emphasized preparedness and citizen responsibility as heavy rain forecasts and flood warnings continued late Tuesday.
“We want to be prepared ? and the citizens should be prepared,” Smith said.
The Emergency Operations Center was activated Tuesday afternoon and was expected to remain open through the night, Smith said. The EOC coordinates countywide emergency responses, with the cooperation of various public and private agencies.
While the County has not yet issued a voluntary evacuation, a shelter opened at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Stemmer Mill Run Middle School in East Baltimore County, where the low-lying lands are most vulnerable to flooding. The shelter is open to any county resident who feels at risk of flooding, Smith said.
The County must “lead by example,” Smith said adding that the biggest concern was public disregard for the severity of heavy rains and flooding. Smith expressed concern over citizens doing “ignorant things” such as driving through standing water or venturing out during the heaviest rains, which were predicted to occur between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 2 a.m. this morning.
“I can?t stress enough that citizens do not cross flooded roadways,” Smith said. “Use extreme caution.”
The county recently established “Ready? Set? Good,” a campaign that emphasizes citizen emergency preparedness. Families need to be prepared by having a portable radio, a gallon of water per person and a flashlight, Smith said. Smith, however, cautioned citizens against rushing out to purchase emergency items during heavy rains.
