Flash Flood Watch, Tornado Warning, Tornado Watch, Coastal Flooding

Latest from the NWS: Flash Flood watch until 2100 hrs, Tornado Warning until 1015 hrs, Tornado Watch until 1300 hrs, Coastal Flood Warning until midnight.

The current forecast is calling for 4 to 8 inches of rain total, with rain extending into the evening hours. The tornado watch is in effect, however sustained winds should not exceed 30 mph. High tides are predicted to be 2.5 feet above normal.

What to Do During a Tornado

If you are in: A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) : Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

In a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home: Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes

If you are outside with no shelter: Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.

Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.

Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries

New Links - Flu and Hurricane

Please see the additions to the Interesting Websites section. The Flu Map will give you a view of how the flu is moving through the United States. The Hurricane site will provide the up-to-date locations of active storms.

Emergency Response Boat 41 Commissioning

On September 24, 2010 at 0930 hrs, the new Emergency Response Boat 41 "Arundel Patriot" will be commissioned at the Sandy Point Marina Area.

The boat is currently in-service and is a joint resource of the Fire and Police Departments.

Have a Water Supply Backup Plan

On June 12, the Seattle Fire Department had a dwelling fire that resulted in the deaths of five people. One of the causes of the fatalities was attributed to the first engines failure to supply its handlines due to a mechanical failure. This situation highlights the need for responding units to establish secondary water supplies and have a plan if the initial attack engine is incapacitated.

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/426252_FIRE07.html

Things to think about.
Do you know your pump well enough to manually correct potential problems?

Is the second engine in covering the first engine's hydrant and is it prepared to assume the attack engine position if necessary?

Do you have a secondary water source should the first fail?

What else do you think should be included in this list?

Anne Arundel County Purchases Ladder Truck

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department announces the purchase of a 2008 E-One 100' Ladder Truck. The truck was previously a part of the Oak Lawn IL Fire Department. Oak Lawn is a suburb of Chicago. The truck was purchased but before delivery, the department decided to sell the truck, a squad and an engine then purchase a quint. This was done to save money. The truck was used for four months, placed into reserve status and then sold. The truck will have about 6,000 miles, 600 hours on the motor, and 125 hours on the aerial when delivered to the County. The truck will most likely be placed in front line status and an existing truck will be placed in reserve status. Then, one of the existing reserve trucks will be retired.