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	Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Mayor, Baltimore City 250 City Hall - Baltimore Maryland 21202 (410) 396-3835 - Fax: (410) 576-9425 Better Schools. Safer Streets. Stronger Neighborhoods.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2011		CONTACT Ryan O’Doherty (410) 818-4269 ryan.odoherty@baltimorecity.gov

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Declares State of Emergency for Baltimore 

Local declaration ensures comprehensive hurricane preparation and helps allow for future federal reimbursement of potential storm costs

This afternoon at 4:19pm, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake officially declared a State of Emergency for Baltimore in order to ensure comprehensive preparations for Hurricane Irene and to help allow for future federal reimbursement of potential storm costs.

Earlier today, Mayor Rawlings-Blake participated in a White House conference call with President Barack Obama, homeland security officials, and other east coast local and state leaders. Mayor Rawlings-Blake said she “has been assured that that federal government is fully prepared to provide additional resources and support to cities and states that may be affected by the storm.”

At noon today, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation encouraged residents in Southeast and South Baltimore located in low-lying areas to relocate vehicles to higher elevations. Mayor Rawlings-Blake ordered the opening of free, designated parking facilities for residents who need to relocate vehicles from low-lying areas. For more information on voluntary vehicle relocation, visit: http://www.baltimorecity.gov/OfficeoftheMayor/NewsPressReleases/tabid/66/ID/1498/Residents_in_the_Southeast_Encouraged_to_Relocate
_Vehicles_in_Low_Lying_Areas.aspx

All Residents should take these steps to prepare for severe weather:

• Have an emergency kit, including a three-day supply of water, battery operated AM/FM radio, and a flashlight.
• Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations, and listen for instructions from City officials.
• Have a personal or family plan to shelter-in-place or evacuate if told to do so.
• Batten down any loose items, and secure property as best as possible.
• Clear outdoor storm drains near their property to prevent flooding during heavy rains.
• Report blocked storm drains and downed trees to 311.
• Dial (877) 778-2222 to report power outages.
• Do not DRIVE on flooded roads or PARK in flood-prone areas.
• Stay informed. Monitor the storm on local TV and radio stations, and listen for updates from City officials.
• Citizens who live along streams or in places that are subject to flooding are especially urged to stay alert and to be prepared to move their vehicles or evacuate.

For more information on how to prepare, visit: http://www.baltimorecity.gov/OfficeoftheMayor/MayoralOffices/EmergencyManagement/HazardsInBaltimore/HurricanesStormsandFlooding.aspx