[CC-ARES-RACES] State of Emergency

[Robert Davidson]

SUBJECT:
 State of Emergency

SUMMARY:
State of Emergency Declared for Charles County  Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly declared a local state of 
emergency in Charles County at 8 p.m. today, which will be in effect for seven days, due to severe flooding as a result of 
remnants of Hurricane Lee.  A declaration of a local state of emergency authorizes the Charles County Department of Emergency 
Services to engage, deploy, and coordinate available resources to protect life and property of Charles County residents.  
Currently, the National Weather Service has placed Charles County under a Flood Warning. This warning means that flood 
conditions are anticpated to continue affecting the region within the next 24 hours.  A temporary shelter with restroom 
facilities has been established and is open at the Charles County Department of Community Services building in Port Tobacco 
(8190 Port Tobacco Road) for residents who are unable to get to their homes due to flooded roads. Pets (dogs and cats) are 
welcome at the shelter.  A non-emergency telephone number, 301-609-3435 has been established for citizens to call who have 
questions during this weather event. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.  Citizens are encouraged to stay off the roadways, 
if possible.  If you must travel on the roads, use extreme caution and do not attempt to travel through flooded areas.  Wash 
your hands if you come into contact with flood waters.  Place belongings and valuables at home in higher places.  Prepare 
your home and family for possible power outages. Residents are advised to tune in to local radio and television news stations 
for emergency alerts and actions. Updated information is also available online at www.CharlesCounty.org, on the county's 
Facebook page, and on Charles County Government cable television stations (Comcast channel 95 and Verizon channel 10).