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What is a weather watch?
A weather watch is when conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop.

What is a weather warning?
A weather warning is when conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning.

Should I talk on the telephone during a thunderstorm?
No, you should not talk on the telephone during a thunderstorm. In recent years, people have been killed by lightning while talking on the telephone. But remember you can limit use of the telephone for emergency calls only (police, fire, ambulance).

Do the rubber tires on a vehicle protect me during a thunderstorm?
Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.

What should I have in my disaster supply kit?
A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won't spoil, one change of clothing and footwear per person, one blanket or sleeping bag per person, a first aid kit, including prescription medicines, emergency tools, including a battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries, an extra set of car keys, and a credit card or cash, special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

What if I have to evacuate my home?
If you need to evacuate your home, having some essential supplies on hand will make you and your family more comfortable:
  • Prepare a disaster supplies kit in an easy-to-carry container such as a duffel bag or small plastic trash can.
  • Include "special needs" items for any household member (infant formula or items for people with disabilities or older people), first aid supplies (including prescription medications), a change of clothing for each person, a sleeping bag or bedroll for each, a battery powered radio and extra batteries, food, bottled water and tools.
  • It is also a good idea to include some cash and copies of important family documents (birth certificates, passports and licenses) in your kit.

What about my pets?
The Department of Emergency Services has put together a brochure explaining how you can be better prepared to care for your pets in a disaster, including valuable tips to help you put together a plan for your pets during an emergency situation.

Disaster Preparedness Guidlines for Pets (PDF: 294 KB).

What is the Tri-County Siren Alarm System?
Emergency managers in Caroline, Talbot and Queen Anne's Counties have realized a need for an additional means of warning our communities of imminent danger or the need to turn on radios, televisions or computers for information. It is hoped that the "Imminent Danger" signal will never be needed; however, it will be available should something occur. The "Warning" signal might be used when a severe weather warning is issued for the area. When the crisis is ended, an "All Clear" signal will be sounded.

Warning
2 minute steady signal
Turn to your local emergency alert station


Imminent Danger
2 minute wavering tone
Like a fire siren signal - only faster
Take protective actions


All Clear
30 second steady tone
Emergency has ended


The system will be tested on the first Saturday of every month at noon by sounding the IMMINENT DANGER SIGNAL, FOLLOWED BY THE ALL-CLEAR.


We have prepared a brochure, Tri-County Siren Alarm Information for Citizens (PDF: 355 K) which provides more information on the new warning system.

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Caroline County Department of Emergency Services

7 North First Street
Denton Maryland 21629
Phone: (410) 479-2622
Fax: (410) 479-4200
email: eminfo@co.caroline.md.us


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