100 W. Washington Street, Suite 1401 Hagerstown, MD 21740 | 240.313.2380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             CONTACT: Danielle Weaver, Director Phone: 240-313-2384 Email: [email protected]

EMERGENCY SERVICES PROVIDES UPDATE TO EXPECTED WEATHER CONDITIONS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY Storm and flooding preparation tips

HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 14, 2018) – The Washington County Division of Emergency Services and all allied agencies have finalized the response planning in preparation of the forecast for Hurricane Florence. Extensive discussions have been made on how citizens should report flooded basements. All emergency service departments intend to respond to flooding calls that do not pose an immediate life hazard or additional danger to property in a non-emergency mode. A flooded basement (in most instances) has already experienced its damage. Response in the middle of a storm will not change any of that damage. When emergency services receives multiple calls for flooded basements, the Emergency Communications Center will place flooding calls into a que and will be handled as resources become available. In some instances, this could be several hours; or in unlikely instances, a day or two. The Hagerstown Fire Department and Washington County Emergency Services both embrace this approach, and it is our desire to provide the same message and response countywide. All emergency service stations have been provided advanced notice of the upcoming storm and are preparing resources to respond. The County continues to emphasize that with an increase in water levels, it is encouraged for all citizens to be aware of flooding in well and septic tank areas. It should be noted that water tables statewide are at historic levels and we are unable to move the water from the structure until the rain has subsided. The City and County are encouraging residents and business owners to purchase or rent pumps, which will hopefully assist in relieving the amount of non-life-threatening calls to emergency services.   The Washington County Health Department has provided instructional documentation for an overflowing well or septic tank, which can be found at the links below: Flooding and Your Well and Septic Chlorination Instructions

In regard to the upcoming impact of Hurricane Florence in Washington County, citizens can expect the following: Hurricane Florence made landfall as a Category 1 Hurricane this morning at 7:15 a.m. in Wrightsville Beach, NC. Highest winds through Sunday will remain south of Maryland. Higher level Tropical Storm Force Winds may be felt in the higher elevations Sunday night through Tuesday. At this time the total rainfall forecast for the next 5 days is 1-2 inches for Washington County, however, that forecast is very uncertain. The impact to Washington County will be dependent upon how Florence tracks and transitions as it moves north. A storm track farther to the west will mean less rain, farther east will mean more rain. Heaviest rain is forecasted to occur Sunday night into Tuesday with a possibility of flooding along the Appalachians during that time. Significant river flooding is also possible Sunday night into Tuesday. Washington County would like to share the importance of planning for weather-related events. Please be aware of high water, saturated ground, and stream elevations. All citizens are encouraged to refrain from driving through standing water. To stay up-to-date on road closures in Washington County, please visit our road closure map .  For additional information, please contact Public Relations and Marketing Director Danielle Weaver at 240-313-2384. ###

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About Washington County, Maryland Government Washington County, Maryland Government strives to fulfill its duty to the citizens of Washington County with regard to operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to the needs of the community. This vision is used to ably assist the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County in achieving goals for moving the County forward as present needs and future plans are addressed. According to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services, the Washington County General Fund has one of the lowest costs per capita for services provided of all 23 counties and Baltimore City. This is attributed to the efficiency, staffing levels, and cost containment exhibited in Washington County Government operations.

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