Mayor Craig A. Moe has put the City of Laurel under a Declaration of Emergency that will remain in effect until further notice. Mayor Moe has made the announcement that City Offices and Passports will be closed on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30. Emergency Operations Director, Martin Flemion has announced that Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened on Monday, October 29 at 7:00am and will remain open until further notice. Residents may call 301-725-5300 to report issues of concern. City phones will be staffed by City personnel to assist residents with inquiries.
The effects of Hurricane Sandy are being felt in the Laurel area now and will continue through Tuesday, October 30 until the early or late evening. Wind gusts could reach up to 70+ miles per hour and we are expected to have approximately 6 – 8 inches of rainfall in a 24 to 36 hour time period.
Mayor Moe and Emergency Operations Director Flemion are asking residents to please check in on your neighbors who are elderly or physically challenged and make sure that they are well. With the possibility of wide-spread power outages, residents using generators should follow the manufacturers’ instructions and be sure to locate generators in well-ventilated areas; please do not put generators in garages or basements. Generators need to be placed outdoors so that the gas-powered engine will vent properly. Additionally, you are asked to be please bring your pets indoors as the winds could bring down trees and create hazardous situations for your four-legged family members.
Public Works has cancelled trash, recycling and leaf collection on Tuesday, October 30 and Special Pick Up on Wednesday, October 31. Because of the high winds, residents are asked that you please do not put out your trash or recycling Monday night or Tuesday morning . Public Works will have their phones staffed during this event, so please call them at 301-725-0088 with any Public Works issues of concern and to find out the updated trash and recycling schedule.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department have cancelled all classes and events for Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30. However, the Robert J. DiPietro Center, located at 7901 Cypress Street, will open to handle, in a limited capacity, residents wanting information on City Operations as well as charging electronic items. Internet access should be available depending on service availability, but the storm could affect this service. The Robert J. DiPietro will open in a shelter capacity if needed.
The State of Maryland has opened a pet friendly shelter in College Park at University of Maryland (Ritchie Coliseum), 7950 Baltimore Ave. The State Government has also suspended early voting for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 30. For more updates on what the State is doing in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, please visit their website at http://mema.maryland.gov/ Pages/ home Emergency_hurricane.aspx
Mayor Moe states that Hurricane Sandy has the possibility for damaging winds and rain, so he asks that you please only use the road ways if necessary so that the City’s Emergency staff can respond to this weather event safely. Because of the high winds and heavy rains, CMRT and Howard Transit has notified the City that they will cancel all service for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 30.
If you are in need of Emergency Service, Fire and EMS can be reached by calling 911 and the Laurel Police can be reached by calling 301-725-3000 for Emergency needs. If you need to report a power outage in your area, please call BG&E at 877-778-2222. For more information on Press Releases and Alerts, please visit our City website at www.laurel.md.us or call the City’s Laurel Information Line at 240-294-1307.
