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) will open 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, however, the worst effects are predicted to hit the Laurel area starting Monday, October 29 around 12Noon and continue through Tuesday, October 30 until the early or late evening. Wind gusts could reach up to 45 – 55 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 will pick up trash and recycling on Monday, October 29, but the City has suspended trash and recycling pickup on Tuesday, October 30, so the City asks that you please do not put out your trash or recycling for Tuesday’s cancelled pick up. 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 will cancel 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.  The storm could affect this service. The Robert J. DiPietro will open in a shelter capacity if needed.

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.

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.