Calvert County Urges Preparations for Hurricane Irene
Sandbags Are Available to Help Residents Protect Property

As Hurricane Irene approaches, the Calvert County Department of Public Safety is urging county residents to be prepared for the potential of heavy rains, high winds and coastal flooding.

Current forecasts call for wind gusts over 39 miles per hour beginning late Saturday, up to eight inches of rain possible in some areas and an approximate three-feet storm surge beginning Saturday. There is the potential for large battering waves on the Chesapeake Bay shorelines. Due to expected high winds and rainfall, residents should prepare for widespread power outages.

Calvert County residents who live in low-lying areas are urged to secure their properties and relocate until the storm passes.

The county is making sand and sand bags available for residents who need them to protect property. Up to 25 sand bags per person may be picked up from now through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the following locations:

• Appeal Salt Dome, 401 Sweetwater Road, Lusby
• Stafford Road Salt Dome, 335 Stafford Road, Barstow
• Mt. Hope Salt Dome, 92 Pushaw Road, Sunderland

County staff will be available to assist those in need. Sand will be available at these sites from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents should bring a shovel to fill the bags.

Residents should tune to local radio and TV stations, to the county website or to Comcast channel 6 for the latest information on the storm. Residents who need nonemergency assistance can reach the Department of Public Safety at 410-535-0396 or 0314.