Hurricane & Flood Precautions
by Joseph Theobald, Director of Emergency Services
The Atlantic Hurricane Season is from June through November. Ocean City closely monitors all tropical storms and stays in touch with the National Weather Service during any pending storms.
Hurricane Watches and Hurricane Warnings are issued by the National Hurricane Center in Miami. A WATCH is issued for an area that could experience the effects of a hurricane within 36 hours. A WARNING is used for an area that could experience the effects of a hurricane within 24 hours.
Due to population density and the time required to evacuate Ocean City during the summer months, evacuation recommendations may begin before a hurricane watch is issued.
Local emergency officials evaluate hurricane information to determine when to order an evacuation. The evacuation order is issued by the Mayor through the Emergency Management Director. An evacuation may be given while the sun is shining. This is because we must move all vulnerable residents to safety prior to the arrival of high winds or flooding roadways.
LEAVE YOUR HOME IMMEDIATELY WHEN ORDERED. When an evacuation order is given it will be issued over local radio and TV stations and on the Government Access Channel of your cable TV. Police, fire and other emergency officials will be notifying people as well.
The evacuation order will be done in phases.
| PHASE 1 |
Anyone traveling to Ocean City is asked to delay their visit until the situation improves. Mobile home residents and residents of known flood prone areas should secure their homes and prepare for possible evacuation. Secure or move all watercraft. |
| PHASE 2 |
Non-residents and vacationers are asked to evacuate. All mobile home and low-lying area residents are asked to evacuate. The Mayor closes the beach. Municipal bus service used as transportation to temporary shelters. The draw bridge on U.S. Route 50 is closed to boat traffic. |
| PHASE 3 |
Mayor declares a state of emergency. Sale of alcohol is banned and businesses are asked to close immediately. Everyone other than emergency personnel is asked to evacuate. Incoming traffic to Ocean City limited to emergency personnel. All Ocean City shelters relocated to the mainland. Municipal buses used as transportation to shelters |
| PHASE 4 |
Mayor requests a complete evacuation as quickly as possible. No incoming traffic allowed into Ocean City. Public transportation is shut down. Remaining city personnel are ordered to seek shelter. |
| SURVIVAL KIT |
PUBLIC SHELTER KIT |
| Non-perishable food (don't forget non-electric can opener)
Water (½ gal/person/day)Eating and cooking utensilsPersonal toilet articles and sanitary needs (diapers, etc.)Medications (prescriptions)Portable radio and batteriesFlashlight and batteries
Bedding (sleeping, blankets) |
Change of clothing
Portable cooler and iceFirst aid kitPersonal toilet articles and sanitary needsMedication
Sleeping bag, blankets, pillows |
KEEP IN TOUCH. When you come to the beach keep your eyes and ears open! Ocean City is no different than any other large city during summer months. Here's how we try to get your attention for emergencies such as hurricanes:
-Local radio and television
-Cable television audio override (Ocean City officials can override all cable channels with emergency messages).
-Commuter signs owned by local businesses
-Banner planes
During emergencies, we update a recording for our residents and visitors 410.723.6670
Hurricane CategoriesThe National Weather Service
categorizes hurricanes by intensity
| Category |
Winds |
Storm Surge |
| I |
74-96 mph |
4-5 ft. |
| II |
96-110 mph |
6-8 ft. |
| III |
111-130 mph |
9-12 ft. |
| IV |
131-155 mph |
13-18 ft. |
| V |
156 + mph |
19 + ft. |
|
