On the Eastern Shore, J.R. Bradley moored two barges he uses in his dock and bulkhead construction business on the Choptank River. Then he headed into Oxford to fasten his 28-foot fishing boat and fit it with dock bumpers.
Bradley said his preparations "aren't much more than we'd do normally. I don't think this storm is going to be that bad. ... My biggest worry is what the bridge traffic might be like."
At Schooner's Landing marina in Oxford, Richard Marolt was securing his 25-foot sailboat, driving 10-inch spikes into the pilings to keep the lines from riding up from high winds or rising tides. He recalled kayaking above the dock pilings five years ago when Isabel's storm surge flooded the shore.
Hanna's approach triggered numerous cancellations and postponements. The Baltimore Bicycling Club postponed until Sunday its Civil War Century 2008 rides in Thurmont due to the forecast of heavy rain and high winds today. The group's Web site explained: "... [T]he current forecast for Saturday is severe enough that we believe it could present a danger to you, our participants and volunteers."
State officials warned of scam artists who could emerge after the storm. The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation said storm damage might attract crooks who represent themselves as legitimate contractors. They offer low prices and quick work, then disappear with the money.
Residents should hire only contractors licensed by the state Home Improvement Commission, which provides compensation for work by licensed contractors that isn't completed. To check on a contractor's license, call 888-218-5925.
Baltimore Sun reporters Laura Smitherman, Annie Linskey, Jay Apperson, Candus Thomson, Nicole Fuller, Nick Madigan and Chris Guy contributed to this article.
