"We've been very busy," said an employee who was taking a break. "I don't think we've seen the worst of it, either. Wait to people start going home from work."
On his way home after taking care of the lunchtime crowd at his two downtown restaurants, Renato Bountempo said he hadn't seen a noticeable drop in business.
"It's a little scary," he said of all the reports that Sandy could be a high damage storm.
County gets prepared
As with the rest of the Baltimore metro area, Harford has put emergency operations personnel on alert and announced the county Emergency Operations Center near Bel Air "will be activated throughout the duration of the storm emergency," county government spokesman Bob Thomas said Friday.
A county news release said the Harford emergency preparedness actions are being coordinated through the Division of Emergency Operations.
"As further information and developments are available, the EOC will notify the public through media as well as direct calls through the Harford County Emergency Notification System," the county release stated.
"Hurricane Sandy is a severe storm with potential for a significant impact to Harford County as well as the entire State of Maryland," said County Executive David R. Craig in the news release."We urge citizens to immediately begin to take all necessary preparations in response to Hurricane Sandy and the severe weather we are anticipating."
As further information and developments are available, the county said EOC will notify the public through media, as well as direct calls through the Harford County Emergency Notification System.
For further information regarding the Emergency Notification System and to sign-up to receive emergency messages at a home or cell phone, visit http://www.harfordpublicsafety.org and click on the icon "sign up now" or call 410-638-4900.
Precautionary measures advised
The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations recommends the following precautionary measures for citizens to take prior to the impact of Hurricane Sandy:
• Ensure homes are equipped with flashlights and fresh batteries. In the event of a loss of electricity, use flashlights in lieu of candles for emergency lighting.
• Have at least a three (3) day supply of fresh water and canned goods available for you and your family.
• Have at least one battery powered portable radio available and in good working order to monitor news and weather information regarding the storm.
• Keep curb areas and storm drains clear of leaves and other debris which may impact proper drainage and result in flooded streets.
• When using portable generators for power, never bring the generator into the home or enclosed area as this may result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use outdoor cooking equipment, such as grills or barbecues, outdoors only and in well ventilated areas.
• Should flooding occur in a basement area, do not call 9-1-1 for assistance unless a true fire emergency is imminent. Local fire departments do not respond to pump out basements during natural disasters.
Check back with http://www.exploreharford.com for updates.
