Tropical System to Impact Maine: Preparedness Underway

September 27, 2008
5:00 PM

AUGUSTA, MAINE – With hurricane and tropical storm watches posted for portions of the State of Maine, the Maine Emergency Management Agency is urging all Mainers to take appropriate safety and preparedness steps, and is coordinating with county, local and federal authorities to ensure that the State is prepared for the storm.

“The National Weather Service tells us that the major impact of Kyle will be felt late Sunday night into early Monday morning. The effects will likely be worst downeast, in Hancock and Washington Counties although that can change rapidly” MEMA Director Rob McAleer said, “But with rain already here from another system, and winds and rain increasing in advance of Kyle, the time to take action is now.” Tropical systems can bring high winds causing downed trees and other damages, heavy rains, power outages, inland and coastal flooding and road washouts. MEMA is recommending these basic safety precautions for families and businesses. * Pay close attention to current forecasts and warnings. Tropical system forecasts can change quickly * Make preparations to be self-sufficient for 72 hours, if affected by power outages or isolated by flooded roads.

If you have a boat, take the safety precautions as recommended by the harbormaster. More preparedness tips for boat-owners are available at http://www.maineprepares.com
Local authorities in coastal areas are recommending that those on Maine islands with urgent medical needs, including reliance on electricity for medical equipment, relocate to the mainland or to another safe location as soon as possible.

Governor Baldacci and senior members of his Administration participated in a conference call this afternoon with the National Weather Service, US Coast Guard, State Emergency Response Team, public utilities, County and local emergency management officials. The following actions have been taken by the Governor, state, federal and local agencies to prepare for the storm:

Department of Conservation Incident Management Team and mobile command post prepositioned to Washington County
City of Bangor team and mobile command post on standby for Hancock County
County EMAs have fanned out emergency information to all communities, and are working with island communities to identify any individuals with medical needs who may need to be relocated before the storm
Maine DOT, MEMA and coastal counties are coordinating with State Ferry Service regarding any suspension of service to the island communities.
US Coast Guard is evaluating departure and arrival actions for cruise ships and commercial vessels
Potential shelter locations have been determined, and American Red Cross chapters and volunteers are on standby to operate shelters as needed
Power utilities have crews on standby, and have made contingency plans to call in crews from partner utilities if needed.
National Guard teams are prepared to deploy to support county and local officials if needed
Close coordination is ongoing with FEMA Region One.
Contact with the FCC 24 hour communications has been established in case of large-scale communications issues.

“It has been seventeen years since a hurricane or tropical storm had this projected impact in Maine,” McAleer said. “As responders, and as individuals, we need to stay tuned to the latest information, and take appropriate steps to safeguard ourselves and our communities. “

Preparedness information and up-to-date news on the storm can be found at the Maine Prepares website, at http://www.maineprepares.com

Contact: MEMA
207-624-4400

Last update: Thursday, 20-Mar-2008 15:09:48 EDT

MAINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Tropical System to Impact Maine: Preparedness Underway

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