HURRICANE INFORMATION
Hurricane season runs from June to November. Ocean City closely monitors tropical weather conditions in partnership with the National Weather Service.
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 48 hours.
A WARNING is used for an area that could experience the effects of a hurricane within 36 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.
PREPARE FOR HURRICANES
Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ day care, and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
- Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up.
Identify if you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.
Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.