June 13, 2013
Hello Ward 5 Residents,
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area until later this evening. Forecasters are predicting a combination of high winds, heavy rains and severe thunderstorms, which could potentially lead to flooding.
Residents should move their vehicles from low-lying flood prone areas, and prepare their homes and basements for the possibility of flooding. Also, remember to check on elderly and at-risk friends and family to make sure they have access to plenty of water, a telephone and food.
Residents should utilize the following numbers:
For immediate medical emergencies call 911.
- None emergency issues, residents should first call 311.
- To report power outages, residents should call Pepco’s 24-hour outage report line at 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662). If you cannot use your home phone, follow the phone prompts and make sure Pepco has a working phone number where you can be reached about service restoration.
- Residents can contact the Office of the People’s Counsel to obtain information or assistance at (202) 727-3071.
Here are some additional safety tips:
- Assemble an emergency “storm kit.” Include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.
- Keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods and bottled water and have a hand-operated can opener available.
- Have a telephone with a cord or cell phone to use as a backup. Cordless telephones require electricity to operate, and will not work if there is an outage.
- Stay away from downed wires.
- Tune to local news broadcasts for the latest weather and emergency information.
- Follow the advice of local emergency management officials.
- Evacuate if told to do so.
- Move to a small room, closet or hallway. Go to the first or second floor if you’re in a multi-story building.
- DO NOT walk or drive through moving water and find shelter immediately.
Best,
