I attended an emergency planning meeting last night and learned our rescue team will be activated as of Thursday night at 2200hrs. We were told to prepare for at least a three to four day stay. The eye of the storm is expected to pass approximately 30-35 miles to our west, resulting in major flooding to our area, with potential multiple swiftwater/floodwater rescues and building collapses. I have been trying to gather/organize supplies for my family, but between checking our equipment, work and preparing for deployment it is going to be tight. Many of my co-workers appear to be down playing the storm, despite the numerous warnings made through the media. I hope you all make it through the storm okay with minimal impact. Please remember in your prayers the many Police Officers, Firefighters/EMS Providers, Hospital Personnel and Military Service members who will be out in the storm the next few days, as well as their families. Thanks-Pete

Our team was put on alert Monday by the State. We have been going over the equipment and trucks all week in preparation.

I have been pulling together a 3 day bag and have gotten an OK to leave from the boss. Last time following Floyd we were able to assist quite a few flood victims about an hour from here.

Hopefully the storm will continue to deteriorate and only be a minor inconvience. Got new chains for my saw, my swiftwater gear has been checked and is ready, and I found my kneepads for building collapse.

The wife has food, water, alternate light, heating, and cooking methods available. The kids are calm and assured having been through two other hurricanes and several ice storms. Hopefully the huricanne will not spawn too many tornados.

Pete, if you see grey trucks with REDS on the side, give a wave and hi-diddly-o neighbor. Stay safe.

Ya'll be careful, okay.

Pete,

Speaking as a local member of the public that you and your team support, just let me say thanks and that we appreciate you guys being out there. I think that my family has things pretty under control preparation wise, as long as one of our trees doesn't come down on the house. If you're out on Linganore Road give a yell...

Be safe! And let us know if there is anything we can do for you guys (other than trying to stay out of trouble so you don't have to worry about us).

Greg

Pete, as a fellow brother in blue (reserve), vol. firefighter, one of only 5 Intermediate EMT's in our local ambulance service and a company first responder (job that pays the bills) I want you to know I will think of all of my fellow brothers and sisters during this event.
All preparations aside, I will point out that my EDC when on duty is normally a dry towel (packtowl) change of clothes, normally uniform related, 4 packets of Lipton Cup-O-Soup and my thermal mug, which is carried in addition to all of my other "stuff." Sometimes a business owner will offer free coffee, as will shelters. After about 18 solid mind numbing hours in the cold, wind and wet you'll probably want to contact your family and of course find some dry warm spot and change clothes. Most importantly stay hydrated. Get full rest when allowed and avoid too much caffeine. Don't try to overdue it either, as injuries are normally the result. A two hour nap will make all of the difference in the world for any of us. In closing; take care and let's all be safe out there! Hope this helps.

Good luck Pete.

The worst part of the job is the time between the wait command and the go command. It is the most energy consuming part.

I hope your family goes through the hurricane trouble-safe.

Take care,
Burak

Gashouse Pike at Linganore Creek is a major flooding area and invariable some one tries to cross and ends up stuck in the water. So, we may in fact be near your home. This is a reminder to all out there that might be affected by this or any other storm: PLEASE DO NOT TRY AND TRAVEL THROUGH STANDING WATER, MOVING OR NOT. More deaths from hurricanes and tropical storms occur from inland flooding, than along the coast. Also to any fellow Firefighters out there: DO NOT APPROACH STANDING WATER WITHOUT A PFD AND DO NOT WEAR TURNOUT GEAR NEAR THE WATER. Pete

Well we just received notice that our workplace is closing in the next few minutes, so this will be my last post until Monday or whenever. I am going home to finish packing and getting things ready for the family. On behalf of all the emergency responders, I want to thank you all for your kind comments, thoughts and prayers. Stay safe - Pete

Well, we lucked out in our area, the storm moved further to the west, than originally thought and rainfall and wind were not too bad. We are under a flood watch and still expect to receive some flooding as the water runs from the western Maryland area towards the Potomac. Hope you all made well, I know that parts of Virginia to our southwest got hit pretty hard. Pete