Westminster, MD, Friday, May 9, 2025 — This week is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and Carroll County is teaming up with the National Weather Service (NWS) to promote citizen awareness and preparedness.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. The height of Maryland’s season is typically mid-August to October.  Hurricanes can cause strong winds, heavy rain, inland flooding, and other severe weather. Residents in Carroll County can “be weather ready” by ensuring they know how to receive a warning, have a plan, and practice safety tips.

 “It only takes one storm to significantly impact life and livelihood,” said Director of Public Safety, Valerie Hawkins. “Learn now if you reside or work in a flood-prone area and make plans for how you will react as well as evacuate should the need arise.”

The NWS cautions that Maryland can be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, which may bring winds over 150 mph, tornadoes, and flooding from storm surges and heavy rain, causing damage both along the coast and far inland.

NWS works closely with the Department of Public Safety—Emergency Management and local government agencies to monitor hurricane activity, develop preparedness plans, share safety information, and coordinate storm response efforts.

Residents can also take the following actions to remain safe:

  • Build an emergency supply kit and develop a family emergency and communications plan.
  • Stay tuned to trusted sources such as the National Weather Service and local
  • Broadcasters for official weather information.
  • Monitor NWS flood warnings for your area and be prepared to seek higher ground. Flooding is often our biggest threat.
  • Charge devices before bad weather hits so you can receive real-time weather watches, warnings, and other official information.
  • Sign up for Carroll Alert to receive text, phone, and app alerts for emergency notifications.
  • Download the Prepare Me Carroll mobile app onto your smartphone or tablet. It is available free of charge from the iPhone and Google Play (Android) app stores.

For more information, please visit the Department of Public Safety’s Facebook page, Twitter, and the National Weather Service’s Hurricane preparedness page at  https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep