Dam Failure Threat in St. Mary's County

Due to the heavy rains from Hurricane Irene, St. Mary's County issued a potential St. Mary's Lake Dam failure notification.

People who live downstream from the dam are threatened by the possibility of significant flooding. They are advised to take the following precautions:

• Move family and pets upstairs or to a high place with a means of escape.
• Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if flood water is about to enter your home and it is safe to do so. DO NOT touch sources of electricity when standing in flood water.
• Keep listening to local radio for updates.
• Flood water can rise quickly. Stay calm and reassure those around you.
• Avoid walking through flood water.
• Keep children, pets and vulnerable people away from flood water.
• Wash your hands thoroughly if you touch flood water.
• Do not drive through flood water. About 60 percent of all flood deaths are people in vehicles that are swept away by moving water.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/DC-Storm-Damage-Across-DMV-128535988.html?DamFailure