PRINCE FREDERICK, MD (August 23, 2011) — The Calvert County Commissioners have established a local shelter at Huntingtown High School, 4125 Solomons Island Rd. (Route 2/4), Huntingtown, for residents who need a temporary place to stay following the reported 5.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Mineral Springs, Virginia, today at approximately 2 p.m.

Residents who NEED to relocate should do the following:

• DO NOT dial 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency.
• Gather items you will need to take with you. (Refer to checklist below)
• Turn off lights and appliances (except refrigerators and freezers).
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Use your own vehicle. Offer rides to neighbors who may not have transportation.
• If you need a ride or special assistance, call 410-535-0396 or 0314 in Calvert County.
• Pets can be accommodated at the shelter; pets should be in carriers.

Relocation checklist:

ü  Medical supplies (prescriptions, other medication, first aid kit)

ü  Money (cash, checkbook, credit cards, important personal and financial documents)

ü  Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, shaving supplies, eye care supplies, washcloth, towels)

ü  Clothing

ü  Baby supplies (formula, diapers, favorite toys)

ü  Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows

ü  Portable radio and batteries

ü  Special diet food if you have a special diet

ü  Road maps

ü  Non-perishable food

ü  Bottled water

The Thomas Johnson Bridge in Solomons and the Route 231 bridge crossing the Patuxent River are open to traffic.

Residents should call 911 in the event of an emergency while all others are encouraged to stay off phone lines to avoid overburdening the system. Residents should tune it to local radio and television stations for more information. Calvert County has established information phone lines at 410-535-0396 or 0314.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers the following advice for earthquake response:

Expect aftershocks. These secondary shockwaves are usually less violent than the main quake but can be strong enough to do additional damage to weakened structures and can occur in the first hours, days, weeks, or even months after the quake.

Listen to a battery-operated radio or television. Listen for the latest emergency information.

Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Open cabinets cautiously. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.

Stay away from damaged areas. Stay away unless your assistance has been specifically requested by police, fire, or relief organizations. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

Stay away from coastal cliff areas.

Help injured or trapped persons. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance such as infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids immediately. Leave the area if you smell gas or fumes from other chemicals.

Inspect the entire length of chimneys for damage. Unnoticed damage could lead to a fire.

Inspect utilities.

Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.

Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.

Check for sewage and water lines damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company if applicable and avoid using water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.