Community Update: August 7, 2020
Dear community members:
St. Mary’s County recorded 84 new cases of COVID-19 last week, which serves as a timely reminder that we must remain COVID-safe and COVID-vigilant to keep our community as protected as possible. Here are this week’s news items for Cedar Lane:
COVID-19 Status on Our Campus:
As of today, there are still no known cases of COVID-19 at Cedar Lane. Continue to wear your mask and wash it frequently. If you need a new filter, please call the Front Desk and ask for Wanda Fenwick. Testing is available with no doctor’s order and no appointment for St. Mary’s County residents. To learn more, call the COVID-19 Community Hotline at 301-475-4911, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Signs of the Times:
You will start to see some decals going up around property that offer important reminders to help keep yourself and those around you safe during this ongoing health crisis.
Teleworking Staff Returning to Campus
You may have spotted some Cedar Lane staff members who have returned to campus. While it’s great to see their faces again, please do not knock on office doors. In order to keep residents and staff as safe as possible, we must all keep a social distance. Instead, please call the Front Desk and ask to be transferred to the person/department you wish to reach. We will assist you by phone or schedule an appointment using appropriate safety precautions. When paying your rent, please drop it in one of the rent boxes. Your completed confidentiality form can be left at the Front Desk for Kirk Turner or Crystal King.
Upcoming MOR for Building II
Several members of our team are preparing for an upcoming HUD Management and Occupancy Review for the Burch Building. All Section 8 project-based rental assistance programs are subject to these routine audits and inspections – even during a pandemic. Our staff members are hard at work checking and double-checking that everything is in compliance.
The Bus is Back in Business
The St. Mary’s Transit System (STS) has been restored to full service. If you have questions, you can phone the STS Office at 301-475-4200, ext. 1120.
Were you ready for that storm?
Tropical Storm Isaias ripped through our region with rains, winds and tornadoes, resulting in heavy flooding and downed trees. We were very fortunate here at Cedar Lane. As of yesterday, 1.8 million customers were still without power on the East Coast. Please report any storm leaks or damage to your apartments by calling the Front Desk.
Be prepared for severe weather
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 2020 will be an above-average hurricane season. Predictions call for 19-25 named storms. Out of those, three to six are forecasted to become major hurricanes of Category 3, 4 or 5. An average season brings three major hurricanes. To receive weather alerts, call the Department of Public Safety at 301-475-4200 Option 6 then Option 3 or use the following link https://www.stmarysmd.com/coderedweatherfaq.asp
If you haven’t yet prepared your stay-at-home hurricane emergency kit, it’s time to make it a priority. Your stay-at-home emergency kit should contain:
• 3 day supplies of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Sanitation and hygiene items
• Basic kitchen utensils, including a manual can opener
• Cash/checkbook/credit card
• Whistle
• Medications, supplies and extra batteries for medical devices like blood sugar monitors
• Record of medical conditions, allergies, and current medications, stored in a waterproof container
• Pet food, water & supplies for managing pet waste
• Charge your cell phone before every storm
Tornado Safety Tips for Apartment Buildings
With winds that can top 250 miles per hour, tornadoes are no joke. A tornado warning means that severe thunderstorms with tornados are imminent or are occurring, take immediate action to get in a safe place. Remember:
- Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls
- Get as far inside the building as possible
- Get as close to the ground as possible
- Get into a small room, such as a closet or bathroom
- Do not use the elevators
Turn Around Don’t Drown®
More flooding is in the forecast. Flooding is the leading cause of severe weather-related deaths in the U.S. Just six inches of water can knock you down, and a foot of water can carry away most cars. Remember, it is NEVER safe to drive or walk into floodwaters.
St. Mary’s County Board of Elections
As a reminder, the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections is working by appointment only. If you have questions about your voter registration, mail-in ballots or want to make an appointment, please call 301.475.4200 ext. 71625.
Sincerely,
Beverly Stickles
President & CEO