About
Public safety is a top priority of the Ball administration, and the Safe and Sound Plan encompasses many important initiatives and programs to enhance safety in Historic Ellicott City.
This includes ensuring that the structures on Main Street are safe and secure, providing residents and business owners with advance notice when inclement weather is coming, and keeping our waterways free from debris to improve water flow.
Since 2019, several important flood safety initiatives have been implemented in town. The County continuously tests and enhances these safety measures to prioritize public safety.
Ongoing Flood Safety Efforts
High Ground Access Points
The National Weather Service advises that when flooding occurs, the best thing to do is exit the floodplain if it is safe to do so. The High Ground Access Points, detailed on the map below are meant to show ways to exit the floodplain at different points on Main Street. It is important to note that due to the unpredictable nature of floods, some routes may be impassable.
In 2019, "High Ground" signs were placed along Main Street identifying routes out of the floodplain. In each parking lot in Old Ellicott City, informational signs were installed explaining the access points. The County also provided signs, table tents, and window clings that businesses can display to provide this important information to their customers.
In addition to the High Ground Access Points, the County has agreements with two property owners in Historic Ellicott City (8044 and 8060 Main Street) on private property that allow people to quickly get off Main Street in the event of a severe weather emergency. Each point has a staircase that leads to a space above Main Street where people can wait out severe weather more safely. These two gates remain secured during non-emergency times but will automatically open in the event of high-water and/or the issuance of a Flash Flood Warning in Historic Ellicott City.
The gates can be opened by the County’s public safety team remotely and on-site. Additionally, the gates are equipped with high water sensors, and a pin code can be used to unlock the gates if needed. Community members and visitors are advised to call 9-1-1 to request the pin code if they need to seek higher ground, and the gates are locked.
Drop Arm Barriers
As another critical flood mitigation strategy, Drop Arm Barriers are a testament to our proactive approach in flood safety. Placed at critical junctures throughout town, the Drop Arm Barriers will deploy during severe weather events, restricting the flow of new traffic into town until the threat of flooding passes.
Plans to install Drop Arm Barriers are currently in design and development.
Emergency Public Alert System
As part of EC Safe and Sound, an outdoor tone-based alert system was implemented to complement existing alert and warning tools. There are four semi-permanent towers located within the Downtown Ellicott City area. These semi-permanent towers are fixed in the ground with concrete bases. Each tower has a pole extending approximately 40-60 feet above with a speaker array on top. The units produce a very loud tone (technically rated at 120 decibels within a 100 ft radius) warning individuals in outdoor spaces.
The semi-permanent units are currently in place and operational.
The units can be triggered by the National Weather Service through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for Flash Flood Warnings, and by officials in Howard County, as necessary.
Clearing the Waterways
During weather events, debris in the county’s waterways can create blockages throughout the watershed that contribute to flooding. Keeping the waterways in and around Ellicott City clear of debris is a critical element to ensuring the safety of residents, business owners, and visitors during severe weather events.
Previously, waterways were inspected on a quarterly or semi-annual basis, but more can and will be done. At the direction of County Executive Ball, the Department of Public Works is increasing the frequency of inspection and debris by inspecting certain waterways within 3 business days after every major weather event and committing to removing any debris found within 14 business days of inspection.
As of February 2024, approximately 89,000 pounds of debris has been removed from the waterways in and around Ellicott City through a collaborative effort between Howard EcoWorks and the Department of Public Works.
Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
In the wake of recent floods, Howard County's commitment to its residents has never been stronger. The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program is a testament to this dedication. Guided by our unwavering resolve to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents, this program focused on assisting homeowners, businesses, and the wider community in flood mitigation efforts following the floods.
By providing financial, technical, and informational support, the County bolstered the city's resilience against future flood events, ensuring that Ellicott City remains a safe and thriving hub for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I go to high ground in the event that a Flash Flood Warning is issued for Historic Ellicott City?
If Historic Ellicott City is under a Flash Flood Warning, safely move to high ground. If you hear the Ellicott City Outdoor Public Alert tone, go to high ground, if possible. Use the elevated floors of a building only as a last resort.
Should I always utilize the designated high ground access areas?
Due to the nature of flash flooding, conditions may change quickly. Survey your surroundings and move to a safe area outside of the floodplain. While the high ground areas provide an easy means of exit, circumstances may require alternate routes and refuge.
What should I do when I get to a designated high ground area?
Remain there until flooding conditions subside, or until public safety officials indicate that it is safe to return. You may also hear an “all clear” message from the Ellicott City Outdoor Public Alert system, indicating it is safe to return.
What is the difference between the High Ground Access Points/Areas and the Private Access Gates?
The Private Access Gates are routes out of the floodplain that are on public property. The Private Access Point Gates are staircases that can be used to temporarily get off of Main Street in the event of a severe weather emergency. The gates are located on private property and are only unlocked during an emergency.
What are the designated High Ground Access Points/Areas and Private Access Gates?
The High Ground Access Areas/Points are Maryland Avenue, Church Avenue, Old Columbia Pike, and Court Avenue. The Private Access Gates are located at 8060 Main Street and 8044 Main Street.
How are the High Ground routes marked?
The routes to high ground are marked with a series of yellow signs.
How can the private access point gates be opened?
The gates can be opened in several ways:
-
The gates can be opened by the County's public safety team remotely or on-site.
-
In the event of rising water, the gates are equipped with a high-water sensor that will automatically release them when approximately 1.5” of water above the sidewalk is sensed.
-
A pin code can be used to unlock the gates if needed. Community members and visitors are advised to call 9-1-1 to request the pin code if they need to seek higher ground and the gates are locked.
Will the gates still work in the event of a power failure?
Yes. In the event of a power failure, the gates will continue to operate as normal as they are provided with a battery back-up. In the event that the battery fails, the gates will unlock automatically as they are equipped with “fail safe” operation.
Are the gates always unlocked?
No, the gates are controlled by an electronic access control system. This system protects the private property while allowing the County to override and release the gates when needed. The gates will only be unlocked when needed.
Should I call the police if I have to use one of the gates during severe weather?
Yes, if you have to use the gate and egress to high ground, call 911 and inform them of your location, and follow instructions as given.
What do I do once I go through the gate and up the stairs?
Once you proceed through the gates and up the stairs, you should shelter in place at an elevation where it is safe to do so until such point as the flood threat has subsided, or until emergency response personnel inform you it safe to leave the area.