Baltimore Co. Executive Kevin Kamenetz Declares State Of Emergency

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz declared a State of Emergency in the county responding to Hurricane Sandy.

The State of Emergency provides the County Executive expanded powers to respond more effectively to the emergency and request resources from state and federal officials.

"I am in regular contact with the Governor and his emergency team," said Kamenetz. "We will continue to coordinate our response to this storm with officials throughout the region, and I encourage our citizens to take this event very seriously."

Baltimore County schools will be closed Tuesday. 

Kamenetz also announced that Baltimore County will open a shelter at Eastern Technical High School at 1 p.m. Eastern Technical is located in Essex at:

1100 Mace Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21221

The shelter at Eastern Technical will be "pet friendly." Pets will be housed in a separate ventilated portion of the building, but owners will be able to visit with their pets.

The state is also operating two shelters on the westside of Baltimore County. Those shelters are open and located at:

UMBC (Retriever Center)
1000 Hilltop Road
Catonsville, Md. 212128

Jewish Community Center (JCC)
3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue
Owings Mills, Md. 21117

The state shelters do not accept pets.

Kamenetz also announced that trash and recycling pick-ups are suspended effective 2 p.m. through Tuesday. County drop-off facilities will also be closed at 2 p.m. and remain closed Tuesday, Oct. 30. The county will reevaluate trash collection schedules on Tuesday afternoon.

Kamenetz also announced the following Health Department closures:

Baltimore County Health Centers and WIC clinics are closing at noon Monday.

Animal Control is open for emergencies only.

The County's Medical Assistance Transportation Program is only transporting clients for most essential medical needs. Routine appointments will be rescheduled.

All Baltimore County Senior Centers are closed until further notice.

CountyRide is also suspended until further notice.