panic

a rumor just went flying--and i do mean flying--around baltimore, including my office, that gas stations would be shut down at 4pm. once i checked reuters, which didn't have anything posted about it, and called terry to see if the rumor had hit chicago (it hadn't), i breathed a sigh of relief. i just got the following email, which was sent to the whole hopkins community:

"There is no gas station shutdown.

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., issued the following statement: "Marylanders can ignore the rumor that the State is closing down gas stations today, or any other day. The rumor is absolutely and entirely untrue. Marylanders should continue to lead their every day lives, while being mindful to conserve energy when appropriate. We are already taking the precautionary steps to help ensure every Marylander has access to adequate supplies of gasoline. Again, continue leading your everyday lives, conserve energy when appropriate, and enjoy the holiday weekend."

A Baltimore radio station apparently gave out false information saying gas stations would be forced to close. Please keep in mind that health care professionals should use good judgement for emergency preparedness purposes to always maintain appropriate gas levels in order to be able to be responsive to our patients' needs. Please help dispel the gas station rumor with family and friends so that unnecessary shortages do not occur due to reaction to false rumors.

Thank you."

goddamn, baltimore. wise up.