STATE BOARD APPROVES UPDATED EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE

April 24th, 2013 by MEMA PIO

BALTIMORE (April 23, 2013) – The Maryland State Board of Education today gave unanimous approval to “Emergency Planning Guidelines for Local Systems and Schools,” a document designed to assist local officials in preparation and training for potential emergencies.

Maryland regulations require that all 24 school systems develop and implement emergency plans. Emergencies range from violent or traumatic events on school grounds during regular school hours to events in the community that affect normal school functioning.

The Board’s action updates a document published in 2003. The new version of the publication will be a living document, updated regularly as needed by circumstances. The first edition of the guidelines has been utilized by all 24 Maryland systems to strengthen their emergency plans over the past decade.

“The key to safe and successful schools is planning and practice,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery. “Schools and school systems must do everything in their power to keep students and staff free from harm. Every staff member must know what to do in the event of an emergency, and must have practiced his or her role.”

MSDE staff developed the guide with the assistance of local school systems, Maryland State Police, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Maryland School Psychologist Association, Maryland Emergency Management Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.

Emergency management is an organized process by which schools and communities prevent or mitigate risks, prepare for hazards that cannot be fully mitigated, respond to emergencies, and recover from emergencies and restore the school to its pre-emergency condition. The key to a well-functioning system is planning and practice, according to the guide.

The focus on improved planning, as well for additional drills and other practice activities, represents improvements in the new version of the Emergency Planning Guidelines. In addition, the new document updates terminology commonly used in emergency situations.

Work on the new version began last year. The revision adds new tools for local systems, such as information on technology hazards, threat assessment, universal drill procedures, and staff training.

The complete publication is available on the web at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/studentschoolsvcs/student_services_alt/ep.htm

STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS ALL MARYLANDERS OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY ISSUES DURING POWER OUTAGES

March 5th, 2013 by MEMA PIO

PIKESVILLE, MD (March 5, 2013) – The potential of Winter Storm Saturn may cause disruption
in electrical service to our homes. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is cautioning residents when
using alternative light and electrical sources during power outages. “These easy to follow tips will help
all Marylanders avoid injury or death during power outages,” said the State Fire Marshal.

Use flashlights during power outages instead of candles. Keep plenty of fresh batteries on hand at all times. If you prefer the look of candles, consider flameless battery operated candles that offer the flickering light without the potential fire hazard.
If using candles, make sure they are placed on a stable piece of furniture in sturdy holders that will not tip over. Candles should fit in the holders securely and the holders should be made of material that will not burn.
Keep candles away from anything combustible, such as; clothing, books, papers, curtains, decorations or anything else that can burn.
Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by children or pets.
Always extinguish all candles when leaving the room or before going to sleep.
Never use candles, matches or lighters if medical oxygen therapy is used in the home.
Check portable electric heaters for frayed/damaged wires and ensure they are clean and placed on a flat level surface. Use only “listed” by an approved testing laboratory equipment and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not use extension cords with portable space heaters. The extension cord can overheat and cause a fire.
If you use kerosene fuel fired heaters, use only “K-1” kerosene fuel. Never fill the unit inside, remove it to the exterior after it has cooled before refueling.
Open a window enough to provide proper ventilation.
Keep combustibles (furniture, curtains, clothing, paper goods, etc.), at least three feet from all heat sources.
Fuel burning appliances can produce the deadly, tasteless and odorless gas known as carbon monoxide.
Install and maintain CO2 alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide.
Always turn off portable heating equipment when leaving the room for extended periods. Portable heaters should never be operated unattended.
If you are depending on portable generators for electricity during power outages, use extreme caution when refueling. Fuel splashed on a hot muffler could ignite, causing severe burns and serious injuries.
Never attempt to refuel a generator while it is running. Always allow the unit to cool before attempting to refuel.
Operate generators outside of the home and outside of garages. Carbon monoxide gas produced by operating generators is poisonous and can quickly cause severe injury or death.
Ensure placement of the generator does not allow carbon monoxide to enter the home through windows, doors or other openings.

The State Fire Marshal offers one final tip that is just as important. “Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These early notification devices are some of the most effective fire and life safety tools for preventing injury or death from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning”.

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Somerset County Disaster Recovery Outreach Centers to Open

January 18th, 2013 by MEMA PIO

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – The Disaster Recovery Center in Crisfield will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 18, but survivors of hurricane Sandy still can get help.

Those who already have registered with FEMA can call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

There will be outreach centers open beginning January 22, at the following locations:

DATE	Location	Hours of Operation
January 22 – 24, 2013	Seton Center 30632 Hampden Ave Princess Anne, MD 21853	11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
January 22 – 24, 2013	Woodrow Wilson Community Center 119 South 7^th Street Crisfield MD 21817	3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
January 25 – 26, 2013	Deal Island Chance Fire Department 10090 Deal Island Road Deal Island, MD 21821	9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January 25 – 26, 2013	Fairmont Fire Company 27407 Fairmont Road Westover MD 21871	9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January 27, 2013	Rehobeth Presbyterian Church 5757 Coventry Parish Road. (Corner of Old Rehobeth Rd & Coventry Parish Rd.) Westover, MD 21871.	1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
January 27, 2013	St Elizabeth Church 8734 Old Westover Road Westover, MD	11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Centers are staffed with emergency management experts from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

February 12 is the deadline to apply for assistance. There are three easy ways to begin the application process. You may call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585. Both numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are also available to answer your call. Residents with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at www.disasterassistance.gov or web-enabled mobile device or smartphone visit m.fema.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

American Sign Language Videos: Frequently asked questions about Federal Disaster Assistance

December 17th, 2012 by MEMA Admin

Here are American Sign Language videos for frequently asked questions about federal disaster assistance.

Answers to Questions Survivors Ask About Federal Disaster Aid in American Sign Language

Mold Clean Up In American Sign Language Narrated English and Open-Captioned

Disaster Recovery Center Offers Resources To Sandy Survivors

December 17th, 2012 by MEMA PIO

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – Residents in Somerset County affected by Hurricane Sandy can get first-hand information about disaster assistance and resources available to them directly from Federal Emergency Management Agency and Maryland Emergency Management Agency specialists at a Disaster Recovery Center.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the following location:

The Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building

#2 Mill Lane

Crisfield, MD 21817

Federal assistance can include grants to individuals for rental assistance and essential home repairs. Specialists can direct survivors to agencies that may be able to meet specific needs. Information is also available on rebuilding safer and stronger.

“You can register with FEMA by phone or online, so it isn’t necessary to go to a disaster recovery center,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said. “However, if you want to speak with someone in person about assistance programs, eligibility or submitting documents to support a claim, we’re there for you.”

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available at the centers to assist survivors in completing their low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions about the loan program available to homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations. For many people, a completed SBA loan application is necessary to be considered for some types of federal financial disaster assistance. People with home-based businesses or rental property affected by the storm may also be eligible for SBA loans.

Before going to a center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA in any of the following ways:

Online www.disasterassistance.gov

By phone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.

Tablet or smart phone m.fema.gov

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091 or www.mema.maryland.gov

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Governor Martin O’Malley Announces Federal Assistance For Somerset County To Help With Superstorm Sandy Recovery

December 15th, 2012 by MEMA PIO

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 14, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that President Obama has approved an Individual Assistance disaster declaration for Somerset County for damages from Superstorm Sandy. The Individual Assistance declaration will make federal funds available to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered property damages as a result of the storm.

“I’d like to thank President Obama, Senators Mikulski and Cardin and our entire Congressional delegation for making this assistance available to Maryland residents who have suffered severe economic hardship because of Superstorm Sandy. This assistance will provide much-needed and long-awaited relief for hundreds of residents in Somerset County,” said Governor O’Malley. “I’d also like to thank our local partners like Senator Mathias who have been instrumental in highlighting the needs of residents. Together, we will continue to recover and build a more resilient Maryland.”

“FEMA’s approval of individual disaster assistance to Sandy’s victims in Somerset County is a long-awaited gift this holiday season. It restores the light in some of our hardest hit communities during this Season of Light,” U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski said. “Senator Cardin and I refused to stand by while red tape and regulations stopped residents from getting the help they need. While we are thankful and ready for assistance to begin in Crisfield and Somerset County’s communities, we have not forgotten the rest of our communities. We will keep fighting for the victims of Sandy in Maryland.”

“FEMA and President Obama have delivered great news for the people of Crisfield and Somerset County on what has otherwise been a sobering day. Hurricane Sandy hit the people of Somerset County particularly hard. The damage has been too great to expect the locals to handle alone and the federal government had to step in to help,” said Senator Cardin. “Together, we also will continue to seek the needed assistance for other communities still struggling in their recovery efforts.”

The President had previously agreed to fund Public Assistance in most Maryland counties to help pay for state and local government costs for preparation for and cleanup from Sandy. However, the President had denied the state’s request for Individual Assistance. Maryland appealed that decision on Wednesday and Governor O’Malley was notified of the approval of Somerset County today.

“We encourage anyone in Somerset County who suffered damages to register with the FEMA toll-free number – 800-621-FEMA (3362) — as soon as possible,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “The federal programs may be able to help cover costs that were not covered by insurance, including building repairs and temporary living costs.”

Officials noted that federal assistance is not designed to fully return property to the condition it was in before the storm hit, but to deal with immediate health and safety issues. Low interest loans through the Small Business Administration also will be available for some residents and business owners for more substantial costs.

A Message from the State Fire Marshal:“Be Vigilant of Fire Safety as We Begin The Winter Season and Enjoy Holiday Festivities”

December 6th, 2012 by MEMA PIO

PIKESVILLE, MD (December 5, 2012) — State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard wants to remind all Marylanders to check for fire safety where they live, where they work and even where they attend classes, trainings and meetings. “Fire and life safety is everyone’s responsibility, by testing smoke alarms, keeping exits clear of obstructions, and maintaining fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, we can all avoid injury or death from fire,” said the State Fire Marshal.

To ensure your best chances of surviving a fire, the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips on both escaping a fire and preventing one to begin with.

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. Remember, the effects of toxic smoke and gases can quickly overcome your ability to think clearly. Every second counts when escaping the ingredients of fire.
Check exits from both your home and any place you go to ensure you will be able to get to safety. Blocked exits resulting from improperly placed chairs, tables or even holiday decorations can result in the delay of getting out quickly and safely. Be vigilant of these safety concerns whether at church, school or even your local favorite eatery.
When using portable unvented fuel-fired heaters, such as kerosene heaters, make sure to only use the recommended fuel specified in the owner’s manual and NEVER use gasoline. Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.
If you find it necessary to use an electric space heater, use only one that has been approved by an authorized testing laboratory such as UL.
Keep all portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible.
If heating equipment fails, do not use kitchen stoves or ovens to supply heat. These devices are not designed for that purpose and the chance of a fire improves greatly.
When using fireplaces, woodstoves or pellet stoves; please ensure these heat sources have been installed and properly serviced by trained technicians according to state and local codes, which will allow them to work at peak efficiency and lower the risk of a catastrophic failure.
Never leave candles burning unattended. Extinguish the flame before leaving the room.
Prevent fires from starting on the stove by staying in the kitchen and monitoring the food as it is being prepared. If a fire would occur in a pot or pan on the stove, calmly place a lid on it and turn off the burner. Allow it to cool before removal from the stove.
If using a turkey fryer, please follow all safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are using a cut tree for Christmas, special precautions need to be observed: Select a tree with green needles that do not remove too easily from the branches and the trunk should be sticky to the touch. Place the tree in a location away from heat sources and add water every day during the recommended two week life span while on display.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Ensure candles are placed well away from tree branches.
Inspect holiday lighting for frayed or damaged wiring and check for cracked sockets. Replace strands with new sets as they become worn. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when attaching additional strands.
Always unplug or switch off all holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Take down holiday lighting after the holidays. Holiday lights are temporary seasonal decorations that should be limited to 90 days use.
Dried out trees can ignite more readily. Remove the tree shortly after the holiday and place outdoors.

Maryland’s Request For Individual Assistance Denied

December 5th, 2012 by MEMA PIO

REISTERSTOWN, MD (Dec. 4, 2012) – Maryland officials will appeal the denial of the request for Individual Assistance for residents of the lower Eastern Shore who suffered damages in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified Governor Martin O’Malley of the decision Monday, December 3, 2012 to deny the Individual Assistance declaration. “This decision will make it more difficult for hard hit residents of the Eastern Shore to recover from the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “State agencies will continue to work with local officials to try to help local residents, but the federal programs would have provided the best assistance.”

Maryland had sought individual assistance as part of the requested presidential disaster declaration for Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties.“We will appeal this decision,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Mallette. “Although state agencies and volunteer groups have done their best to assist local residents, many residents have needs that go beyond the scope of those programs.”

Maryland has 30 days to file the appeal and will continue to supply updated damage information as it becomes available. Homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages not covered under existing insurance policies are urged to make sure that county emergency managers in Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties have been made aware of those damages.

Garrett County Residents: Frequently Asked Questions

November 5th, 2012 by MEMA PIO

All county government offices and services are now operating on a regular schedule.

Q: I am still without power. Are shelters still available?

A: The County is no longer offering shelters at this time. People without power are encouraged to visit or call Community Action 301-334-9431.

Q: I am still without power and am in need of water. Where can I go?

A: Water is available at this time through Community Action at the 360 West Liberty Street facility in Oakland. For further information contact (301) 334-9431.

Q: What can I do with storm debris? Will the landfill accept it?

A: Effective immediately residents may take storm related woody debris resulting from Hurricane Sandy to the following locations for disposal free of charge:

Garrett County Landfill

3118 Oakland Sang Run Road; Oakland

Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Closed on Sundays

Phone: 301-387-0322

Old Oakland County Roads Garage

North Oakland Garrett Highway- Across from the Brodak Plaza; Oakland

Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Grantsville Roads Garage

13266 National Pike: Grantsville

Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays and Sundays

Q: What can I do with storm related woody debris? May I burn it?

A: To report burning of brush that is associated with the recent storm damage, please call the Garrett County Non-Emergency number in the 9-1-1 Communications Center at 301-334-1929. The normal permitting procedure for open burning through the Garrett County Health Department is temporarily suspended until November 17, 2012. Brush may be burned any time of the day provided there is snow on the ground, otherwise burning should occur between 4 p.m. and midnight. All fires must be kept 200 feet from neighboring habitable dwellings and gathering places.

Q: Is it safe to eat food that hasn’t been refrigerated for multiple days due to the storm?

A: Food Safety Tips:

Discard all perishable foods that have been without refrigeration and have remained at a temperature of 40° Fahrenheit and above for two hours or more

Do not eat canned foods if the can has been damaged

Keep foods that have been stored in an unopened, well functioning freezer based on the following criteria:
- A half-full, unopened freezer will keep foods safely for up to 24 hours;
- A fully stocked, unopened freezer can keep foods safely for 48 hours;
- Refreeze foods only if the items still contain ice crystals and feel cold and hard to the touch

Do not taste foods to see if they are spoiled — If in doubt throw it out.

For more information, visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater or http://www.fsis.usda.gov/help/FAQs_Food_safety/index.asp

Q: Will my insurance cover storm-related damages?

A: Contact your own homeowner insurance company or check out the Maryland Insurance Administration at http://www.mdinsurance.state.md.us/sa/jsp/Mia.jsp for answers to your storm-related insurance questions.

CONTACT the Maryland Insurance Administration at 410-468-2000 or 1-800-492-6116

Q: I have contacted my insurance company. Do I need to contact the County to report property damage related to the storm as well?

A: If your property has sustained damage or loss, please remember it is your responsibility to contact your home owners insurance to file a claim. The County encourages residents and businesses to report damages by using the DILP storm damage reporting form found at: http://garrettcounty.org/disaster or call 301-334-7470.

By reporting your damages, please be aware that the County is not responsible for repairing or mitigating damages. The purpose of this reporting system is to enable the County to collect data in order to possibly become eligible for state and federal disaster assistance. The County will only be eligible if the disaster declaration threshold is met.

For a list of consumer resources and information on flood insurance, please visit the Maryland Insurance Administration at: http://www.mdinsurance.state.md.us

For more information on disaster survivor assistance, please visit FEMA at: http://www.fema.gov/disaster-survivor-assistance

Maryland Sending Health Care Professionals, Incident Managers to New Jersey and New York to Aid Emergency Medical Response

November 5th, 2012 by MEMA PIO

REISTERSTOWN, MD (November 4, 2012) – About 50 Maryland healthcare professionals are working out of Brooklyn, NY, to assist survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey. Meanwhile, a team of 12 emergency medical services professionals from the Baltimore region will leave from Millersville in Anne Arundel County early tomorrow to help coordinate EMS response in New Jersey.

The healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and logistics professionals, are members of the Maryland Disaster Medical Assistance team (DMAT) and left Maryland on Saturday. They have been working in Federal Medical Shelter Operations and Special Need Centers in Manhattan, built and staffed Federal Medical Stations, supported Emergency Departments in hospitals that are able to open, staffed a mobile hospital in the Rockaways section of New York City and are setting up a mobile hospital in New Jersey to help support special need and sub acute patients.

They are one of 18 DMAT teams from around the country that are helping to provide medical care for survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and New York.

The 12 EMS professionals leaving tomorrow morning for Newark, NJ, will form two six-person Incident Management Teams (IMT) and will assist with resource management to provide tracking and accountability of personnel, assets, and requests. This Baltimore Regional IMT includes EMS staff from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System (MIEMSS), Baltimore City and Anne Arundel and Howard counties..

The IMT will work with New Jersey Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) personnel to assist with the coordination of EMS resources from many different areas who have deployed to the area and will provide situational awareness, communicate with EMS field units, and plan for future needs and operations.

They join other Maryland responders who have been providing assistance to hard-hit areas to Maryland’s north. Twenty-five troopers from the Maryland State Police have been assisting local law enforcement in New Jersey, while four employees from Baltimore City are in Albany, helping the staff at the New York State Emergency Operations Center. Also, 10 two-person advanced life support ambulances and three supervisors went to New Jersey on Thursday and are providing EMS service in northern New Jersey.