MDEM Newsroom

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued along and west of the Alleghenies for heavy snow expected Thursday – Saturday morning

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Garrett County from 10: a.m. Thursday 11/22 through Midnight Friday 11/23. 

More info at MdReady: bit.ly/md-alerts

As Holiday Travel Season Starts, MDEM Stresses Safety, Vigilance

“Know Before You Go” and Prepare for Longer Travel Times; Practice Safe Travel Habits Year-Round

HANOVER, MD (November 18, 2024) —  Planning to be one of the millions of travelers nationally this holiday season? The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) wants to make sure all Marylanders remain vigilant whenever they travel, especially during the busy holiday season. MDEM’s Annual Maryland Travel Safety Week encourages Marylanders to practice safe travel habits while using all modes of transportation throughout the year.

MDEM also reminds travelers that, regardless of their mode of transportation, they should remember to “Know Before You Go” and “If You See Something, Say Something.”

“As we prepare for the busy holiday travel season, it’s essential to plan ahead and stay alert, no matter how or where you’re traveling,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Traveling during the holidays should be about connecting with loved ones, not stressing over unexpected challenges. By following simple safety tips and staying MdReady, we can all help make this season safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Let’s ensure our journeys are as memorable as our destinations.”

MDEM designated November 18-24 as Maryland Travel Safety Week in preparation for the beginning of holiday travel to encourage safe travel all year on all modes of transportation. MDEM encourages travelers to learn about safe travel practices whether using roads, air, or rail, and as pedestrians and bike riders. You should also be aware of safety at various types of lodgings and gatherings.

MDEM encourages Marylanders to review some of these simple practices recommended by safety specialists covering a variety of transportation methods.

Know Before You Go — Head out for travel informed and prepared so you know the travel conditions while en route to your destination. Check on road and traffic conditions along your route; check for last-minute delays or cancellations before heading to the airport or train station; and always check local weather forecasts to make sure you pack appropriate clothing and prepare for potential travel delays.

If You See Something, Say Something — If you see a suspicious activity, device, or package, or overhear a suspicious conversation, report it immediately to a facility manager, carrier employee, or law enforcement. If you see accidents or hazards along the roadway or hiking/biking trails, make sure to alert local law enforcement, highway officials, or park employees so they can respond.

Safety tips when traveling by motor vehicle

Over the last few years, the State’s “Move Over Law” has been expanded to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, and other caution signals including, traffic cones, caution signs, and non-vehicular warning signs. 

Other tips for drivers include:

• Allow extra time for travel due to increased traffic and congestion.
• Stay alert and give driving your full attention.
• Show courtesy to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. 
• Drive defensively and carefully (not aggressively).
• Comply with traffic laws and heed all traffic signs, signals, and markings.

• Make sure all passengers are using seat belts and car seats properly.
• Make sure to have an emergency kit in your car with jumper cables, snacks, bottled water, and seasonally appropriate items like blankets, sand, or cat litter.
• Be especially careful in work zones.
• Wear U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmets and eye protection when driving or riding on a motorcycle. Check the regulations where you will be traveling. Though these mandates vary by state, it is recommended to always wear a helmet and eye protection for your safety.

The Maryland Highway Safety Office of the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration has a variety of resources for safety education programs. You can check here for the latest travel conditions on highways around Maryland. You can also follow traffic conditions on X (formerly Twitter) @MDSHA.

Other information for safe travel on the roads is available from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration or AAA Mid-Atlantic. For information about safety on Maryland toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, please visit the Maryland Transportation Authority. Please note that traffic volumes and patterns have changed in parts of the Baltimore area in the wake of the Francis Scott KeyBridge collapse in March, especially in the Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry tunnels.MDOT SHA also has motorcycle safety tips. For safety tips related to large commercial vehicles and intercity (non-transit) buses, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

Safety tips when traveling by taxi or rideshare

• Ask ahead for the typical price and tipping range.
• Call for a taxi instead of hailing one.
• Make sure you verify the correct driver before getting into the car, if using a shared ride service like Uber or Lyft, by asking what their name is (don’t ask “Is your name so and so”).
• Look for a meter, a radio, a badge, a photo ID, and a door handle. 
• Sit in the backseat – not in the passenger seat. 
• Keep expensive items hidden and keep your belongings close.

Here are taxi safety tips from the Travel Insurance Review and a link to the taxi riders Consumer Bill of Rights from the Maryland Public Safety Commission. HG.org Legal Resources offers these tips for those using rideshare services, which often are not regulated in the same way as taxi services.

Safety tips when traveling by air

• Be on time, allow time to get through the security checkpoint, and build in time for possible schedule changes.
• Stay alert and watch your bags and belongings at all times.
• Let ONLY uniformed airline personnel handle your bags.
• Check with the information desks or airport/airline employees if you need help navigating the airport.
• Be aware of what can and cannot be carried with your carry-on bags and luggage.

Here is airport safety information for Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and from the Transportation Security Administration. Current flight information at BWI-Marshall is here.

Safety tips when traveling by railroad

• Stay alert and watch your bags and belongings at all times.
• Make sure you familiarize yourself with the safety card found in most seatbacks. 
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. Some stations require additional time.
• Report any suspicious behavior to police, station personnel, Amtrak Police, or by calling 1-800-331-0008.

More information about intercity rail travel safety can be found at Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration has information for motorists and pedestrians at railroad crossings.

Safety tips when using public transportation (bus, subway, light rail, commuter rail)

• Check schedules ahead of time and leave sufficient time to make appropriate connections.
• Download apps that allow you to check arrival times and pay fares.
• Keep jewelry and other valuables out of sight at all times. If your pocket is picked, yell out immediately to warn others; don’t be afraid to shout. Tell the train or bus operator and request the police.
• Use caution when on rail platforms and at bus drop-offs, especially when surfaces are wet or icy.

Here are some safety tips from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Administration, which operates Metro bus and rail service in the Washington, D.C. area, and anti-theft tips from the Maryland Transit Administration, which operates bus, subway, and light rail service in the Baltimore metro area.

Safety tips for lodging facilities (hotels, motels, resorts, short-term, and vacation rentals)

• Stay in facilities that have hard-wired smoke alarms and an automatic fire sprinkler system in each guest room.
• Read the fire evacuation plan carefully.
• Find the two closest exits from your room.
• Count the number of doors between your room and the exits; this will assist you if you need to evacuate in the dark.
• Find the fire alarms on your floor.
• Make sure if the rental is a vacation or private home, the facility has deadbolt locks on all doors and locking windows and has appropriate fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Make sure if a vacation or private home rental has a swimming pool, someone is observing all swimmers and that proper safety equipment is available.
• Know the cancellation policy when making a reservation.

You can find additional safety tips for travelers staying at vacation and private home rentals from iPropertyManagement, and also more hotel/motel safety tips from SmarterTravel. 

Safety tips for pedestrians

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks whenever possible.
• Stop at curbs and look left, right, and left again always before crossing a street and watch for cars turning in or leaving driveways.
• Wear light or bright-colored clothing or reflective items, especially before sunrise and after sunset.
• Pay attention and take off headphones while walking – no texting or playing games.

The MDOT State Highway Administration has more safety tips for pedestrians, as does the Federal Highway Administration.

Safety tips for those using bicycles

• Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
• Ride defensively – expect the unexpected.
• Ride with traffic, never against it.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Stay visible when riding at night and during inclement weather.
• Wear a helmet correctly.

MDOT State Highway Administration has additional bicycle safety tips, as does the Federal Highway Administration.

Safety tips for traveling on the water

Whether piloting your own recreational boat or traveling on a passenger vessel (cruise ship or ferry), here are some important safety tips:

• Check weather forecasts for approaching fronts or storm watches. By the time a storm or gale warning is issued, it might be too late to get to a safe harbor.
• Refuse passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seatbacks, or other spots where they might fall overboard.
• Wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard and your life jacket at all times. If the lanyard is removed from the switch, the engine will not shut off.
• Wear a United States Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length if under age 13; this is a law.
• Wear an approved PFD at all times, for maximum safety, when on recreational boats. This applies to all persons, no matter how good of swimmers they are.
• Follow all safety directions, read prepared safety material, and participate in all life safety drills on passenger vessels.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has specific information for recreational boats traveling in Maryland waters, including kayaks and rowboats. The United States Coast Guard also has boater safety information. The Maryland Port Administration has information for people traveling out of the Baltimore cruise ship terminal. The Cruise Critic also has some tips for traveling safely on cruise ships.

To receive text alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text “MdReady” to 211-631, or text “MdListo” to receive alerts in Spanish; you can also visit Md.gov/alerts to sign up in your preferred language.

Marylanders are also encouraged to install the MdReady WebApp, which gives instant access to a wide array of emergency notifications and preparedness information to residents and visitors alike. To install the new WebApp, users can visit MdReady.maryland.gov and follow the prompt to easily add the MdReady shortcut to a mobile device home screen, or to sign up for text alerts in English or Spanish.

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Maryland Office of Resilience Unveils Comprehensive Resilience Toolkit

Empowering Communities With Funding Information, Planning Resources, and Technical Support to Tackle Future Challenges

HANOVER, MD (November 12, 2024) — The Maryland Office of Resilience (MOR), which is part of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), is proud to announce the launch of the Maryland Resilience Toolkit, available at ResilientMaryland.com. This new tool is designed to equip local governments, State agencies, community leaders, businesses, and nonprofits with access to the resources needed to strengthen hazard resilience across Maryland. The Maryland Resilience Toolkit is a one-stop shop for resilience information and resources that can help communities across the State adapt to and overcome a wide range of evolving risks, from climate change and natural hazards to infrastructure challenges. By offering access to resilience grant opportunities and best practices, the Toolkit ensures that Maryland’s unique communities—from urban centers to rural towns—can build stronger infrastructure, protect their environments, and safeguard their people. “The key to a resilient Maryland lies within our State’s ability to be prepared to adapt, withstand, and swiftly recover from disruptions to daily life,” said Secretary Russ Strickland of MDEM. “The Maryland Resilience Toolkit offers our communities the resources they need to shape a more resilient Maryland, where communities thrive.”

Who Is the Toolkit for?

The Maryland Resilience Toolkit is designed for a broad audience that plays a vital role in Maryland’s hazard resilience efforts, including:

• State and Local Governments: Supporting operational planners and leadership teams to create robust resilience strategies.
• Resilience Authorities: Assisting local entities with the tools to promote community resilience at every level.
• Businesses and Nongovernmental Organizations: Empowering organizations to take proactive steps in risk mitigation.

Why Is It Important?

MOR’s vision is to build stronger communities, infrastructure, and systems capable of meeting future challenges for all Marylanders. The Maryland Resilience Toolkit reflects this vision by helping all Marylanders access the resources and opportunities needed to stay safe and resilient, including those that advance environmental justice and uplift underserved communities. The Toolkit empowers users with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.

“I’m incredibly proud of all the Maryland Office of Resilience has achieved since we established it in 2022,” said Senator Katie Fry Hester. “The office has steadfastly worked to create the Toolkit which will allow it to support locals in applying for federal funding for flood resilience, cybersecurity, and more. From the appointment of our State’s first Chief Resilience Officer, to the launch of the State’s resilience strategy process, to the introduction of the Resilience Toolkit, we’re making Maryland stronger and more resilient every day.”

The Toolkit’s development represents Maryland’s ongoing commitment to proactive resilience planning. It also underscores the belief that resilience must be collaborative, inclusive, and far-reaching—touching not just coastal areas, but every community across the State.

About the Maryland Office of Resilience  

MOR promotes coordination and collaboration of experts and stakeholders across the State of Maryland to build community capacity and drive resilience. As Maryland’s coordinators of resilience strategy and practice, MOR aims to equitably strengthen the State of Maryland’s resilience. By promoting collaboration, equity, and strategic investments, MOR ensures Maryland’s resilience planning is inclusive, community-centered, and future-focused.

About the Maryland Department of Emergency Management

MDEM is a national leader in emergency management that provides Maryland residents, organizations, and emergency management partners with expert information, programmatic activities, and leadership in the delivery of financial, technical, and physical resources “to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive.” We do this by being Maryland’s designated source of official risk reduction and consequence management information.

For more information about MDEM or MOR visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM’s X’s (formerly Twitter) feed at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
Travis Brown, travis.brown2@maryland.gov, 410-702-3726
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

Maryland Office of Resilience Unveils Comprehensive Resilience Toolkit

Empowering Communities With Funding Information, Planning Resources, and Technical Support to Tackle Future Challenges

HANOVER, MD (November 12, 2024) — The Maryland Office of Resilience (MOR), which is part   of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), is proud to announce the launch of the Maryland Resilience Toolkit, available at ResilientMaryland.com. This new tool is designed to equip local governments, State agencies, community leaders, businesses, and nonprofits with access to the resources needed to strengthen hazard resilience across Maryland.

The Maryland Resilience Toolkit is a one-stop shop for resilience information and resources that can help communities across the State adapt to and overcome a wide range of evolving risks, from climate change and natural hazards to infrastructure challenges. By offering access to resilience grant opportunities and best practices, the Toolkit ensures that Maryland’s unique communities—from urban centers to rural towns—can build stronger infrastructure, protect their environments, and safeguard their people.

“The key to a resilient Maryland lies within our State’s ability to be prepared to adapt, withstand, and swiftly recover from disruptions to daily life,” said Secretary Russ Strickland of MDEM. “The Maryland Resilience Toolkit offers our communities the resources they need to shape a more resilient Maryland, where communities thrive.”

Who Is the Toolkit for?  

The Maryland Resilience Toolkit is designed for a broad audience that plays a vital role in Maryland’s hazard resilience efforts, including:

• State and Local Governments: Supporting operational planners and leadership teams to create robust resilience strategies.
• Resilience Authorities: Assisting local entities with the tools to promote community resilience at every level.
• Businesses and Non Governmental Organizations: Empowering organizations to take proactive steps in risk mitigation.  

Why Is It Important?

MOR’s vision is to build stronger communities, infrastructure, and systems capable of meeting future challenges for all Marylanders. The Maryland Resilience Toolkit reflects this vision by helping all Marylanders access the resources and opportunities needed to stay safe and resilient, including those that advance environmental justice and uplift underserved communities. The Toolkit empowers users with the knowledge and tools necessary for success.

“I’m incredibly proud of all the Maryland Office of Resilience has achieved since we established it in 2022,” said Senator Katie Fry Hester. “The office has steadfastly worked to create the Toolkit which will allow it to support locals in applying for federal funding for flood resilience, cybersecurity, and more. From the appointment of our State’s first Chief Resilience Officer, to the launch of the State’s resilience strategy process, to the introduction of the Resilience Toolkit, we’re making Maryland stronger and more resilient every day.”

The Toolkit’s development represents Maryland’s ongoing commitment to proactive resilience planning. It also underscores the belief that resilience must be collaborative, inclusive, and far-reaching—touching not just coastal areas, but every community across the State.

About the Maryland Office of Resilience  

MOR promotes coordination and collaboration of experts and stakeholders across the State of Maryland to build community capacity and drive resilience. As Maryland’s coordinators of resilience strategy and practice, MOR aims to equitably strengthen the State of Maryland’s resilience. By promoting collaboration, equity, and strategic investments, MOR ensures Maryland’s resilience planning is inclusive, community-centered, and future-focused.

About the Maryland Department of Emergency Management

MDEM is a national leader in e​mergency management that provides Maryland residents, organizations, and emergency management partners with expert information, programmatic activities, and leadership in the delivery of financial, technical, and physical resources “to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive.” We do this by being Mar​yland’s designated source of official risk reduction and consequence management information.

For more information about MDEM or MOR visit mdem.maryland.gov, follow MDEM’s X’s (formerly Twitter) feed at @MDMEMA, or follow MDEM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA. 

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Tags: maryland, Mitigation, Office of Resilience, Resilience, Resilience Toolkit

MDEM Coordination Role in 2024 Beach Waste Incident

In an effort to clarify roles related to the medical waste incident in the Middle Atlantic region, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) would like to emphasize that we are not leading an investigation into this incident. The Department lacks legal or statutory authority to perform investigations, nor are we equipped with the tools to conduct such an investigation.

Our Department is leading the coordination of State, local and federal agencies responding to the incident. We have been hosting daily coordination calls since the incident began over the weekend, as well as facilitating interstate communication between partners from neighboring Delaware and Virginia. While there is not a single lead response agency, Emergency Management from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia are in close coordination. 

• Because the debris has washed ashore over three states, agencies focused first on safety and clean up, and are still working to determine the best course of action as waste is collected and beaches open.
• State, local and federal agencies which have ownership of the waterfront beaches have been asked to secure any collected medical waste.
• In Maryland, Ocean City, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the United States National Park Service will continue to collect debris from the coastal areas they are responsible for, and will make decisions related to the reopening of the beaches for recreation and fishing. This is similar to the processes in Delaware and Virginia. These agencies are sharing media inquiries when appropriate to send questions to the correct subject matter expert.
• This is an ongoing incident and we ask residents and visitors to the seaside areas to follow directions and advice from those responsible for the beaches you wish to visit for information about reopening.

We thank all of the State, local, and federal partners on the Delmarva Peninsula for their collaboration in responding to this incident and we also thank residents and visitors for their patience and cooperation.

Governor Wes Moore Issues Executive Order to Strengthen Maryland’s Resilience Strategy

HANOVER, MD (September 5, 2024) — Governor Wes Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2024.31 yesterday, strengthening the State’s comprehensive resilience strategy against all hazards. The executive order clearly outlines the duties of the Maryland Office of Resilience (MOR), which is part of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). It also defines the responsibilities of other State departments, agencies, and universities in their role to provide information and coordination with the MOR. Lastly, it also delineates how the MOR functions as the conveners and coordinators of the Statewide resilience strategy and prioritizes Statewide investments in resilience. “This executive order underscores the State’s commitment to preserving government functions and safeguarding communities in the face of natural and human-made threats,” said MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “Our State must be prepared to adapt, withstand, and swiftly recover from disruptions to daily life, whether from climate change, natural disasters, or other emergencies. This executive order solidifies our commitment to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive by ensuring that our State’s strategies are coordinated, inclusive, and focused on protecting our most vulnerable communities.”

Key Provisions of the Executive Order:

• Agency Resilience Liaisons: Each Executive Branch department, along with the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), is required to designate an Agency Resilience Liaison (ARL). These liaisons will serve as primary points of contact for resilience-related matters, ensuring that every State agency is aligned with Maryland’s resilience goals.
• Strategic Investment in Resilience: The Office of Resilience will serve as the central hub for resilience-related funding, planning, and aggregation of data analyses for decision-making across the State. This will include the development of risk-based strategies that prioritize environmental justice and protect Maryland’s most at-risk communities from natural hazards, such as flooding, extreme heat, and winter storms.
• Comprehensive Resilience Plans: The executive order mandates the development and implementation of Maryland’s two-, five-, and ten-year resilience plans. These plans will focus on mitigating risks to housing, critical infrastructure, and the environment, with particular attention to underserved communities.

Collaboration Across Agencies: The CRO and ARLs will collaborate with State agencies to evaluate and enhance resilience strategies, ensure data sharing, and develop a coordinated approach to resilience investments. This will include updating building codes, providing technical assistance to local jurisdictions, and creating consumer-focused campaigns to educate the public on resilience-building practices.

“This executive order is a crucial step in our efforts to create a safer, more resilient Maryland,” said Mike Hinson, MDEM’s Chief Resilience Officer. “By coordinating across State agencies and focusing on place-based strategies, we will be better equipped to strengthen our communities and ensure a swift recovery from any disruptions.”

The executive order takes effect immediately, and MDEM will oversee its implementation in collaboration with State agencies and partners.

From Left to Right: Summer Modelfino, MDEM’s Deputy Chief Resilience Officer; Mike Hinson, MDEM’s Chief Resilience Officer; Governor Wes Moore; Russ STrickland, MDEM’s Secretary; and Natalia Medina Ahn, Deputy Legal Counsel, Executive Office of the Governor

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
Travis Brown, travis.brown2@maryland.gov, 410-702-3726
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

MDEM Reminds Marylanders that September is National and Maryland Preparedness Month

As Maryland Hits the Height of Hurricane Season, Make Sure You and Your Family Are Prepared For All Hazards

HANOVER, MD (September 4, 2024) — September marks National and Maryland Preparedness Month, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is urging all Marylanders and visitors in the State to be prepared for all emergencies, to know where to go for information during an emergency, and to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. “Preparedness Month is a time to make sure you and your family are ready for any emergency,” said Russ Strickland, MDEM’s Secretary. “Whether it’s power outages, tropical storms, floods, cyber attacks, or winter storms, it’s vital to stay vigilant, prepared, and MdReady for whatever comes our way.” Preparing in advance of an emergency is one of the best ways to protect your family from the financial and emotional impacts of a disaster. Flooding is the most common hazard in Maryland, and tornadoes, severe storms, dangerous heat, and severe winter weather are also potential threats. The best financial protection is to be properly insured, whether you own or rent your home. Remember, flood damage is typically not covered by standard property insurance policies. MDEM also reminds everyone how crucial it is for those who live near coastal areas, the Chesapeake Bay, or its tributaries, to understand Maryland’s Know Your Zone hurricane evacuation program. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically occurring between mid-August and late October. To learn more about it and hurricane preparedness in Maryland, visit KnowYourZoneMD.com. Throughout September, MDEM will share preparedness tips, emergency information, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) across its digital and social media platforms. These resources are designed to help Marylanders stay informed and prepare for emergencies. Make sure to follow MDEM on its social media channels (MDEM Facebook, MDEM X [formerly Twitter], MDEM LinkedIn, MDEM YouTube, and MDEM NextDoor), and visit the MDEM website regularly for the latest updates and guidance on how to keep you and your loved ones safe. For more information on how to be prepared for any hazard, you can also visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, or the American Red Cross. To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text MdReady to 211-631 or text MdListo for Spanish.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
Travis Brown, travis.brown2@maryland.gov, 410-702-3726
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

Announcement of Upcoming Funding Opportunity

State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)

HANOVER, MD (August 27, 2024) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Information Technology, and the Maryland State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Planning Committee, announced today that they will be releasing another funding opportunity through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. The application period will begin Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and will end Thursday, October 3, 2024. What is the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)? Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress established the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) to “award grants to eligible entities to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, state, local, or tribal governments.” The SLCGP provides funding to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to SLTT-owned or operated information systems. How much funding is available? For FY23, Maryland was awarded $6.4M. The majority of this funding will go towards local jurisdictions, and 25% must go towards rural jurisdictions. Additional funding is expected in future years. This funding will be made available to eligible jurisdictions as sub-grants per the Maryland SLCGP Committee’s determinations. Who is eligible to apply for funding?  All local governments in Maryland are eligible to apply. “Local governments” are defined as a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments, regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government; and a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity. “Rural” area is defined as an area encompassing a population of less than 50,000 people that has not been designated in the most recent decennial census as an “urbanized area” by the Secretary of Commerce (i.e., counties and jurisdictions within counties with a population of 50,000 or less). What can the funding be used for? Funds can be used towards cybersecurity projects and services that promote cyber resilience, in accordance with CISA’s and the SLCGP Committee’s priorities outlined in the Maryland SLCGP plan. Grant funding will be awarded based on statutory requirements, demonstrated need, quality of the application, and the ability to maintain federal and state grant compliance. What are the next steps? For more information on the SLCGP Application process, please visit the Cyber Preparedness Unit’s funding page or email slcgp.info@maryland.gov.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
Travis Brown, travis.brown2@maryland.gov, 410-702-3726
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

Governor Moore Signs State of Preparedness Declaration Ahead of Possible Arrival of Debby

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today signed a State of Preparedness declaration ahead of possible effects from the remnants of Hurricane Debby later this week. While the path is still uncertain, possible effects on Maryland could include heavy rain and winds, inland and tidal flooding.

Sara Bender, MDEM Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, Completes Executive Leaders Program at Naval Postgraduate School

HANOVER, MD (August 1, 2024) — Sara Bender, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), has successfully completed the prestigious Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS). “We are incredibly proud of Sara Bender’s accomplishment in completing the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security,” said Russ Strickland, MDEM’s Secretary. “Her dedication and hard work exemplify the balance we strive for at MDEM between our immediate responsibilities and ongoing professional development. Despite the significant demands of recent community recovery efforts, Sara managed to excel in this rigorous program. Her achievement reinforces our commitment to developing our talent, ensuring we are always prepared to serve and protect the people of Maryland with the highest level of expertise and resilience.” In her role at MDEM, Ms. Bender oversees critical areas, such as Disaster Recovery, Hazard Mitigation, Risk Analysis, Communications, and Whole Community Integration. With over six years of dedicated service to MDEM, Ms. Bender’s expertise and leadership have significantly contributed to enhancing Maryland’s resilience and preparedness. Throughout the hybrid Executive Leaders Program, she collaborated with Homeland Security officials across the nation to address current policy, strategy, and organizational design challenges. This program, offered by CHDS, brings together a diverse group of professionals from emergency management, education, law enforcement, fire service, homeland security, public health, and local government, providing a comprehensive view of the homeland security landscape. The Naval Postgraduate School’s CHDS is renowned as the nation’s leading Homeland Security educator. The program fosters critical thinking, leadership, and policy development skills among its participants. CHDS is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Preparedness Directorate within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Chas Eby, MDEM’s Deputy Secretary, is also a graduate of the CHDS master’s degree program. Ms. Bender stated: “Participating in the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School has been incredibly valuable, and I plan to use the insights and connections gained to enhance our efforts at MDEM to build a safer and more resilient Maryland. I’m excited to put this knowledge to use and work together with Maryland’s communities and partners to reduce disaster risks and handle any challenges in the homeland security and emergency management space that come our way.” ABOUT NPS: The mission of the Naval Postgraduate School is to provide unique advanced education and research programs in order to increase the combat effectiveness of the U.S. and Allied armed forces as well as enhance the security of the United States. For information, visit www.nps.edu. About MDEM: MDEM is a national leader in emergency management that provides Maryland residents, organizations, and emergency management partners with expert information, programmatic activities, and leadership in the delivery of financial, technical, and physical resources “to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive.” We do this by being Maryland’s designated source of official risk reduction and consequence management information.

From left to right:  Sara Kay, Executive Leaders Program, Sara Bender, MDEM Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, and Jodi Stiles, CHDS Interim Director

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
Travis Brown, travis.brown2@maryland.gov, 410-702-3726
24/7 line: 877-636-2872