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Maryland Strengthens Ability to Support Disaster Survivors

The completion of the Maryland Disaster Assistance Center/Disaster Recovery Center Playbook will help the State better support future recovery efforts

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (October 22, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) announced the successful completion of its Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) workshop, a full‑day event designed to validate, refine, and enhance the recently developed plan. The workshop brought together local, state, Federal, and nonprofit partners to strengthen Maryland’s ability to support disaster survivors through coordinated, efficient recovery operations.

The workshop provided participating agencies and organizations with the opportunity to review and validate roles and responsibilities, practice multi‑level recovery coordination, identify resource and capability gaps, and test DAC site selection, staffing, communications, and survivor support processes. These activities were central to ensuring that the plan reflects real‑world needs and operational realities.

The morning session featured facilitated discussions, including DAC activation procedures, staffing models, logistics planning, and programmatic considerations. In the afternoon, participants engaged in scenario‑based walkthroughs with State agency partners, simulating real‑world survivor needs and practicing coordinated responses.

“This workshop allowed us to bring all of our partners together to strengthen how we support Marylanders during disasters,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “By validating the DAC/DRC Playbook through hands-on practice and open discussion, we are ensuring that our recovery operations are both survivor‑focused and operationally sound.”

Participants also captured lessons learned and recommended improvements, which will be incorporated into the next version of the DAC plan. These insights will help refine processes, enhance interagency coordination, and ensure Maryland’s Disaster Assistance Centers are equipped to meet the needs of communities and survivors during future emergencies.

MDEM noted that continued collaboration with local governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations remains essential to building a resilient Maryland.

“Our goal is to make sure every survivor receives timely, coordinated support,” said Vanessa Calaban, MDEM Disaster Risk Reduction Planner. “This workshop is a major step toward that commitment.”

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CONTACT:

Jim Abels, [email protected], 667-446-0346

Emily Ritter, [email protected], 667-446-0345

24/7 line: 877-636-2872

Tags: disaster assistance, disaster recovery, disaster support, disaster survivor, recovery, survivor support, workshop

Maryland Honors State’s Top Telecommunicators and Trainers at Annual Day of Celebration

Maryland 9-1-1 Specialists Recognized for Delivering Exceptional Service

OCEAN CITY, Md. (October 19, 2026) — The Maryland 9-1-1 Board hosted its annual Day of Celebration, bringing together public safety leaders, telecommunicators, and emergency management officials to honor the critical, life-saving work performed across the State’s public safety answering points (PSAPs). This event recognized outstanding 9-1-1 Specialists from 15 counties representing the backbone of Maryland’s emergency communications network.

“Our 9-1-1 specialists are the calm, steady voices guiding Marylanders through their darkest hours,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “From pioneering youth training pathways to steering decades of statewide emergency infrastructure evolution, these honorees represent the highest standard of public service.”

9-1-1 Specialists Honored

• Carder Miller, Allegany County
• Angela Daniels, Anne Arundel County
• Nicole Alluisi, Baltimore County
• Lacey Jones, Calvert County
• Matthew Molineu, Carroll County
• Diane Strong, Cecil County
• Emalee McLaren, Frederick County
• Sheena Brenneman, Garrett County
• Brooke Beard, Harford County
• Richard Dowling, Kent Count
• Bert Piasecki, Kent County
• Roshauna Kelly, Prince George’s County
• LaTanya Irby, Prince George’s County
• Serina Childs, Prince George’s County
• Olivia Darling, Queen Anne’s County
• Jessica Norvell, St. Mary’s County
• Charles “Ricky” Smith, Talbot County
• William Adkins, Wicomico County

Marilyn Farndon Excellence in Training Award

The Marilyn Farndon Excellence in Training Award was presented to Antonella Volpe of Charles County for her excellence, innovation, and dedication to the emergency communications profession. Anthony Calabrese of Baltimore County and Monica Dietz of Wicomico County were also nominated for this prestigious honor, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the field.

The ultimate award recipient, Volpe, established a landmark partnership with Southern Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute to teach the IAED Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) to high school cadets, helping secure Maryland State Department of Education recognition of the ETC as an Industry Recognized Credential. Additionally, she independently implemented and developed her division’s Essential Personnel Training Management System to meticulously track certifications, awards, training, and employee development. Exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and mission-driven, Volpe consistently exceeds expectations and advances the profession through her visionary leadership.

Steve Souder Lifetime Achievement Award

William “Butch” Frazier received the Steve Souder Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor reserved for individuals displaying significant dedication and leadership in advancing Maryland’s 9-1-1 system. Frazier concluded more than 18 years of service representing the Maryland Emergency Numbers Association (MENA) on the statewide board on June 30, 2026, having helped guide the critical transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) technology.

His lifetime of achievement spans over twenty years at the intersection of PSAP operations with the Charles County Department of Emergency Services, policy development, and the volunteer fire service. A Past President and Life Active member of the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, Frazier’s profound legacy continues to shape the safety and infrastructure of communities across the State.

Maryland 9-1-1 centers are actively hiring telecommunicators and training coordinators across the State. To learn more about career paths and training opportunities, visit 911.maryland.gov/pages/careers.

Tags: 911, 911 board, awards, staff recognition

Maryland Announces Cybersecurity Funding Opportunities for State and Local Governments

MDEM and DoIT are opening applications for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to help strengthen cyber resilience across Maryland

HANOVER, Md. (August 24, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), the Department of Information Technology (DoIT), and the Maryland State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) Planning Committee are pleased to announce more than  $4.9 million in funding is now available through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program. 

Applications will be accepted through September 22, 2026. Projects awarded under Federal Fiscal Year 2023 must be completed by September 2027 and projects awarded under Federal Fiscal Year 2024 must be completed by September 2028. 

The SLCGP is congressionally established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) 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.” Maryland was awarded $4.9M for the FFY 2024 period, and has additional funds to disburse from the FFY 2023 award. At least 80% of the funding will support local jurisdictions, with 25% of the award reserved for rural jurisdictions. 

For more information on the SLCGP Application process, please visit the Cyber Preparedness Unit’s funding page or email [email protected]. 

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Additional Information

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?

SLCGP FFY 2023 Second Round Application (short-term projects only)

For FFY 2023, a second-round application for FFY 2023 SLCGP funds is now open! Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. 

SLCGP FFY 2024 Application

For FFY 2024, Maryland was awarded $4.9M. 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 SLCGP 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). “Maryland Rural” as defined by the Committee is any Maryland “Local Government” that can provide adequate evidence of their rural status such as a planning and zoning designation or mapping. Evidence should be submitted with the application package.
  

What can the SLCGP 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 [email protected].

Tags: cybersecurity, funding, local government, maryland

MDEM Urges Increased Alertness Ahead of Severe Weather Expected to Affect Maryland

Thunderstorms, damaging winds, localized flooding, and isolated tornadoes are in the forecast for Maryland today 

HANOVER, Md. (August 20, 2026) —  The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is advising Marylanders to be alert and to prepare ahead of severe thunderstorms which are forecast to develop this afternoon and throughout the evening.  According to The National Weather Service numerous thunderstorms are anticipated to develop along the eastern Appalachian region early this afternoon. The storms’ intensity and coverage will increase across the eastern half of the State through the evening hours.

Main threats:

• Damaging wind gusts
• Chance for frequent lightning
• Brief heavy rains
• Sporadic hail
• Possibility of a tornado or two. 

Because peak storm intensity and coverage will directly coincide with the afternoon and evening commute—particularly between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM EDT—travel conditions across central and eastern Maryland, including the greater Washington, D.C. area, could deteriorate quickly. 

What to expect:

• Brief heavy downpours and localized urban flooding threaten to cause sudden water accumulation on major commuter corridors including I-95, I-495, I-695, and I-70. 
• Damaging wind gusts could down trees and power lines, resulting in road closures and unlit traffic signals. 

MDEM strongly advises commuters to adjust travel plans by departing early before storms arrive or delaying travel until storm activity tapers off late this evening. Drivers encountering unlit intersections should treat them as four-way stops and remain cautious overnight as patchy fog creates lingering low-visibility hazards. 

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.

For more information, residents can also go to MDEM’s website at mdem.maryland.gov, and follow MDEM’s social media feeds X (Twitter) (@MDMEMA), Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA), Linkedin (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management), Threads (threads.net/@mdmema) and Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).

Tags: maryland, preparedness, severe weather, storms, thunderstorms, Weather Alert

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Westernport Becomes Home to New Maryland Mesonet Station

State of Maryland announces activation of new Mesonet Weather Station in Westernport to improve access to localized weather data

WESTERNPORT, Md. (July 30, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), in coordination with University of Maryland, Allegany County Department of Emergency Services, and the Town of Westernport today announced the activation of a new mesonet weather monitoring station in Westernport, Maryland. This installation expands Maryland’s growing network of high‑resolution environmental monitoring sites and strengthens the State’s ability to detect, track, and respond to hazardous weather conditions.

“This investment reflects Maryland’s commitment to proactive emergency management,” said Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management, Russ Strickland. “Expanding our statewide mesonet network provides emergency managers, forecasters, and public safety partners with more timely, localized weather data to support informed decisions before, during, and after severe weather.”

Situated along the Potomac River corridor in southern Allegany County, the new Westernport mesonet station delivers continuous, real‑time measurements on temperature, wind, humidity, precipitation, soil conditions, and other critical atmospheric variables. These data feed directly into Maryland’s statewide hazard analysis systems, the University of Maryland’s public-facing webpage, and the National Weather Service, improving the accuracy of severe weather forecasting and enhancing situational awareness for emergency managers across the region.

Since the historic flooding that impacted Western Maryland in May 2025, MDEM has worked closely with local officials and community partners to support long-term recovery efforts. Most notably, the department administered the first-ever award from Maryland’s State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF) to help eligible survivors recover from the disaster. The funding provided direct assistance to affected residents, helping them secure temporary housing, replace essential personal property, and meet other disaster-related recovery needs at a time when federal disaster assistance was unavailable. MDEM continues to coordinate with State and local partners to identify additional resources that support the community’s ongoing recovery.

“We’re excited to have the new Mesonet weather station for our town,” said Westernport Mayor, Allen Shapiro. “Following the devastating May 2025 flooding events, every additional tool that improves weather monitoring is invaluable to our community. This station will help us better prepare for quickly changing weather conditions. We are grateful to be able to collaborate with each agency involved in bringing this important resource to our community.”

The Westernport station is part of Maryland’s ongoing initiative to expand mesonet coverage into rural and mountainous areas where traditional weather sensors are sparse. The enhanced data will support:

Improved flood and storm‑impact modeling
Real-time meteorological impact verification
More accurate winter weather and high‑wind alerts
Enhanced fire‑weather assessments for public safety agencies
Stronger coordination with the National Weather Service
Increased public access to reliable, hyper‑local weather information

“The 2025 Georges Creek flood exposed a monitoring gap that the Maryland Mesonet is actively closing,” said James Hyde, Mesonet Manager. “By swiftly delivering high-quality data, these stations give leaders intelligence and confidence in fast-changing storms. This real-time accuracy contributes to faster warnings and helps engineers design long-term flood solutions.”

The Westernport mesonet station is now fully operational, and its data will be publicly accessible on the Maryland Mesonet website: https://mesonet.umd.edu/

Secretary Russell Strickland and Deputy Secretary Chas Eby will be available for interview and comment on the launch of the Mesonet station and the continued recovery efforts in western Maryland at MDEM Headquarters. To RSVP please email [email protected].

For more information, residents can also go to MDEM’s website at mdem.maryland.gov, and follow MDEM’s social media feeds X (Twitter) (@MDMEMA), Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA), Instagram (instagram.com/mdmema), Linkedin (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management), Threads (threads.net/@mdmema) and Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).

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Maryland Announces Cybersecurity Funding Opportunities for Local Government

MDEM is opening applications for the Local Cybersecurity Support Fund to help strengthen cyber resilience across Maryland

HANOVER, Md. (July 27, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is announcing a funding opportunity through the Local Cybersecurity Support Fund (LCSF), a fund created by the State and managed by MDEM. The Fund aims to improve cyber security preparedness at the local government level to include local school systems, local school boards, and local health departments. The application period for the LCSF is open now, and applicants have until August 28 to apply.

This funding opportunity can be an important tool that local governments can use to bolster their cybersecurity defenses in an increasingly complex and evolving threat landscape.

For more information on the LCSF Application process, please visit the Cyber Preparedness Unit’s LSCF webpage or email [email protected].

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Governor Moore Declares State of Preparedness Ahead of Historic Heat Wave

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today declared a State of Preparedness Read the rest of this entry »

Maryland Hosts Multi-State Exercise Series to Prepare for Catastrophic Disasters

Department of Emergency Management Tests Evacuation Coordination Plans Ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

OCEAN CITY, Md. (May 27, 2026) — Yesterday, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) hosted a multi-state tabletop exercise focused on evacuation coordination. Representatives from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, and local governments from the Delmarva Peninsula as well as the Baltimore region participated in the exercise held in Ocean City ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. 

The exercise scenario was based on a Category 3 hurricane making direct landfall on the peninsula. While the scenario is unlikely, using extreme situations to stress response protocols can assist local officials in identifying critical gaps in planning and capabilities ahead of the emergency. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and goes through November 30 each year.

“Interagency planning and exercises like the Delmarva Regional Evacuation Coordination effort are foundational work of emergency management. We’re grateful to Maryland’s local jurisdictions, Delaware, and Virginia, who dedicated the time to work with us to update plans and participate in this exercise,” Russell Strickland, Secretary of the Department of Emergency Management said after the tabletop concluded Tuesday.

During the tabletop exercise, local emergency managers and state officials discussed the logistics and practicality of protective actions like evacuations or sheltering options, and assessed how different communities would respond. They also reviewed the available resources each community has to address any gaps ahead of hurricane season. 

“Planning and practicing for a full Delmarva evacuation helps make sure we’re ready to support our local communities when a major disaster happens,” Brian LeCates, Talbot County Director of Emergency Services said. “These exercises give us a chance to work through challenges ahead of time with our local, state, and federal partners across the Delmarva, so we can help keep people safe, informed, and connected when it matters most.”

MDEM will also host a functional exercise which will include the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center later in June. Local and state leaders across the Delmarva region will build on the tabletop exercise and assess capabilities across critical sectors that could be impacted including transportation, public safety, public health and medical needs, communications, and sheltering. The functional exercise will evaluate the need for additional services and resources to be deployed if any of the services are activated.

The plan update, tabletop and functional exercises were funded by FEMA’s Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP). The competitive grant program plays an important role in the implementation of the National Preparedness System. RCPGP funding supports the building of core capabilities essential to achieving the goal of a secure and resilient nation by providing resources to close known capability gaps in Housing and Logistics and Supply Chain Management, encouraging innovative regional solutions to issues related to catastrophic incidents, and building on existing regional efforts.

“Programs like the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program are essential because they support planning, training, and exercises like this,” Secretary Strickland said. “These efforts allow us to strengthen coordination, identify gaps, and improve our ability to support communities before a real-world emergency occurs in any of our jurisdictions.” 

Marylanders are 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 local text alerts.

For more information, residents can also go to MDEM’s website at mdem.maryland.gov, and follow MDEM’s social media feeds X (Twitter) (@MDMEMA), Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA), Linkedin (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management), Threads (threads.net/@mdmema) and Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).

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Tags: Emergency Management, evacuation, fema, Hurricane Season, preparedness

Maryland Strengthens Nuclear Emergency Preparedness through PBEX 2026 Exercise

HANOVER, Md. (May 4, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), alongside other state, local, federal, and private-sector partners, successfully completed the biennial Radiological Emergency Preparedness Exercise for the Peach Bottom Clean Energy Center (previously known as Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station) on Tue, Apr 28, 2026. 

The 2026 exercise involved a comprehensive, graded evaluation by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). MDEM coordinated the plume portion of the exercise from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in conjunction with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the Maryland Department of Health, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and local officials from Harford and Cecil Counties. This evaluative training session, commonly referred to as PBEX, assessed the response capabilities of the State of Maryland and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within the 10-mile Emergency Planning Zone surrounding the facility in Delta, Pa. Preliminary findings from FEMA indicated MDEM had successfully demonstrated all of the graded criteria. Within 90 days, FEMA will send its evaluation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for use in licensing decisions. The final report will be available to the public approximately 120 days after the exercise. 

“Through exercises like PBEX, we not only measure our preparedness but also sharpen our ability to respond and protect communities during emergencies,” stated Maryland Secretary of Emergency Management, Russ Strickland. “Training remains a priority to ensure our collaboration with regional, federal, State, and local partners is seamless.  PBEX tests our capabilities in high-stress, time-sensitive conditions that demand precision, coordination, and endurance, challenging our personnel to operate at the edge of their limits so they’re ready for any crisis.”

The graded exercise is designed to simulate an event at the plant which ultimately results in radiation release. As the scenario progressed, event participants practiced the protective emergency measures that are needed to protect residents in Hartford and Cecil counties, which are located near the energy center, in the event of an emergency. While this type of scenario is unlikely to occur, it is critical that public safety systems are trained and ready to respond to radiological hazards. 

As part of the graded exercise, state and local partners conducted medical service drills on April 22 at Christiana Union Hospital and on April 23 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. These drills included EMS assessment, treatment, and transport of patients, as well as hospital emergency department reception, decontamination, and treatment of injured individuals. In coordination with these efforts, Cecil County conducted its drills on the evening of April 22, focusing on emergency worker and vehicle decontamination and radiological monitoring. 

Following the plume phase, MDEM and its partners conducted additional drills on Apr 29, 2026 focused on critical community response tasks, including the activation of reception centers in Hartford and Cecil Counties at Fallston and Rising Sun High Schools respectively. Drills also included school evacuation procedures, and emergency worker monitoring and decontamination. In addition to the graded exercise and related drills, MDEM staff participated in two dress rehearsals with state and local partners earlier this year.

Exercises like PBEX and SAREX reflect MDEM’s continued commitment to training excellence, ensuring personnel and partners remain prepared to respond effectively to emergencies across the State.

MDEM reminds Maryland residents and visitors to always have multiple ways to receive alerts. 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 WebApp, users can visit MdReady.maryland.gov and follow the prompt to easily add the MdReady shortcut to a mobile device home screen.

For more information, residents can also go to MDEM’s website at mdem.maryland.gov, and follow MDEM’s social media feeds X (Twitter) (@MDMEMA), Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA), Instagram (instagram.com/mdmema), Linkedin (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management), Threads (threads.net/@mdmema) and Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).

Maryland Strengthens Emergency Communications through Statewide Interoperability Efforts

Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee Reconvenes To Guide Emergency Communications Policy Across Maryland

HANOVER, Md. (April 27, 2026) — The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) reconvened at Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) headquarters today to set statewide interoperability priorities, identify voice and data communications capabilities and opportunities, and begin the process of revising the 2022 Maryland State Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP) in order to advance improvements in communications for Maryland’s emergency responders throughout the state. 

“Today’s meeting was another great step toward ensuring that interoperable public safety communications foster effective preparedness, response, and recovery activities,” said MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “A resilient Maryland depends on our ability to communicate without barriers during emergencies, and interoperability ensures that responders across agencies and jurisdictions can operate as one team, making faster decisions and delivering coordinated support when it matters most. Through the work of the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee and MDEM, we are building a stronger, more connected emergency response system for all Marylanders.”

When Governor Wes Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2024.20, he reestablished the SEIC and charged it with providing governance for “public safety emergency communications interoperability, and to promote the efficient and effective use of resources for matters related to public safety emergency communications and interoperability.” This action builds on earlier statewide efforts to formalize governance, strengthen coordination among state and local partners, and expand Maryland’s interoperable communications capabilities, positioning the State to advance these priorities through the 2026 Workplan.

“The SIEC will launch the process to revise the 2022 Maryland State Communications Interoperability Plan (SCIP),” said Jack Markey, MDEM’s Assistant Secretary and Statewide Interoperability Coordinator. “This process will develop strategic, consensus recommendations to enhance public safety voice and data interoperability, reduce costs and technical risks where possible, and also increase reliability and effectiveness.”

Operational communications form the backbone of emergency management. Responders from different agencies and jurisdictions need to be able to communicate clearly and reliably when it matters most. In Maryland, MDEM provides statewide leadership for interoperability by bringing together local, state, and federal partners to align systems, standards, and planning efforts. This collaborative approach does not involve operating individual communications systems, but instead focuses on ensuring they work together effectively during emergencies. Through this coordination, systems such as the FirstNet Public Safety Broadband Network (FirstNet) and the Maryland FiRST radio system, operated by partner agencies, are better integrated across jurisdictions. The result is stronger coverage, faster information sharing, and more effective response for all Marylanders. 

Be sure to follow MDEM’s social media feeds on X (Twitter) (@MDMEMA), Facebook (facebook.com/MDMEMA), Linkedin (linkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management), Threads (threads.net/@mdmema) and Bluesky (@mdmema.bsky.social).

Sec. Strickland sits with the reconvened Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee to guide Emergency Communications Policy across Maryland.

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