MDEM Newsroom
What does a “State of Emergency” mean?
September 23rd, 2023What does a “State of Emergency” mean?
In preparation for Tropical Storm Ophelia, Governor Wes Moore has asked State departments and agencies to launch a coordinated effort to keep Marylanders safe and informed in the upcoming days. Governor Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2023.13 declaring a state of emergency in Maryland on Friday, September 22, 2023. Here is information on what a state of emergency means.
Not all states of emergency are the same. Each state of emergency is different and can change depending on the severity of the event or emergency. Be sure to check with your local news and with MDEM for updated information related to states of emergency.
A state of emergency has been declared in order to allow Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources, like the National Guard, in order to increase the State’s response.
A state of emergency is a good indicator that residents should remain alert and follow officials’ orders, news stations, and weather forecasts in order to be informed of the situation.
Here is additional information about this state of emergency:
Will schools be closed?
States of Emergencies typically do not mandate school closures. It usually is the local school district’s decision to stay open or to close. Check with your school for up-to-date closure information.
Will stores and businesses be open?
This state of emergency does not require employers to close. We ask that all employers consider employee safety at all times.
Can I drive on the roads?
Most of the time, motorists are not prohibited from driving. However, this depends on the situation and the limitations set in each particular State of Emergency. Each State of Emergency is different. If you are a motorist and must drive and cannot change your plans, you should drive carefully and use common sense. You should also:
- Allow extra time to get to your destinations.
- Let family or/and friends know what roads you plan to take and expected arrival times.
- Contact family/friends after you arrive to your destination.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TROPICAL STORM OPHELIA
- Stay vigilant, use common sense, and continue to monitor the forecast
- We are asking all Marylanders to remain vigilant, to stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates, and to follow any instructions local officials may provide during this state of emergency.
- We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides. Conditions will deteriorate throughout Saturday. Highest impacts expected during the day Saturday, lasting into Sunday morning.
- Those under a tropical storm warning should be prepared and exercise caution during this multiple-day event.
- Widespread power outages are possible, so we urge people to keep their devices charged and monitor trusted local forecasts for your part of the State.
- Always use extreme caution near downed power lines and wires. For your own safety, assume that they are live and carrying electricity.
- Keep a distance of at least 30 feet and report it to 9-1-1 from a safe location.
- NEVER drive over downed wires. If you are driving in an area with downed trees or utility poles, slow down, scan the road and stay away from any debris that may be caught in a downed wire.
- If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed wire, STAY INSIDE! Call 9-1-1 to request assistance and if someone approaches your car, roll down your window and ask them to keep their distance.
- Follow any protective actions recommended by local officials.
- Make sure to have an emergency supply kit stocked with non-perishable food, a three day supply of water, and other necessities
- Make sure you stock items for those with special needs and pets.
- Try to avoid outdoor activities and travel during the storm if at all possible.
- Know the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING.
- WATCH: conditions are favorable for a hurricane, tropical storm, flooding, or other severe weather event.
- WARNING: ACT NOW! Severe weather is happening; take immediate precautions.
- Widespread power outages are possible, so we urge people to keep their devices charged and monitor trusted local forecasts for your part of the State.
- Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Remember: Turn around, don’t drown!
We are tracking this storm moment-by-moment and we are ensuring we are prepared for all possible impacts to our state.
Maryland One of First to Receive Funds in Groundbreaking Federal Program
September 13th, 2023Funds Will Help Local Governments Afford Projects to Minimize Effects of Natural Hazards
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![]() REISTERSTOWN, MD (September 13, 2023) — Maryland is one of just eight states to receive capitalization grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of a groundbreaking new program to help communities reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters. Maryland received a $6.5 million grant — the second highest award — under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program. Maryland joins seven other states receiving funds in the first round of this program, authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which appropriated $500 million over five years for the program. The program’s capitalization grants provide low-interest loans to local governments most in need of financial assistance, including low-income geographic areas and underserved communities. “Maryland is at the forefront of mitigation, being one of the first eight recipients of these grants from FEMA,” stated Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “This pioneering initiative equips our communities with a powerful tool to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. These funds will also empower local partners to engage in hazard mitigation activities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.” The State created the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund to administer this program. The money can be used to help finance a variety of projects designed to minimize the effects of natural hazards on communities and can also be used to help local governments pay their cost share of traditional federal hazard mitigation programs. Here is more information about the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund. You can also learn more about the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan fund. |
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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872
Maryland Department of Emergency Management Offers Support For Maui Wildfire Relief
August 16th, 2023
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Officials Recommend Donations Of Cash To Reputable Nonprofit Organizations Active In Hawai‘i
Beware of Scammers: Stay vigilant against scams. Protect your donations and refer to official resources for information on how to avoid fraud. The Hawai’i government is working with the following organizations and requesting donations: Hawai‘i Community Foundation – Maui Strong Fund: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement – Kāko‘o Maui Fundraiser: hawaiiancouncil.org/maui Maui United Way – Maui Fire Disaster Relief: mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief Maryland remains committed to supporting recovery efforts in Maui and will continue to collaborate with local and national partners to ensure the effective allocation of resources. ### CONTACT: |
Maryland Department of Emergency Management Urges Marylanders to be Prepared and Remain Vigilant
August 7th, 2023
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High Likelihood of Severe Thunderstorms, Widespread Damaging Wind Gusts, Locally Destructive Winds
Be prepared and MdReady for the storm:
Please remain vigilant and be safe. ### CONTACT: |
Do you Know Your Zone? MDEM Urges All Marylanders to Check Before 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins June 1st
May 26th, 2023
Be Prepared: Know Your Zone, Have a Plan, Stay Informed and Have a Kit
For more information about hurricane preparedness, including sample emergency plans and supply kit information, please visit MDEM, FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross. 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. Marylanders also 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 text alerts in English or Spanish. ### CONTACT: |
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MDEM Joins FEMA and Anne Arundel County to Conduct Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise
May 11th, 2023
Federal, State, Local Partners Strengthen Regional Resilience, Demonstrate Available Resources After a Disaster
The exercise aims to:
“The Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise is an important step in ensuring that Anne Arundel County is prepared for any disaster that might occur in our region,” said Preeti Emrick, Director of the Anne Arundel County OEM. “It is essential that we collaborate with our State, federal, and local entities to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.” Volunteer actors served as disaster survivors and made their way through the DRC seeking information from these entities as they would have in a real post-disaster environment. The mock DSA mission and opening of the DRC offer an opportunity for residents to see firsthand how these services might work in the event of a disaster. Some residents participated as a residential role player in the exercise and gained a better understanding of what to expect and how they can access individual assistance programs. The Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise provides a unique opportunity for MDEM, FEMA, and the Anne Arundel County OEM to work together to improve their response capabilities and better prepare for future disasters. MDEM encourages all residents to learn more about the disaster recovery process and additional resources by visiting https://www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster.
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Emergency Management Secretary Strickland and Agriculture Secretary Atticks Join the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council in Field Tour of Prince George’s County
April 19th, 2023Tour Highlights Interdepartmental Cooperation and Engagement with Local Farmers, Business Owners
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![]() “The Food System Resiliency Council was established in the wake of the COVID-19 disaster, which demonstrated how critical all parts of our food system are to creating resilient communities in Maryland,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland, who also co-chairs FSRC. “There are so many innovative efforts underway in Maryland to improve food production and food access, as well as limiting climate impacts. I’m grateful to the sites today for welcoming the Council members, sharing information, and demonstrating potential solutions to the challenges we face in ensuring no one is left behind in our community.” The tour will consist of three site visits to locally operated food system-related organizations and provide their stakeholders an opportunity to share what is and what is not working in order to identify gaps within the Maryland food system. The tour will make stops at Compost Outposts (managed by Eco City Farms), Prince George’s County Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park (a collaboration among ECO City Farms, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District [PGSCD], the Prince George’s Food Equity Council [FEC], and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission [M-NCPPC] Parks and Recreation Department), and Purple Mountain Grown (operated by farmers Nazirahk Amen and Amanda Heinbaugh [and family!] with an intent to support local food sustainability through regenerative practices). The driving goals of the FSRC are:
You can find more information by visiting the following websites: mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/md-fsrc.aspx |
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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872
Great Maryland Twister Test Set For Wednesday, April 12 at 10 a.m.
April 10th, 2023MDEM, NWS Encourage Marylanders to Practice What To Do During a Tornado Warning; Alert Will Broadcast Over NOAA Weather Radios As Part of Severe Storms Awareness Week
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![]() At 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, the NWS will issue a statement over National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios about the tornado drill. Be aware, while an EAS test code will precede this message, that Required Monthly Test (RMT) code may not trigger some weather radios. This test code will also not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts over cell phones. Schools, businesses, community groups, and individuals can practice what to do when a tornado warning is issued by NWS. While everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill Wednesday at 10 a.m., you can practice at other times too. Families, for example, might want to practice when everyone is at home. “Tornadoes strike with little or no warning, so knowing how to quickly move to safety is essential,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Whether you are in school, at work, or at home, knowing how to receive a warning and the safest place to go during a tornado warning is vital.” Tornadoes happen almost every year in Maryland – sometimes even violent and deadly ones. Already this year, a small tornado damaged several buildings and knocked down utility poles and trees in Cecil County on April 1. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. However, since 2000, fatalities have been reported from tornadoes in LaPlata (Charles County), College Park (Prince George’s County), and Baltimore City. Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. |
While most common in our warm season in the afternoons and evenings, tornadoes can happen anytime and anywhere in Maryland when conditions are right. They bring intense, damaging winds that are often 80-110 miles per hour, and sometimes devastating winds as great as 150-200 mph that can destroy homes. These rotating funnel clouds that extend to the ground create a path of damage often as wide as a football field, and sometimes up to a mile wide.
If you are under a tornado or severe weather warning:
- Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
- Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck. If they are close by, you can also use pillows, blankets, or couch cushions to protect those parts of your body.
- Make plans to go to a public shelter if you can’t stay home.
- Go to NOAA Weather Radio and your local news or official social media accounts for updated emergency information. Follow the instructions of State and local officials.
In conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS), public and private schools have been given guidance for directing students, faculty, and staff to the safest areas of their facilities during a tornado warning. Schools are being encouraged to practice during the Great Maryland Twister Test at 10 a.m. Wednesday if at all possible, and at other times if needed.
The NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, which covers most Maryland jurisdictions, is coordinating this statement and drill in conjunction with their colleagues at NWS Mount Holly (PA), which covers Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties, and NWS Wakefield (VA), which handles Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.
Marylanders also are encouraged to download 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.
Visit our Severe Storms Awareness Week page for more information: https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/severe-storms-week.aspx. To find more preparedness information for severe storms and other hazards, please visit the following websites: mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/types-of-emergencies.aspx, weather.gov/safety, or ready.gov.
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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872
Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week Set For April 10-16
April 10th, 2023
“Don’t Get Caught in the Storm – Be MdReady” Is the Theme of This Year’s Campaign as MDEM, NWS Focus on Spring Storm Hazards, Urge Marylanders to Practice Tornado Drill
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Maryland Department of Emergency Management Makes Up to $25 Million Available to Local Jurisdictions for Disaster Resiliency Projects
January 11th, 2023MDEM-Administered Program to Build on Federal Legislation to Help Mitigate Loss from Floods, Major Storms, Other Hazards
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![]() REISTERSTOWN, MD (January 11, 2023) — The Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF Program), which will provide money to local governments to help pay for hazard mitigation projects, is now open. The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), and the fund was created by legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan. “This program is a prime example of a State, federal and local partnership,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Studies have shown that mitigation projects save an average of $6 in future recovery costs for every $1 spent. This program will help reduce costs to local governments and help them access federal grants to keep their communities safer and more resilient, which gets us closer to our vision of a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive.” The RLF Program provides funding to local governments to support proactive mitigation projects that reduce the negative effects of natural disasters and other crises. One of the key purposes of the program is to help local governments pay the federal cost–share requirements, which can strain local budgets for larger projects. The loans will have an interest rate of no more than one percent. Most importantly, the loan may be used as the non-federal cost share for other hazard mitigation grants. The RLF Program is designed to help local governments seeking loans and encourage partnerships between two or more entities to carry out projects. The program also aims to have at least 40 percent of the overall benefits generated from loan funds to flow to underserved communities. The Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act became law in January 2021 and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide capitalization grants to states for the establishment of revolving loan funds that aid hazard mitigation. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides funding of $500 million over five years, with $50 million appropriated for Federal Fiscal Year 2023. Local governments may obtain loans to carry out eligible projects that build resilience for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities. Eligible projects may include mitigation of impacts from severe storms such as hurricanes, tornados, windstorms, and severe winter storms; drought and prolonged intense heat; and flooding, shoreline erosion, high water levels, and storm surges. The funds also can be used for zoning and land use planning and establishing and enforcing resilient building codes. There is no requirement for a presidential disaster declaration or for damages to have occurred. More information on the STORM Act can be found here: fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf. Filing of a Notice of Intent (NOI) will be coordinated through the local emergency management office. For all inquiries, please email ResilientLoan.MDEM@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
24/7 line: 877-636-2872