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.

Officials Recommend Donations Of Cash To Reputable Nonprofit Organizations Active In Hawai‘i

REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 16, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management expresses its deepest condolences to the residents of Maui and Hawai‘i counties affected by the recent devastating wildfires. In the spirit of solidarity and support, the Department is extending its assistance for the wildfire relief efforts and sharing valuable tips with Maryland residents on how they can help. “The people of Maryland stand in solidarity with our fellow Americans in Maui during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to those affected by the horrific wildfires,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We commend the dedication and bravery of all responders and volunteers working tirelessly to aid in the recovery. We are united in our efforts to provide support and comfort to those in need.” Maryland Task Force 1 (MDTF1), a specialized urban search and rescue (USAR) team, has received an activation order to deploy a Type 1 USAR team to Maui. Comprising 70 rescuers and 10 support personnel, the team is scheduled to depart on the earliest available flight on August 16. Maryland Task Force 1’s dedicated personnel will be working in conjunction with other deployed teams, including two K9 rescue teams. Some Maryland Task Force 1 personnel have been on the ground since Monday, assisting in search and rescue efforts under challenging conditions due to elevated temperatures. Maryland Task Force 1’s commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities remains steadfast, with daily updates provided to ensure transparency and effective coordination. “The flames that have ravaged Maui have left a mark on the hearts of its residents and survivors as well as the beautiful landscape. We share in their pain and are committed to offering our assistance in any way possible,” said Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. In light of the outpouring of support, the Department recommends that Maryland residents consider the following tips to maximize relief efforts, in accordance with requests from Hawai’i:

• Cash Donations: Reputable nonprofit organizations active in Hawai‘i recommend cash donations, which can be used to procure specific goods and services needed for relief.
• Avoid Physical Donations: The volume of donated goods has overwhelmed some groups. Cash donations can be more efficiently directed to where they are needed most.
• Respect Access Restrictions: Individuals are urged not to “self-deploy” to the disaster-impacted areas. Authorities are managing access to ensure safety and protection of culturally important items.

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.

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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

High Likelihood of Severe Thunderstorms, Widespread Damaging Wind Gusts, Locally Destructive Winds

REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 7, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is urging all Maryland residents and visitors to remain vigilant and alert today as severe thunderstorms, capable of harming life and property, will be moving through our State beginning early this afternoon and into the evening depending on your location. The Storm Prediction Center has increased our risk for severe weather to “MODERATE.” Winds greater than 70 miles per hour, flash flooding, hail, extreme lightning, straight-line wind damage, and tornadic activity with the possibility of an isolated significant tornado, may accompany these storms. The moderate area of risk is concentrated over our largest population centers. The department raised the State Activation Level to ENHANCED to support this incident at noon. “Everyone should pay close attention to weather forecasts throughout the day,” said Secretary of Emergency Management, Russ Strickland. “This is a dangerous system that could produce life-threatening winds and severe storms, and some areas may see multiple rounds of storms. I urge you to be prepared and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Be prepared and MdReady for the storm:

• Prepare for power outages NOW:
  • Charge electronics, have battery backups, and check flashlights.
  • Have emergency supplies in place at home, work, and in cars.
  • Stay alert and have several ways of receiving emergency alerts.
  • If you have impaired mobility and use an elevator to get between floors, work with your household members or neighbors to figure out a plan to get you out of the building if needed.
  • If you use electric medical devices, make sure they have fresh batteries and contact your doctor to discuss what to do if you lose power.
• Listen to local officials.
• Motorists should avoid driving if possible until the storm is over and are advised to never drive over flooded roadways or around.
• Be prepared for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes:
  • A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado development. Closely monitor local forecasts and listen to emergency alerts on your phone or TV.
  • A tornado warning means that a tornado is developing or has developed in your area.
    • SEEK SHELTER AND TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.
    • Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    • Avoid windows.
    • If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

• Monitor the weather through the US National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/lwx
• Monitor road conditions via the Maryland Department of Transportation 511 and CHARTWeb: chart.maryland.gov
• Monitor power outages through the MdReady installable app and website: MdReady.maryland.gov

Please remain vigilant and be safe.

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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

Be Prepared: Know Your Zone, Have a Plan, Stay Informed and Have a Kit

REISTERSTOWN, MD (May 26, 2023) — The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts Thursday, June 1, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) reminds people who live in, work in, or visit Maryland to Know Your Zone if a large storm requires evacuations from coastal and tidal areas. Recent hurricane seasons have been unusually busy – 2020 set a record for named Atlantic Hurricanes – so it is important to Know Your Zone, and also have an emergency plan, a disaster supply kit, and multiple ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency officials. In 2021, Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, still managed to cause tornadoes and flooding in Maryland and dangerous flash floods in the Northeast. Last year, Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida. “It takes just a single storm to change your life,” emphasized MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “Even without a direct hit, Maryland can face significant consequences from the remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes, including wind, and tidal and inland flooding. Remain vigilant to forecasts, make sure you Know Your Zone, and be prepared for the potential impacts of a storm in your area by having an emergency plan and a disaster supply kit.” When the remnants of Ida passed over Maryland two years ago, it spawned several tornadoes, inducing one that caused substantial damage in the Annapolis area. Heavy rains also caused flash floods, inundating basement apartments at a complex in Montgomery County that led to a drowning. Farther up the coast, Ida’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding in New York City subway tunnels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the NWS, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 30% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. The Know Your Zone program allows local emergency officials to order evacuations by letter zones (A, B, and C) to more easily provide information to those in the area. To determine if you live, work, or visit an evacuation zone in Maryland, please go to KnowYourZoneMD.com and click on the “Find Your Zone” link. Type in the address of the property you are interested in and you will find out if the location is in an evacuation zone. Please note that the zones are for evacuations from storm surge or tidal flooding along the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, the coastal bay, and ocean on the Eastern Shore. The zones do NOT apply to inland and flash floods. Here are some additional considerations while planning for hurricanes and other hazards:

• Plan now! Do not wait until the peak of hurricane season.
• Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
• Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding.
• Unless you live in an evacuation zone, make a plan to shelter-in-place if it is safe to do so.
• If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable.
• Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
• Only use outdoor generators that are at least 20 feet away from your home and away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

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.

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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

Federal, State, Local Partners Strengthen Regional Resilience, Demonstrate Available Resources After a Disaster

REISTERSTOWN, MD (May 11, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today for the Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise. This joint exercise was an important test of State, local, and federal readiness and the ability to respond to disasters in the Mid-Atlantic area. “As we participate in the Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise, we are reminded of our Department’s vision to shape a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive by building strong partnerships and promoting community preparedness,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “By working together with our federal and local partners in this exercise, we are taking proactive steps towards achieving that vision and ensuring we are prepared to respond to disasters in our region and our State.”

The exercise aims to:

• Validate FEMA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic) transition plans and procedures with field elements.
• Coordinate the mobilization of Region 3 staff.
• Facilitate the preliminary damage assessment (PDA) process.
• Coordinate between FEMA, the State, and locals to perform a disaster survivor assistance (DSA) mission, which includes the opening and operating of a disaster recovery center (DRC) that successfully allows survivor access to individual assistance programs.

“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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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

“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:

• Address the food insecurity crisis in the State resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis.
• Develop equity and sustainability policy recommendations to increase the long-term resiliency of the food system.
• Expand the impact of existing food council organizations.
• Develop a strategic plan to increase the production and procurement of Maryland certified food.

You can find more information by visiting the following websites:

mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/md-fsrc.aspx 
pgscd.org/urban-agricultural-conservation/urban-farm-incubator/ 
purplemountaingrown.com/
compostcrew.com/compost-outposts-eco-city-farms/

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.

 “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

REISTERSTOWN, MD (April 7, 2023) — Maryland residents and visitors are invited to practice what to do in the event of a tornado as part of Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week, April 10-16,  2023. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging residents to be aware of the most common spring weather hazards and how to prepare for and protect against them. “Marylanders should be aware of spring weather hazards, most notably tornadoes, damaging (straight line) winds, flooding, and lightning,” said Russ Strickland, Secretary of MDEM. “Although we can’t predict when these hazards will materialize, we know that severe thunderstorms can and do pose a serious threat to life and property. We urge all Marylanders to know about these threats and to be proactive in having several different ways to receive the latest alerts.” 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. During Severe Storms Awareness Week, MDEM will devote special days to cover information about flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and lightning. The theme on Monday, April 10, is flooding, generally the most common weather hazard in Maryland. Most flood fatalities in Maryland have happened when people try to drive, walk, or swim across flood waters. If you see standing water on a roadway or bridge, it is often not possible to tell how deep the water is or how quickly it is flowing. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. On Tuesday, April 11, the focus is damaging winds. While many people focus on swirling tornadic winds, straight line winds and downbursts can also cause serious damages. Much of the damage from the derecho storm in the summer of 2012 was caused by straight line winds. On Wednesday, April 12, Marylanders are invited by MDEM and the NWS to practice what to do in the event of an actual Tornado Warning during the Great Maryland Twister Test tornado drill. At 10 a.m., 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. 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 county, and NWS Wakefield (VA) which handles Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. While Maryland schools, businesses, and organizations can drill at 10 a.m., they are encouraged to practice their tornado drill  any time that day. Dangers from hail will be the focus on Thursday, April 13. Hail is a ball of ice formed in the extreme turbulence of strong thunderstorms as rain freezes and re-freezes, sometimes allowing the ice to grow as large as the size of softballs. Hail is only formed in strong, dangerous storms and the larger the hail, the more dangerous the storm. If you witness hail, get indoors as soon as possible. On Friday, April 14, the theme  is lightning safety. More than 98 percent of lightning casualties are suffered by people outdoors. The most frequent fatalities come outside of the rain area. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from where rain is falling. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors.  “The majority of Maryland’s weather-related damage comes from thunderstorms and tornadoes,” said James E. Lee, Meteorologist in Charge of the NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office (WFO). “The NWS Baltimore/Washington WFO typically identifies hazardous weather threats minutes in advance, then immediately issues severe weather warnings. It is vital that Marylanders receive our warnings and rapidly respond to get out of harm’s way. Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week reminds people to develop a response plan, then practice the plan during the tornado drill.” 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

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.