Hurricane Irene has Potential to Cause Extensive Damage to Properties in Maryland

Disaster Recovery Starts Before the Storm Arrives

(Reisterstown, MD. August 27, 2011) – Persons who are interested in volunteering their time and talent or making donations to people in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene are asked to contact the Maryland Volunteers and Donations Management Team at 1-877-868-4954.

MEMA is asking members of the public who wish to volunteer their services to refrain from traveling to a disaster scene before the needs of survivors have been determined. Local emergency management officials are often swamped with their respective response and recovery duties.  Persons who show up at the disaster site without being requested often have no means of support (shelter, food, fuel, communications, etc.) and thus become an additional burden to emergency management officials trying to manage the situation.

Public donations of materials without specifically being requested can also be a severe burden to emergency management officials because they must plan for the collection, storage, transport and distribution of the materials often before a need for specific items has been identified.    At this time, cash is the best form of donation…and there are a number of organizations that can accept cash and procure specific items for survivors based on need.  To see a list of these organizations, please visithttp://www.mdvoad.org/

Special Notes

The State Highway Administration recommends motorists plan ahead before traveling.  For specific travel information and real-time traffic conditions, call 511 or visit www.MD511.org” 

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Irene approaches Maryland. Go towww.mema.state.md.us  for the latest storm track and preparedness information.