GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IMPROVE MARYLAND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

REISTERSTOWN, MD  (Nov. 4, 2013) – As part of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s commitment to homeland security, Governor Martin O’Malley issued an Executive Order today to adopt the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program (MEPP). The MEPP is the overarching platform to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to preparedness.

The Executive Order outlines the roles and responsibilities related to the four mission areas used for measuring preparedness — prevention and protection, hazard mitigation, incident response and disaster recovery. The Order is part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve our State’s ability to withstand adverse conditions, both natural and man-made. Under the Executive Order, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Maryland State Police, and other state agencies are charged with fulfilling the activities that support those four core mission areas.

“Our most solemn obligation as public servants is to ensure the safety of our people. Over the last several years, winter blizzards, Hurricanes Irene and Sandy and the derecho storms have given us many opportunities to learn new lessons in safety and preparedness,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Building on those lessons, this new program will help to improve preparedness among individuals, businesses and governments throughout Maryland.”

MEMA is coordinating the new efforts with other state agencies, local partners and the private sector.

“Traditionally, state emergency management agency plans focus on roles and responsibilities during the response phase of an emergency – providing help for local governments and their first responders,” said MEMA Director Ken Mallette. “Now, we will develop robust plans to deal with those other mission areas – recovery, prevention and mitigation’ – so we will be better prepared to serve our residents.”

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For more information, contact MEMA Public Information officer Ed McDonough at410-517-3632 (desk), 410-446-3333 (cell) or ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov.