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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is National and Maryland Preparedness Month

“Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters”

Click here to listen to audio of this release.

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (August 30, 2019) – Are you prepared for a hurricane? Flooding? A severe thunderstorm or tornado? A winter storm? Or any type of Emergency? If the answer is no, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reminds Marylanders that this is time to review preparedness plans. Maryland (and National) Preparedness Month, which begins September 1st, reminds us to prepare throughout the year for all emergencies and MEMA has an important message for all Marylanders:

  1. Prepare for an emergency before it happens.
  2. Have a plan. This means a communications plan, an evacuation & reunification plan, and a plan for your pets.
  3. Know your Zone and be a good neighbor — It only takes one tropical storm or hurricane to change your life.

“We are entering the height of the hurricane season in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland. “That’s why now is a good time to review preparedness plans at home, at work, and at school. Having a plan, a disaster supply kit, and paying attention to trusted weather forecasts will help protect you and your family in most emergencies. It only takes one storm to change your life.”

Making preparations when threats are not imminent make communities more resilient. In addition to flooding, hazards common to Maryland include high winds, severe thunderstorms, and winter storms. Residents should also be aware of other issues such as cybersecurity attacks, extended power outages, and active assailant incidents.

To find important emergency preparedness information for these and additional threats, visit:

  1. MEMA: mema.maryland.gov
  2. The Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov
  3. The National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety

This also is a good time for those who live, work, or visit Maryland to learn about the Know Your Zone storm preparedness and evacuation campaign. Areas of the state vulnerable to hurricane storm surge are divided into three evacuation zones – A, B, and C. Residents who live along the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, the Atlantic Ocean, and the coastal bays should be aware if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone. It is important however to understand that all Marylanders are vulnerable to the other hazards associated with hurricanes including high wind, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes.

To find out if you live in one of the zones, please go to Maryland’s Know Your Zonewebsite at www.KnowYourZoneMd.com, click on the “Find Your Zone” button, and type your address into the search area in the upper left corner. That will tell you what, if any, evacuation zone you live, work, or vacation in. This short video explains how easy the process is and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/user/StateMarylandMEMA)

The website also contains useful information about hurricanes and preparedness tips. MEMA will be involved in preparedness events around the state throughout September. For updated information on these events, please visit MEMA’s website. You can also follow MEMA on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook for updated information.

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NOTE TO MEDIA: MEMA staff will be available throughout September to discuss Preparedness Month and our Know Your Zone campaign. To arrange interviews for your article, story or public affairs show, please contact Ed McDonough or Jorge Castillo at the numbers below.

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