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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

MEMA Introduces #MdListo Text Alert Program in Spanish

Expands #MdReady to Better Reach Hispanic Community Before, During, and After Emergencies

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 18, 2020) — The Maryland Emergency Management (MEMA) announced today it has expanded its existing text alert program, #MdReady, in partnership with 211-MD so users can receive text alerts in Spanish.  #MdReady allows people to opt in to receive updates, tips, and alerts about COVID-19 and other threats and hazards affecting or that may affect Maryland. #MdListo is its counterpart in Spanish.

“With #MdListo we will be able to reach individuals who prefer text communications in Spanish,” said Russ Strickland, MEMA’s Executive Director. “Strong communications is important to us as emergency managers. To be able to reach and engage a growing segment of our state’s population in their preferred language is a win-win.”

To opt into the program text MdReady (for English) or MdListo (for Spanish) to the number 898-211. MEMA also reminds Maryland residents that 211-MD has translators in Spanish and 180 other languages ready to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can reach a 211-MD representative to get help with food, housing and shelter, substance abuse, and mental health, in the following ways:

  1. Dial 211
  2. Text your zip code to 898-211
  3. Chat online through their website: 211md.org/chat-with-us

MEMA encourages Marylanders to sign up for #MdReady or #MdListo and reminds residents to visit KnowYourZoneMd.com as we are in the peak of hurricane season. For more information about hurricane preparedness, please visit MEMA, Ready.gov, the National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross.

NOTE TO MEDIA: MEMA staff will be available to arrange interviews for your article, story or public affairs show. Please contact us at the email below.

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CONTACT:
Maryland State Emergency Operations Center PIO: pio.mema@maryland.gov