MDEM Newsroom - Page 22 MDEM Newsroom
What does a “State of Emergency” mean?
September 3rd, 2016What does a “State of Emergency” mean?
In preparation for the upcoming Tropical Storm Hermine, Governor Larry Hogan has asked State agencies to launch a coordinated effort to keep Marylanders safe and informed in the upcoming days. Governor Hogan has signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland beginning Friday, September 2 in anticipation of heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding associated with Tropical Storm Hermine. The Executive Order will allow the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to those counties.
Here is information on what a state of emergency means.
Not all states of emergency are the same. Each state of emergency is different and can change depending on the severity of the event or emergency. Be sure to check with your local news and with MEMA for updated information related to states of emergency.
A state of emergency has been declared in order to allow Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources in order to increase the State’s response.
A state of emergency is a good indicator that residents should remain alert and follow officials’ orders, news stations, and weather forecasts in order to be informed of the situation. In this particular case, residents are being advised that they should prepare for a significant rainfall and that motorists should avoid non-essential travel. Here is additional information about this state of emergency:
Will stores and businesses be open?
This state of emergency does not prohibit employers to close. We ask that all employers consider employee safety at all times.
Can I drive on the roads?
There are no driving restrictions at this time, but, a state of emergency means that residents should be aware that driving could be hazardous and need to pay attention to the forecast and current conditions.
Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency for Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland
September 2nd, 2016Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency for Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland
Order Issued in Anticipation of Tropical Storm Hermine for Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties
See signed State of Emergency declaration here.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties beginning Friday, September 2 in anticipation of heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding associated with Tropical Storm Hermine. The Executive Order will allow the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to those counties.
“While the path of Tropical Storm Hermine remains uncertain, this state of emergency will ensure that resources and support are readily available if flooding and other damage does occur,” said Governor Hogan. “I strongly encourage Marylanders to pay close attention to this storm system and, if appropriate, to start preparing for potential flooding or any other possible hazards.”
The Hogan administration has directed state agencies to stand ready to respond to the effects of this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. Rain, wind, and localized flooding may continue throughout the weekend and into early next week.
For more information, residents can also go to MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov, follow MEMA’s Twitter feed at @MDMEMA, or follow MEMA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.
Tropical Storm Hermine Likely to Bring Rain and Wind to Maryland This Weekend
September 2nd, 2016Tropical Storm Hermine Likely to Bring Rain and Wind to Maryland This Weekend
MEMA is Monitoring the Storm and Making Preparations
Listen to audio of this release here.
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 2, 2016) — Tropical Storm Hermine could bring significant rainfall and wind to portions of Maryland beginning Saturday morning, making for a potentially hazardous Labor Day weekend. The Storm, which is currently located over Florida, is moving north-northeast and is forecast to be located off the Eastern Shore of Maryland by Saturday. Rain, wind and localized flooding may continue throughout the weekend and into early next week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tropical storm warnings for St. Mary’s, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties. In addition to tropical storm force rain and wind, these areas could experience tidal and coastal flooding.
“Marylanders need to monitor trusted weather sources, such as the NWS weather forecast offices and local news stations, in order to stay updated on this tropical system and associated rain,” said Russ Strickland, executive director of MEMA. “Residents and visitors to the Eastern Shore should pay extra attention—tropical storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly.”
Those in potentially affected areas should be familiar with evacuation routes, have a communications plan, keep a battery-powered radio handy and have a plan for pets.
Find out more information about hurricane and storm preparedness on our website mema.maryland.gov or follow our Twitter feed @MDMEMA, Facebook page and Instagram account, or by viewing our hurricane preparedness whiteboard video.
MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is Time to Prepare for Severe Weather and Other Emergencies
September 1st, 2016MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is Time to Prepare for Severe Weather and Other Emergencies
Tropical Storm Hermine, Other Weather Currently Being Monitored
Listen to audio of press release here.
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 1, 2016) — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reminds Marylanders that September is a good time to review preparedness information for severe weather and other emergencies throughout the year. September is both National Preparedness and Maryland Preparedness Month and government agencies, businesses, community groups, schools and families will be participating in events to help promote disaster preparedness.
“The flooding in Ellicott City in late July should be a reminder to all of us that disasters can strike anytime,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA. “And with three storms and depressions swirling around this week, we need to remember that this is the most likely time of the year for a hurricane to hit our area. Don’t wait until a disaster is on your doorstep to start preparing.”
Marylanders should pay particular attention to recently-formed Tropical Storm Hermine in the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasters predict this storm could affect parts of Maryland over the Labor Day weekend. MEMA urges residents to follow trusted weather sources in the coming days as there is still uncertainty over the exact path of the storm.
Making preparations when threats are not imminent can make communities more resilient. Hazards common to Maryland include flooding, high wind, severe thunderstorms and winter storms. Several online sources provide good emergency preparedness information for these and additional threats:
- MEMA: mema.maryland.gov/disasters
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/safety
To find a list of Preparedness Month events around Maryland, please visit our web site. We also will be announcing events throughout September on our Twitter feed @MDMEMA, Facebook page and Instagram.
Governor Larry Hogan Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Historic Ellicott City Flooding
August 12th, 2016Governor Larry Hogan Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to Historic Ellicott City Flooding
MEMA to Coordinate Request
Listen to audio of this release here.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today requested that President Barack Obama issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Howard County as a result of the floods that ripped through Main Street in Ellicott City on July 30, 2016. An approved disaster declaration would bring federal assistance to Howard County and Ellicott City through state and local agencies and public safety partners that served them during the storm.
“Our administration has made it clear that we will do everything we can, and coordinate with all levels of government to help the residents of Ellicott City and Howard County rebuild their community after the disastrous flooding that occurred,” said Governor Hogan. “These federal funds will go a long way in helping residents and local businesses rebuild infrastructure and will also help with some of the costs associated with the initial clean-up efforts.”
A storm cell dumped nearly six inches of rain in the area during a few hours on the evening of July 30, causing a wall of water to cascade down Main Street. Two people were killed in the storm, dozens of buildings – many a mix of business and residential – were damaged and about 200 vehicles were swept downstream or flooded. Ellicott City sits at the intersection of the West Branch of the Patapsco River and two smaller streams.
Eastern Howard County was severely impacted by this storm. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman quickly declared a local State of Emergency for the county, and Governor Hogan followed with a Maryland State of Emergency for the county. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) coordinated the state response and recovery through the State Emergency Operations Center, and also coordinated the movement of resources from other jurisdiction in Maryland and from other states.
Governor Hogan designated MEMA as the state coordinating agency for the request. MEMA Executive Director Russell Strickland directed MEMA staff to work with Howard County staff and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to perform a damage assessment as the first step in seeking federal assistance. This process started several days after the storm, when building inspectors and public works officials declared the area safe.
“MEMA worked closely with Howard County and FEMA to jointly assess damages and costs incurred and initial estimates have validated the significant impact of this storm,” said Director Strickland. “Many long-time residents said this flooding is the worst they have ever seen in that area. The amount of damage that the storm caused in just a couple of hours was devastating.”
SBA Approves Governor Hogan’s Request for Disaster Declaration for Howard County
August 10th, 2016SBA Approves Governor Hogan’s Request for Disaster Declaration for Howard County
MEMA Encourages Residents with Damages from July 30 Storm to Apply for Low-interest Loans to Assist with Recovery
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved a request for a physical disaster declaration for Howard County following flash flooding that affected Ellicott City and surrounding areas on July 30. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is encouraging businesses and residents in Howard County and adjacent counties affected by heavy rains and flooding to now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“These loans are essential for Ellicott City residents and businesses to rebuild, and I would like to thank the Small Business Administration for approving our request so quickly,” said Governor Hogan. “Our administration will continue to work tirelessly with Howard County and the federal government to allow local residents and businesses access to as many of these programs as possible.”
The SBA made the loans available in response to a letter from Governor Hogan on August 9, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Howard County and the adjacent counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Prince George’s, and Montgomery.
“As many of us have seen, Main Street in Ellicott City was devastated by the flash flooding on July 30,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “These loans, with attractive interest rates, can help the business owners and residents get back on their feet.”
Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow money to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
SBA’s customer service representatives are available at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications. The Center is located in the following community and is open as indicated:
Address: Ellicott City 50+ Center: 9401 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Opening: Friday, Aug. 12 at 8:30 AM
Hours: Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, Aug. 13 and Sunday, Aug. 14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, Aug. 20 and Sunday, Aug. 21 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
For more information about the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, please visit www.mema.maryland.gov.
For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, please visit www.sba.gov/disaster
Governor Hogan Requests Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for Howard County
August 9th, 2016Governor Hogan Requests Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration for Howard County
Approved Declaration Would Make Low-interest Loans Available to Businesses and Residents
Listen to audio of this release here.
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (August 9, 2016) — Governor Larry Hogan has issued a letter to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a physical disaster declaration for Howard County following flash flooding that affected Ellicott City and surrounding areas on July 30. An approved declaration would allow affected businesses, homeowners, and renters to apply for low-interest loans to repair damages that occurred due to the devastating storm.
“Ellicott City’s residents and businesses need as much help as they can get – from private citizens and all levels of government – as they begin to recover from this disastrous flood,” said Governor Hogan. “If approved, this disaster declaration will go a long way in providing access to the loans our citizens need to repair damages and continue the rebuilding process.”
State officials from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) joined Howard County officials and SBA staff last week to assess damages in order to apply for this program.
“MEMA is coordinating with our federal partners and Howard County to ensure that all applicable forms of federal assistance are made available to impacted residents,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland.
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. If approved for assistance, SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets. For more information, please visit www.sba.gov.
Governor Larry Hogan Directs State Agencies to Assist in Storm Recovery Efforts
August 2nd, 2016Governor Larry Hogan Directs State Agencies to Assist in Storm Recovery Efforts
Operations Transitioning from Rapid Response to Long-Term Recovery
ANNAPOLIS, MD – On Sunday, Governor Larry Hogan issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Howard County in response to the severe thunderstorms and flooding that occurred Saturday night and early Sunday morning. The governor also spent Sunday in Ellicott City and Howard County, where he surveyed the damage and met with local officials and citizens.
“As Howard County and the historic town of Ellicott City begin to rebuild from this storm, I want to recognize the local residents, and county and state personnel who have worked tirelessly to support these communities over the past few days,” said Governor Hogan. “Our administration will continue to work with local and federal officials to provide the support and resources necessary to recover from this emergency.”
The Hogan administration has directed state agencies to assist residents and local businesses affected by this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, which has increased its activation level and is coordinating resource requests received from Howard County.
Yesterday in Ellicott City, there was a recovery and information session at which representatives from the following Maryland state agencies were available to answer questions about state assistance to Howard County residents and local businesses: the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; the Maryland Insurance Administration; the Maryland Emergency Management Agency; the Maryland State Police; the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives; the Department of Housing and Community Development; the Department of Transportation, the Department of Human Resources; the Department of Commerce; and the Department of the Environment.
Descriptions of some of the actions taken by state agencies are listed below:
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
- Increased the state response activation level in order to facilitate resource coordination and support for Howard County following the flooding in Ellicott City.
- Sending planning support and liaisons to assist Howard County emergency management officials.
- Working with the National Weather Service and local emergency management offices around the state to monitor the forecast and ensure readiness for potential storm systems and rain this week.
State Highway Administration
- Reopened more than 40 roads that were closed due to the thunderstorms and flooding.
- Working to re-open both ends of MD 144 on the approaches to Main Street in Ellicott City.
- Continuing to monitor road conditions across the state.
Department of Housing and Community Development
- Providing financing for homeowners to repair damaged homes through the Disaster Relief Housing Program, the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, and the Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (WholeHome).
- Providing storefront improvement funds through the Community Legacy Program to improve damaged facades.
- Extending the application deadline for the Strategic Demolition Fund, which can be used for a range of development activitiesincluding the removal of unsafe structures, the demolition of obsolete structures, infrastructure improvements, site development, and architectural and engineering services.
- Providing small business grants and emergency loans through the Maryland Business Recovery Loan Program to assist with building repairs and lost inventory.
- Providing grants for local revitalization projects in Ellicott City through the Main Street Maryland program, that are available to Maryland’s 28 designated historic Main Streets.
- Working with residents and local business owners to reevaluate previously submitted applications for state assistance.
- Working with the Department of Human Resources to provide vouchers through the Housing Assistance Program.
- Working with the Department of Human Resources and the federal government to determine how additional emergency funds can be dispersed.
Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
- Sent out a Rapid Response team to assist in emergency workforce initiatives and file unemployment claims.
Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives
- Working with the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism to coordinate with nonprofit and corporate contacts to mobilize volunteers and commodities.
Department of the Environment
- Working with residents and businesses to help with permitting during the cleanup and rebuilding phase.
- Monitoring dam conditions.
Department of Planning
- Working to identify priority historic properties that may require special attention or protective actions.
Maryland Insurance Administration
- Assisting Marylanders filing property and casualty insurance claims.
Maryland State Police
- Activated 30 troopers from the Maryland State Police Mobile Field Force to work security and traffic control in Ellicott City.
- Monitoring issues at the Howard County Emergency Operations Center and maintaining contact with the Howard County Police Department.
Governor Larry Hogan Directs State Agencies to Assist in Storm Recovery Efforts
Governor Hogan Signs Order Declaring State of Emergency for Howard County
July 31st, 2016Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Howard County
Order Issued in Response to Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Howard County beginning Sunday, July 31 at 10 a.m. in response to severe thunderstorms that occurred overnight and early this morning. The thunderstorms caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the central part of the state, including intense flooding in the historic town of Ellicott City. The Executive Order will allow the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to Howard County.
The governor declared the State of Emergency from Howard County, where he is meeting with local officials and citizens in Ellicott City, and surveying the damage caused by recent flooding.
“We are coordinating all available resources to address this emergency as quickly as possible,” said Governor Hogan. “Our administration is working closely with local officials, including Howard County Executive Allen Kittleman, to respond to this major storm event. ”
The Hogan administration has asked state agencies to respond to the effects of this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, which has increased its activation level and is coordinating resource requests received from Howard County.
Those affected by the storm who are in need of non-emergency assistance can call Howard County’s Police Department at 410-313-2200.
For more information, residents can also go to MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov, follow MEMA’s Twitter feed at @MDMEMA, or follow MEMA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MDMEMA
See official declaration of emergency here.
-###-
May 15-21 is Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week
May 16th, 2016May 15-21 is Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week
Residents Should Take Action Now to Prepare for Severe Weather
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (May 16, 2016) — Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 15-21. This week, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is teaming up with the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency managers to promote citizen awareness and preparedness. Hurricanes can cause strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. These storms occur most often in the summer and fall during the Atlantic hurricane season and have wide-ranging and severe effects.
“As we approach hurricane season, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Hurricane Preparedness Week is a reminder that there are steps that Maryland citizens can take now to ensure they are prepared before, during, and after a severe storm.”
“Residents should determine the risk of flooding and other hazards caused by hurricanes for their area and take action to prepare,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “Know your evacuation route, assemble a disaster kit, and review your homeowners or renters insurance ahead of time. If there is a hurricane in the forecast, listen to emergency officials and keep lines of communication open with your friends, family, and neighbors.”
The NWS notes that it is not only the eastern shore of Maryland that can be affected by hurricanes. “Every part of Maryland can see devastating impacts from hurricanes. While less frequent than our southern neighbors, when hurricanes or remnants of hurricanes come through, torrential flooding rains, devastating high tides, damaging winds, and even tornadoes can be serious threats to our state,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chris Strong.
Residents can take the following actions now in order to prepare for hurricane season:
- Clear out rain gutters so water doesn’t back up and end up in your house.
- Around the dinner table, talk to your family about where you would meet in the event of an emergency.
- If you have pets, identify some pet-friendly hotels in case you have to evacuate.
- Program “In Case of Emergency” contacts into your phone.
- Teach friends and family members to text on their cell-phones, text messages can often get through when phone calls can’t.
- Make copies of important documents for your emergency kit. (medications, medical info, proof of address, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.) Consider putting them on a secure flash drive, as well.
- Get an extra set of house and car keys made for your emergency kit.
- Download the free MARYLAND Prepares mobile app, which includes weather and emergency alerts, at maryland.gov/Pages/mdprepares.aspx.
- Teach everyone how to turn off the utilities in your house (electricity, gas, water, etc.) so they can do it in case of an evacuation.
- Pick up canned goods when your store has a sale, they will last a long time and ensure you will have something to eat if you can’t go out to the store.
Additional information can be found on MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov or by following the @MDMEMA Twitter or MDMEMA Facebook accounts.