MDEM Newsroom - Page 24 MDEM Newsroom
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Maryland Home- and Business Owners Affected by Heavy Rains and Flooding in and around Frederick County
December 10th, 2015MEMA Encourages Residents with Damages from September 29 Storms to Apply for Low-interest Loans
Click here for audio of this release.
REISTERSTOWN, MD (December 10, 2015) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is encouraging businesses and residents in Frederick County and adjacent counties affected by heavy rains and flooding on September 29, 2015, to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“Some areas in Frederick County and other parts of North Central Maryland received heavy, localized damage during this storm,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “These loans have attractive interest rates that might allow those affected by the storm to recover from the damages.”
SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet made the loans available in response to a letter from Governor Larry Hogan on December 3, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Frederick County and the adjacent counties of Carroll, Howard, Montgomery and Washington Counties in Maryland; Adams and Franklin Counties in Pennsylvania; and Loudoun County in Virginia.
“The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of Maryland with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans,” said Contreras-Sweet. “Getting businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”
Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes, the SBA 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:
Frederick County
City of Frederick – Department of Public Works
111 Airport Drive – Room 4
Frederick, MD 21701
Opens: Thursday, Dec. 10 from Noon to 5 p.m.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday
Closes: Thursday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m.
“Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.875 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Some improvements now include a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Individuals and businesses may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing [email protected]. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Feb. 8, 2016.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Sept. 9, 2016.
MEMA CONTACTS:
Ed McDonough, 410-446-3333 or
[email protected]
Emily Allen, 410-504-4437 or
[email protected]
Chas Eby, 410-274-6690 or
[email protected]
SBA CONTACT: Michael Lampton, 404-331-0333,
[email protected]
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, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster
Small Business Administration Reopens Application Filing Period for Hurricane Sandy Survivors on lower Eastern Shore
December 4th, 2015MEMA notes eligible residents and business owners can apply in-person or online
REISTERSTOWN, MD (December 4, 2015) — Businesses and residents on the lower Eastern Shore that were affected by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 have more time to request low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the SBA announced jointly today. The new deadline to submit applications for physical damage and economic injury losses is Dec. 1, 2016.
“It’s not often that those affected by a disaster get another opportunity to apply for assistance three years after the event,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “If you live or own a business in the four counties on Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore and suffered losses from Sandy, and for whatever reason decided not to apply for a loan, you have an opportunity to reconsider. The loan rates are very low and could help those still struggling to get back on their feet.”
SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet reopened the filing period for SBA disaster loans effective Dec. 2, following the recently approved Recovery Improvements for Small Entities (RISE) After Disaster Act of 2015. This Act allows those affected by Superstorm Sandy another opportunity to apply for low-interest disaster loans to recover from the effects of storm.
Because of the way the SBA structures their disaster declarations, the area is covered by two different declarations. Somerset County is the primary county for one declaration, and Worcester County is the primary jurisdiction in the other. Because contiguous counties are also eligible for SBA assistance, the following counties also qualify: Dorchester and Wicomico in Maryland, Sussex in Delaware and Accomack in Virginia.
SBA’s customer service representatives will be 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:
Somerset County
McCready Hospital Outpatient Center-Outpatient Entrance
201 Hall Highway
Crisfield, MD 21817
Opens: Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 8 a.m.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Closed: Saturday and Sunday
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations may be eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters also are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes which are improvements to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Businesses and individuals may obtain loan applications or information by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or e-mailing [email protected]. Applications can be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be returned to the Disaster Loan Outreach Center or mailed to:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155
The deadline to file for physical property damage and economic injury is Dec. 1, 2016.
MEMA COTACTS:
Ed McDonough, 410-446-3333 or [email protected]
Emily Allen, 410-504-4437 or em[email protected]
Chas Eby, 410-274-6690 or [email protected]
SBA CONTACT: Michael Lampton, 404-331-0333, [email protected]
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, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster.
Click here for audio of this release.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency Offers Cold Weather Tips and a Winter Preparedness Video
December 1st, 2015WITH WINTER APPROACHING, DECEMBER IS THE RIGHT TIME TO PREPARE FOR SNOWSTORMS AND COLD WEATHER
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (December 1, 2015) — The arrival of the holiday season is the right time to make sure you are prepared for winter weather. No matter what part of the State you live in, the winter season brings the potential for cold weather and slippery roads and sidewalks.
“It is difficult to predict exactly what type of winter weather will affect Maryland in any given year, but history shows us that most of the State will have to deal with some bad weather over the next few months,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Executive Director Russ Strickland. “It’s better to make preparations now so you can avoid the last minute rush for snow shovels, salt, and other winter essentials.”
When cold weather hits, it is important to check on the welfare of relatives, friends, and neighbors who may be particularly vulnerable to cold, snow, and ice – this may include the elderly and those with access and functional needs. It is also important to make sure your vehicles are ready for winter travel and that your pets will be ready for bad weather.
Follow a trusted weather source, such as the National Weather Service and local news, to be aware of any predicted frozen precipitation or severe cold. In addition, MEMA recommends taking the following actions prior to the winter season:
- Build a home preparedness kit that includes winter supplies such as snow shovels, ice melting products, extra warm clothes and blankets, flashlights, and batteries
- Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out
- If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set the thermostat to no lower than 55° Fahrenheit
- Check and winterize your vehicle, including all fluids, wiper blades, lights, and systems before the winter season begins. Have a car emergency kit in your vehicle
- Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- ID your pet with up-to-date name tags and rabies tags; include your cell phone number on the tag
In addition to these tips, MEMA has recently released a winter preparedness video on our YouTube site: www.youtube.com/user/StateMarylandMEMA. Additional information about winter preparedness can be found on our website at mema.maryland.gov, Twitter feed @MDMEMA, Facebook page and Instagram.
NOTE TO MEDIA: MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland and other key staff members are available for interviews about winter storm and emergency preparedness.
CONTACT: Chas Eby, [email protected], 410-274-6690
Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333
Emily Allen, [email protected], 410-504-4437
***An audio version of this press release is here.
Governor Hogan, Maryland Officials Participate in Emergency Preparedness Exercise to Prepare for Winter
November 24th, 2015
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (November 24, 2015) — Governor Larry Hogan hosted an exercise for top officials in his administration at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency today. The discussion and drill, which focused on a blizzard scenario, boosted state agencies’ ability to collaborate on a variety of issues that arise during winter storms and related emergencies.
“Maryland is susceptible to a wide range of natural hazards, including winter storms, hurricanes, and flooding,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I’ve directed my administration to work together before the first snowstorm this season to ensure that State government can effectively respond to any storm or emergency this winter.”
Over twenty-five leaders from state agencies and offices participated in today’s event. This exercise is the first in a series of drills directed by the Hogan administration related to emergency management, disaster preparedness, and homeland security.
“It is essential that the State be able to support local jurisdictions’ response to any incident, including severe winter storms,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency’s Executive Director Russell Strickland. “This series of drills will raise the State’s ability to be agile in the face of any emergency and ensure resident safety.”
For additional information on emergency management in Maryland and winter safety tips, residents can visit mema.maryland.gov.
“Great ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill to Occur Tomorrow (10/15)
October 14th, 2015DRILL IS OPEN TO ALL MARYLANDERS TO PRACTICE EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS REISTERSTOWN, Md. (October 14, 2015) — Do most Marylanders know what to do if our area was hit by a significant earthquake? The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is encouraging residents to participate in the Great SouthEast ShakeOut tomorrow in order to learn proper earthquake preparedness and safety techniques. Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut is set for Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 10:15 a.m.
During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”. Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the safe response to an earthquake is to:
- Drop to the ground,
- Take Cover under a table or desk, and
- Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening.
Many people in the east coast of the United States may not be accustomed to earthquakes and may not know the appropriate safety protocols. In 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Virginia was felt in areas of Maryland and some residents were not aware of what actions to take. A 2.2 magnitude earthquake also occurred in Anne Arundel County, Md. earlier this year.
“Though Maryland doesn’t experience frequent, high-magnitude earthquakes, we have felt a couple in the last few years,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA. “It is important to know what to do when you feel the earth shake in order to reduce the chances of injury.”The ShakeOut drill is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, government agencies, and many other groups. To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to sign up to participate in the drill by visiting www.shakeout.org. More than 230,000 people are registered to participate in Maryland.
For more information about emergency preparedness, please visit our website at mema.maryland.gov, Twitter feed @MDMEMA, Facebook page and Instagram.
NOTE TO MEDIA: For information about Maryland participants in the drill, please visit www.shakeout.org/southeast and click on the Maryland icon on the map. Please contact participating organizations directly if you want to do a story about their participation. The Maryland Center for School Safety, Maryland State Fire Marshal, Maryland State Department of Education, and MEMA are coordinating efforts for the Great SouthEast ShakeOut
***An audio version of this press release is here: https://soundcloud.com/mdmema/press-release-great-shakeout
Governor Larry Hogan Rescinds State of Emergency for All Areas of Maryland
October 4th, 2015Governor Larry Hogan Rescinds State of Emergency for All Areas of Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order rescinding the state of emergency in the 15 counties and Baltimore City that were at risk for flooding due to recent heavy rain. There are currently no jurisdictions in Maryland under a state of emergency.
“I want to thank the state agencies and emergency personnel that responded to the threat of severe weather this weekend,” Governor Hogan said. “I also want to thank Marylanders for their vigilance during these storms.”
State agencies remain ready to support public safety and emergency management efforts if needed. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will continue to actively monitor the weather and the potential for coastal and tidal flooding with local emergency management partners. Residents can go to MEMA’s website, mema.maryland.gov, to see up-to-date information on weather, traffic, power, and other alerts.
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Governor Larry Hogan Rescinds State of Emergency in Eight Counties
October 2nd, 2015GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN RESCINDS STATE OF EMERGENCY IN EIGHT COUNTIES; 16 JURISDICTIONS STILL UNDER STATE OF EMERGENCY
RESIDENTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO REMAIN ALERT AND
PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE FLOODING AND POWER OUTAGES
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (October 2, 2015) — Governor Larry Hogan today signed Executive Order 01.01.2015.24 rescinding the state of emergency in eight Maryland counties: Garrett, Allegany, Washington, Frederick, Carroll, Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s. Based on the current weather projections and recommendations from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), 15 Maryland counties and Baltimore City will remain under the state of emergency until further notice. This allows the state to efficiently coordinate resources between jurisdictions to support response operations.
Yesterday, Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland in anticipation of heavy rains, potential flooding, and the possibility that Hurricane Joaquin may affect Maryland.
“With the storm moving away from our coasts, we are directing state resources to the counties and areas with the highest potential to need assistance,” said Governor Hogan. “However, the majority of the state still remains under a state of emergency and rain and wind gusts could cause power outages and flooding in low-lying areas. We continue to encourage Marylanders to use common sense and look after family members and neighbors who might need help during this time.”
“It is essential that residents continue to listen to instructions from local officials and know the current forecast by following your local emergency management office, forecasters, and news stations,” said Russ Strickland, Director of MEMA.
MEMA is recommending that residents, especially those in low-lying areas and near coastlines and the Bay, continue to remain alert and prepared by taking the following steps:
- Due to wind gusts and saturated soil, power outages are possible. Be prepared to be without electricity and while the power is still on, keep cell phones, tablets, other devices and back-up batteries fully charged.
- To report power outages, and find additional emergency contact information, visit http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/PowerOutages.aspx.
- Fuel up your automobile before any storm and make sure to have car chargers available for devices. In a power outage, you can use your car to charge cell phones and tablets.
- Don’t wait. Communicate. Know how to get in contact with your friends and family during any emergency.
Follow MEMA’s website, mema.maryland.gov, Twitter feed @MDMEMA and Facebook page for more information.
Heavy Rain to Continue Throughout Maryland
October 1st, 2015HEAVY RAIN TO CONTINUE THROUGHOUT MARYLAND
RESIDENTS SHOULD PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL FLOODING NOW,
POSSIBLE EFFECTS FROM HURRICANE JOAQUIN THIS WEEKEND
REISTERSTOWN, Md. (October 1, 2015) — With heavy rains affecting much of Maryland today on top of significant rainfall earlier this week, residents should make appropriate preparations for flooding that may be occurring over the next 48 hours. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is also monitoring Hurricane Joaquin, which is currently located in the Bahamas but may be turning to the north tomorrow. As a proactive measure, Governor Larry Hogan has signed an Executive Order for a state of emergency for Maryland and has instructed state agencies to begin readying resources in case the Hurricane makes landfall near Maryland.
“While we are hoping for the best, we are preparing for the worst,” Governor Larry Hogan said at a press conference today in the State Emergency Operations Center. “At my direction, the State is currently taking steps to mobilize all available resources.”
There are a number of actions that anyone can take to prepare for severe weather and flooding. MEMA is recommending that residents take the following steps:
- Clean storm drains and gutters on your house to prevent overflow and water buildup.
- Don’t wait. Communicate. Know how to get in contact with your friends and family during any emergency.
- Because of the saturated soil, even minor winds could cause power outages. Be prepared to be without electricity and while the power is still on, keep cell phones, tablets, other devices and back-up batteries fully charged.
- Fuel up your automobile before any storm and make sure to have car chargers available for devices. In a power outage, you can use your car to charge cell phones and tablets.
- If you have a basement in your house, shelve household items and make sure any electronic equipment is not lying directly on the floor.
- Check to see if you live or work in a flood prone area: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/floodProneZones.aspx
- Listen to instructions from local officials and know the current forecast by following your local emergency management office, forecasters, and news stations.
The National Weather Service has noted that the exact path of this system will not be clear until later this week; however, any impact could bring additional rain and wind.
Follow MEMA’s website, mema.maryland.gov, Twitter feed @MDMEMA and Facebook page for more information.
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Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Maryland
October 1st, 2015Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Maryland
October 1, 2015 
Proactive Measure Allows Coordination and Activation of Resources
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland in anticipation of heavy rains, potential flooding, and the possibility that Hurricane Joaquin may affect Maryland.
“While the path of Hurricane Joaquin remains uncertain, taking proactive measures is the first step in preparing for extreme weather and will ensure that resources are available in the areas with the greatest need,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “At this time we are strongly encouraging Marylanders to use common sense in the days ahead and look after family members and neighbors who might need assistance. Now is the time to start preparing for possible flooding or any other hazards.”
The Hogan administration has asked State agencies, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to make preparations for the incoming storms.
Residents can go to MEMA’s website, mema.maryland.gov, for more flooding and hurricane preparedness information and can follow MEMA’s Twitter feed, @MDMEMA, and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MDMEMA, for up-to-date information.
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Heavy Rain in the Forecast for Maryland
September 30th, 2015REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 30, 2015) — The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting heavy rain throughout the end of this week for the State of Maryland. Rainfall is likely to begin on Thursday and continue at least through the weekend, with the potential of 5 to 10 inches of total precipitation throughout much of the State. Some areas will receive higher amounts which could produce flooding of rivers, streams, ponds, and low-lying areas. The Hogan administration has asked State agencies, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), to make preparations for the incoming storms. Marylanders have a role in storm readiness, too.
“The time to prepare is right now,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA. “A few steps before heavy rain begins can help reduce effects of the storm on you, your family, and your home.”
MEMA is recommending that residents take the following actions:
- Clean storm drains and gutters on your house to prevent overflow and water buildup.
- Don’t wait. Communicate. Know how to get in contact with your friends and family during any emergency.
- Fuel up your automobile before any storm.
- If you have a basement in your house, shelve household items and make sure any electronic equipment is not lying directly on the floor.
- Check to see if you live or work in a flood prone area: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/floodProneZones.aspx
- Listen to instructions from local officials and know the current forecast by following your local emergency management office, forecasters, and news stations.
In addition to the rainfall this week, MEMA is also monitoring Hurricane Joaquin, which is currently located southeast of Florida. The NWS has noted that the exact path of this system will not be clear until later this week; however, any impact could bring additional rain and wind. Follow MEMA’s Twitter feed @MDMEMA and Facebook page for more information.
CONTACT:
Chas Eby
[email protected]
410-274-6690
Ed McDonough
[email protected]
410-446-3333
Emily Allen
[email protected]
410-504-4437
***An audio version of this press release is here: https://soundcloud.com/mdmema/pr-9-30-15-heavy-rain-in-the