MDEM Newsroom - Page 25 MDEM Newsroom

“Great ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill to Occur Tomorrow (10/15)

DRILL 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

Governor 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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Tags: Exeutive order, flooding, hurricane, joaquin, state of emergency

Governor Larry Hogan Rescinds State of Emergency in Eight Counties

GOVERNOR 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.

Tags: executive order, flooding, hurricane, joaquin, state of emergency

Heavy Rain to Continue Throughout Maryland

HEAVY 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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Tags: flooding, hurricane, joaquin, preparedness

Governor Larry Hogan Signs Executive Order Declaring State of Emergency in Maryland

Governor 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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Tags: executive order, hurricane, joaquin, state of emergency

Heavy Rain in the Forecast for Maryland

REISTERSTOWN, 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

MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is Time to Prepare for Severe Weather and Other Emergencies

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (September 1, 2015) — 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 and community resilience.

“This is the time for everyone who lives and works in Maryland to learn about potential hazards and what they can do to be prepared,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of MEMA. “And as we head into what is traditionally the most likely time of the year for a hurricane to hit our area, we need to remember that it takes just one storm making landfall in the mid-Atlantic region to cause a major disruption in Maryland.”

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: maryland.gov/Pages/emergencies.aspx
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: ready.gov
• National Weather Service: weather.gov/safety

In addition to preparedness information, MEMA will be announcing events throughout September on our website, 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 disaster and emergency preparedness during the month of September. Please consider asking us to appear on a news or public affairs show or interview us for a story about preparedness.

CONTACT:

Chas Eby
[email protected]
410-274-6690

Ed McDonough
[email protected]
410-446-3333

Emily Allen
[email protected]
410-504-4437

MEMA Hosts Emergency Preparedness Exercise with Maryland Businesses

OVER 100 ATTENDEES FROM PRIVATE SECTOR AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT WORK TOGETHER TO FORM COMMON OBJECTIVES DURING DISASTERS

Maryland business representatives came together for a tabletop exercise where they discussed emergency preparedness and response.

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (July 8, 2015) — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) hosted an exercise for Maryland businesses today that was attended by members of the private sector and partners in emergency management. During the course of the exercise, over 100 attendees proceeded through a disaster scenario and discussed methods to increase coordination between the public and private sectors and augment business continuity by identifying ways that Maryland government can support businesses during disasters.

“Maryland agencies are continuing to develop programs that will strengthen the business community. This includes working with the private sector prior to, during, and after disasters,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This exercise is about relationship building and finding ways to support businesses.”

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) was also present at the event. “It is critical that we work together with our private sector partners to be better prepared and have better communication during a disaster,” said Mike Gill, Secretary of DBED. “Having a coordinated plan in place helps our Maryland businesses react more quickly and efficiently, and work more smoothly with state agencies.”

MEMA regularly provides businesses with disaster preparedness tools throughout the year and sends businesses incident-specific information to aid them in operational decision-making during emergencies.

“By providing businesses with emergency preparedness resources, MEMA can save their staff time and include the private sector in the emergency management system,” said MEMA Executive Director Clay Stamp. “A prepared business that has access to timely information is one that can quickly make appropriate employee safety and business decisions during crises.”

MEMA’s Executive Director Clay Stamp listens to MEMA’s Private Sector Liaison Christina Fabac while she talks about emergency planning with Maryland businesses at the tabletop exercise.

The exercise is an extension of MEMA’s Private Sector Integration Program, a collaborative effort between Maryland government and businesses that focuses on increasing business resiliency. There are currently over 200 member businesses. Businesses can register for free for the program at the following website: http://mema.maryland.gov/community/Pages/PSIPWelcome.aspx.

Tags: exercise, mema, planning, preparedness, private sector

SBA to Close Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Baltimore

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 30, 2015) – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it will close its Disaster Loan Outreach Center at Coppin State University on July 10, which is also the deadline to apply for physical damage low-interest disaster loans. SBA has been on the ground in Baltimore City for 60 days assisting businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters in applying for financial assistance following the Civil Disorder between April 25 – May 3, 2015.

The additional resources pulled together by the SBA to help rebuild the Baltimore community will still be available to businesses after SBA closes the Disaster Loan Outreach Center. The resources include funds for micro loans, grants, technical assistance, government contracting and can be found at: http://1.usa.gov/1JchrUR. SBA’s District Office in Baltimore and the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) will continue to provide free services to help businesses to grow and succeed.

The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at Coppin State University, Parlett Moore Library – Lower Level, 2500 West Library Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21216. Hours of operation beginning July 1 are as follows: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday (closed Sunday) and the center ceases operation on Friday, July 10, at 3 p.m.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Applicant (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

Additional information on the disaster loan program can be obtained by calling SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to [email protected]. SBA loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications can be returned to 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 July 10, 2015. The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 11, 2016.

For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster.

SBA Disaster Loan Application Physical Deadline is July 10

SBA Disaster Loan Application Physical Deadline is July 10 for Residents in Baltimore City

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 11, 2015) – The U.S. Small Business Administration reminds businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters in Baltimore City of the deadline to submit disaster loan applications for damages caused by the civil unrest between April 25 – May 3, 2015. The deadline to apply for a physical damage disaster loan is July 10, 2015.

Low-interest disaster loans are available in Baltimore City and the adjacent counties of Anne Arundel and Baltimore in Maryland.

Businesses of any size and nonprofit organizations 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 private nonprofit organizations, 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.

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.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, to make improvements that help prevent the risk of future property damage caused by a similar disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.  Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and applications may also be obtained 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 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 July 10, 2015.  The deadline to return economic injury applications is February 11, 2016.

For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov/disaster.