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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.

MAY 24-30 is Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week

THE SUMMER SEASON BRINGS POTENTIAL HURRICANE DANGERS TO MARYLAND

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (May 24, 2015) — Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week begins on Sunday, May 24, and 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. The Atlantic Hurricane season lasts from June to November. Most hurricane-like weather is seen mid-August and late October.  These storms can cause strong winds, heavy rain, inland flooding, and other severe weather. Residents in Maryland can “be weather ready” by ensuring that they know how to get a warning, have a plan, and practice safety tips.

“Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week is an important reminder that dangerous weather does occur in Maryland and when it affects our residents it affects all of us,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Oftentimes, the safest action during a hurricane is the simplest action – common sense.”

“While the last two hurricane seasons have been relatively quiet, we all remember the devastation from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, especially in the New York City area and on Maryland’s lower eastern shore,” said MEMA Executive Director Clay Stamp. “It’s important for us to always be prepared because even in a quiet hurricane season, just one hurricane making landfall in our area can be devastating.”

The NWS highlights that in Maryland it is possible to see hurricanes or hurricane-like activity during the summer. “Damage to coastlines and destruction several hundred miles inland can be seen with these tropical storms,” said NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chris Strong. “Hurricanes can produce 150+ miles per hour winds, devastating high tides, flooding from torrential rain, and even tornadoes.”

The NWS and MEMA work closely together and with local government agencies to identify and monitor hurricane activity, develop preparedness plans and safety information, and coordinate the response to these storms.

Residents can also take actions to remain safe by practicing the following tips:

• Stay tuned to radio and TV stations for official weather information.
• Follow instructions and advice given by emergency officials.
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Avoid using the phone except in the case of emergencies.
• Avoid elevators
• If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave. Mobile homes are unsafe in high winds.
• Do not attempt to evacuate during the height of a hurricane. You are safer in your home than out on the road
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as for cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill a bathtub or other large container with the water. This is important for those whose water runs off of an electrical system.

Additional information can be on MEMA’s website at mema.maryland.gov. Residents can also download the free MARYLAND Prepares mobile app at mema.maryland.gov/Pages/mdprepares.aspx.

NOTE: MEMA executives are available for live or taped interviews to discuss hurricane preparedness and safety.

CONTACT:
Chas Eby
[email protected]
410-274-6690

Ed McDonough
[email protected]
410-446-3333

Emily Allen
[email protected]
410-504-4437

Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Partners Prepare for Upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season

MEMA Executive Director Clay Stamp delivers opening remarks for the Maryland Hurricane Symposium held on Monday May 18, 2015.

MEMA Officials Available for Interviews with Press

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (May 18, 2015) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and many local and state partners prepared for the upcoming hurricane season at a day-long seminar today. The event included sessions on economic recovery, hurricane preparedness efforts by businesses, and management of donations and volunteers following a devastating storm.

“While the last two hurricane seasons have been relatively quiet, we all remember the devastation from Hurricane Sandy in 2012, especially in the New York City area and on Maryland’s lower eastern shore,” said MEMA Executive Director Clay Stamp. “It’s important for us to always be prepared because even in a quiet hurricane season, just one hurricane making landfall in our area can be devastating.”

Attendees also heard a presentation from Chris Strong of the National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington Field Office, which included an update on awareness products, such as alert systems and briefing packages. MEMA staff followed this by discussing new geographic information systems (GIS) tools for hurricane damage assessment following a storm.

“MEMA and partner agencies work together on a regular basis to ensure the State has an efficient response to all hazards that could impact Maryland,” said Brendan McCluskey, MEMA’s Director of Preparedness. “Residents can practice preparedness by building an emergency kit and visiting our website to check if they reside in a flood prone area.”

The seminar was attended by MEMA staff, federal, local, non-profit, and private-sector emergency managers, and representatives from State agencies that staff the State Emergency Operations Center during emergencies. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1, although the first named tropical system – Ana – developed off the Carolinas and brought heavy rains on shore earlier this month.

Hurricane preparedness information can be found on the MEMA website at mema.maryland.gov and by downloading the MARYLAND Prepares free, mobile app on either iOS or Android operating systems.

NOTE: MEMA executives are available for live or taped interviews to discuss hurricane safety and preparedness actions for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season.

CONTACT:

Chas Eby
[email protected]
410-274-6690

Ed McDonough
[email protected]
410-446-3333

Emily Allen
[email protected]
410-504-4437

Governor Hogan’s Request For Physical Disaster Declaration Approved By U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA Low-Interest Loans Available To Qualifying Businesses And Residents Affected By Violence In Baltimore City

ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 11, 2015) – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for a physical disaster declaration for the City of Baltimore due to civil unrest in late April and early May. This declaration will allow affected businesses, homeowners, and renters to apply for low-interest loans to repair damages that occurred due to this violence.

“Many businesses, homeowners, and residents were tragically affected by the violence and destruction that occurred in Baltimore City last week,” said Governor Hogan. “The loans offered by the SBA are an important tool for helping businesses rebuild and return to being a vital part of Baltimore’s community and economy.”

State officials from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) joined Baltimore City and SBA staff last week to assess damages in order to apply for this program.

“This approval will allow recovery efforts that have been underway for more than a week to continue,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. “I encourage all affected business owners to determine if they qualify for these loans.”

“I want to thank Governor Hogan and the SBA for quickly authorizing the disaster loan program as the state continues to support Baltimore City with various programs to help residents recover and heal,” said MEMA Executive Director Clay Stamp.

Residents can go to the following two locations to apply for assistance. SBA staff at these centers will help residents apply for low-interest loans to repair damaged homes and businesses:

DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER CITY OF BALTIMORE-EAST
Southeast Anchor Library
3601 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21224

Opening: Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Days and Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM 
Closed: Sundays and Monday, May 25, 2015 (Memorial Day)

DISASTER LOAN OUTREACH CENTER CITY OF BALTIMORE-WEST
Pennsylvania Avenue Branch
1531 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217

Opening: Tuesday, May 12, 2015,10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Days and Hours: Monday and Wednesday 12:00 PM  to 8:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Friday 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and Monday, May 25, 2015 (Memorial Day)

SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters. 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.

Maryland Officials Attend the 2015 National Hurricane Conference

SPRING AND SUMMER STORMS, TROPICAL CYCLONES, AND HURRICANES THREATEN OUR STATE EACH YEAR

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 31, 2015) – Though we are two months away from the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, now is the time for federal, state, and local government agencies and non-profit and private partners to plan for this season’s storms. Maryland officials recently attended the 2015 National Hurricane Conference in Austin, Texas in order to learn about best practices in hurricane preparedness and apply new techniques to emergency management operations within the State. Each year scientists meet with emergency managers and other officials at this conference to share findings regarding atmospheric conditions that predicate the development of hurricanes and to discuss strategies with emergency managers as to how best to convey risks and preparedness measures to the public.

Hurricanes can produce winds in excess of 155 miles per hour, heavy thunderstorms, and flooding. Many Maryland communities, including those on ocean coastlines, near the Chesapeake Bay, or in mountainous regions are at risk to be negatively affected by these storms. Tidal surge is a dangerous hazard often caused by hurricanes. The National Hurricane Conference puts subject matter experts, weather forecasters, and emergency managers in the same room to discuss this and similar risks and learn how to best protect our State. “MEMA regularly conducts risk assessments to help protect Maryland,” said Executive Director Clay Stamp. “It is my duty to work with Governor Hogan to formulate the State’s response while also coordinating resource support to local emergency managers prior to, during, and after hurricanes.”

Maryland residents and community leaders alike are no strangers to dangerous weather striking. “Ocean City has experienced hurricanes numerous times in the past,” noted Mayor Rick Meehan. “This conference affords us the opportunity to discuss our town’s best practices in hurricane response and learn from the expertise of my colleagues around the country, too. Hurricane preparedness planning continues to be the most effective way to mitigate the impacts of these storms.”

State and local jurisdictions in Maryland regularly partner in hurricane preparedness and response planning. In conjunction with an established planning process, attending conferences such as this one expose area emergency managers to new technologies to alert the public to weather threats and provide information and resources to help Marylanders prepare for, respond to, and recover from hurricanes.

You can find more information on hurricane preparedness at mema.maryland.gov or on your local emergency management agency’s website. Additional information and tips will also be highlighted during Maryland Hurricane Preparedness Week on May 24-30.