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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
MEMA Reminds Marylanders that September is Time to Prepare for Severe Weather and Other Emergencies
September 1st, 2015REISTERSTOWN, 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
July 8th, 2015OVER 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.