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The Maryland Preparedness Planning Certificate Program

As MEMA continues to offer original and innovative programs through its “Center for Preparedness Excellence,” a new professional development series called the Maryland Preparedness Planning Certificate Program (MPPCP) is now being offered as a pilot program.  The MPPCP is designed to provide planners with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct effective preparedness and emergency planning on the way to becoming a “Maryland Preparedness Planner.”  This Program will serve as a credentialing program for all planners in the State to help properly implement the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program (MEPP).

The Maryland Preparedness Planning Certificate Program curriculum consists of a mix of instructor-led (classroom) and online training courses that have been carefully selected to strengthen the MEPP planning capability throughout Maryland.  The curriculum provides two levels of professional training designed to fit your roles and responsibilities within your organization.

Government and Private Nonprofit Organizations May Be Eligible for Snow Disaster Aid

2014 National Capital Region (NCR) Model for Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is proud to present the 2014 National Capital Region (NCR) Model for Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan. Disaster recovery planning is an integral part of ensuring that the needs of all of Maryland’s residents, visitors and communities are met after a disaster occurs.  Keeping with Maryland’s commitment to strengthen emergency preparedness statewide, the attached guidance and template provides a framework for the development a disaster recovery plans for use by emergency management planners in Maryland’s local jurisdictions.

 MEMA thanks the Disaster Recovery Working Group of the NCR Council of Government Emergency Managers Committee for the significant time and effort that went into producing such a quality document for use by its emergency management partners.

Emergency Declaration 49 CFR 390.23 and Extension of State Declarations Notice 49 CFR 390.23

FMCSA ESC MD Emergency Declaration

Governor Martin O’Malley Rescinds the Executive Order Declaring a State of Emergency

EO 01.01.2014.01 Snow

Governor Martin O’Malley Declares State of Emergency

Executive Order

Emergency Transportation Information

Please find below and attached some information related to emergency waivers for the upcoming winter weather event. Please read all information carefully as it does not apply to all industries.

The weigh and inspection facilities operated in the State of Maryland by the Maryland State Police and Maryland Transportation Authority Police will permit the by-passing of their facilities.  This privileged by-pass for in-state and out-of-state electric companies and their contractors is specifically in support for the positioning/deployment for the emergency restoration of electric power as a result of the impending storm. This by-pass privilege includes power companies moving into and through the State of Maryland and is effective 0001 hrs on Wednesday, February 12, 2014.

Regional Declarations East

Waiver_Letter_Winter2014

HEAVIEST SNOW ACCUMULATION OF THE SEASON EXPECTED IN NEXT WINTER STORM

Residents should take precautions now for storm that is expected to start late Wednesday

REISTERSTOWN, MD (February 11, 2014) – Maryland residents should prepare now for what is expected to be the largest snowfall of the season. Forecasters are predicting about 6-10 inches of snow – or more — for most of Maryland depending on the final track of the storm.

In anticipation of the storm, Governor Martin O’Malley has issued a State of Emergency Declaration, which will allow the state to deploy members of the Maryland National Guard, allow emergency contracting by the Department of General Services and waive certain rules and regulations to speed recovery from the storms.

Forecasters predict this will be a heavy, wet snow. Because many trees were weakened by last week’s ice storm, it is possible that some remaining trees may not be able to hold the added weight and could fall, impacting electric service. Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages and to conserve power as much as possible.

“It’s been a long winter for many Maryland families. With the polar vortex, a bad ice storm and several snow storms already this year, it’s incredibly important for all Marylanders to remain vigilant and find smart ways to safely conserve energy,” said Governor O’Malley. “Once again we ask our residents to be prepared, avoid travel if at all possible, and remember to keep an eye on relatives, friends and neighbors.”

Residents should have a disaster supply kit with water, non-perishable food, a battery- or crank-operated radio and other necessities in case of an extended power outage. Now is also the time to make sure cell phones and other devices are fully charged in case of a power outage.

If you must travel in bad weather, makes sure your car’s battery, tires and wiper blades are in good condition and always have more than half a tank of gas in the car. Add a car charger, blankets and extra snacks and drinks to your car’s supply kit, and if you must drive, make sure someone knows where you are going and your planned route in case you become stranded.

Do not leave pets exposed to cold and snow for long periods. If your pets must remain outside, make sure they have a dry shelter, plenty of food and drinkable (non-frozen) water.  Do not put blankets or pillows in their shelter as they may become wet and frozen in a snow storm.

Several websites can provide more winter preparedness information:

www.mema.maryland.gov

www.ready.gov

www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml

emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.asp

www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Issues-Safety-Steps-for-Winter-Storm

Residents also can follow storm-related activity in Maryland at the MEMA website listed above or by following MEMA on Twitter @MDMEMA or following MEMA on Facebook.

There are also several ways to track road conditions in the state from the Maryland State Highway Administration:

For winter driving safety tips: www.roads.maryland.gov

For road condition updates and to view traffic cameras: www.chart.state.md.us

Traveler information at http://md511.org/default.aspx or by dialing 511

On Twitter @MDSHA or by following on Facebook

Here are some tips for conserving energy from then Maryland Energy Administration:

http://energy.maryland.gov/facts/est.html

Senior MEMA officials will be available for interviews during the day on Wednesday to discuss individual preparedness and preparedness efforts being done by the state. To arrange an interview, please contact Angela Bernstein at 443-865-9084 (cell) or at[email protected].

# # #

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ADVISES RESIDENTS TO USE CAUTION AS WINTER STORM MOVES THROUGH THE REGION

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 21, 2014) – Governor O’Malley advises residents to take appropriate safety precautions as moderate to heavy snow showers make their way across Maryland.  As road conditions continue to deteriorate, the focus turns to the evening commute.

“It is extremely important that Marylanders take the appropriate safety measures to ensure safe travels during this evening’s commute,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “If you do not have to be on the roadways, we encourage you to limit travel. If you must travel in these conditions, keep a family member or friend informed of your route and take a fully charged cellphone.”

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been monitoring the weather forecast all day and has been in touch with the four National Weather Service offices serving the State as well as local emergency management offices. MEMA and other state agencies are closely monitoring conditions to support local efforts.

“We want all Marylanders to be safe during this winter weather. Once the snow showers move out of the area we are expecting very cold temperatures to remain with us” said MEMA Executive Director Ken Mallette. He offers the following tips for dealing with the upcoming cold snap:

• Wear layers of clothing that can be easily removed if you become overheated, and make sure to use socks, hats and scarves to protect feet, head and exposed skin.
• Make sure your car’s radiator and windshield washer fluid tanks are full and watch for black ice when driving.
• In addition to normal supplies in your car, keep some extra blankets and snacks, such as energy bars, available in case you become stranded.
• Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Consider SAFE alternative heating methods in case you lose power, or see if friends or relatives can provide a place to stay. Avoid using heaters with open flames or heating methods that produce carbon monoxide gas.
• Limit the time pets stay outdoors in these conditions, including pets that normally live outside. If they must remain outside, please make sure they have a dog house or some other type of shelter available and plenty of non-frozen water to drink. (Avoid leaving blankets outside for pets to sleep on in the winter as they may become wet and icy.)
• If some of your pipes are susceptible to freezing, leave a trickle of cold water running from the sink on the lowest level or your home. If possible, insulate pipes.

Tune in to your local news and radio stations for the most up-to-date information in your jurisdiction. Be sure to follow MEMA, local officials, and the National Weather Service on Facebook, Twitter, and regularly check websites for updates.

The following links may also be of use:

MEMA: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/emergencies-WinterStorms.aspx

FEMA: http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/index.html

National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml

Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm?campname=getprepared&campmedium=aspot_dis12

CHART: Interactive Mapping: http://www.chart.state.md.us/MapNet/MapDOTNET.aspx?Browser=IE7&ViewName=Select&Cmd=switchtheme&tab=VideoAndCamera&DoPanTo=False&Direction=&PanFactor=&DoZoomScaleFactor=&x=&y=&Encoder=&timestamp=47921&x1=0&x2=0&y2=0&y1=0&gCenterLat=null&gCenterLon=null&gZoomLvl=null

Maryland State Highway Administration – http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Home.aspx

Social Media links for MEMA:

https://www.facebook.com/MDMEMA

https://twitter.com/MDMEMA

Media Contacts:

Nina Smith  Office:  410-974-2316

Warming Centers as of January 22nd 1400

Allegany County

Anne Arundel

Baltimore County

Baltimore City

Calvert County

Carroll County

Cecil County

Charles County

Dorchester County

Frederick County

Garrett County

Harford County

Howard County

Kent County

Montgomery County

Prince George’s County

Queen Anne’s County

Saint Mary’s County

Somerset County

Talbot County

Washington County

Wicomico County

Worcester County