MDEM Newsroom - Page 29 MDEM Newsroom

MEMA Releases 2014-2015 Multi-Year Training and Exercise Plan (TEP)

Preventing Home Fires in the Winter

Home fires occur more often in winter than in any other season. Here are some steps you can take to prevent home fires:

• Review safety tips for portable heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces, generators, and candles.
• Develop a home escape plan and practice it periodically.
• Ensure that you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside every sleeping area. Test them monthly.

Visit the U.S. Fire Administration for more safety information.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY URGES MARYLAND RESIDENTS TO REMAIN VIGILANT DURING PERIODS OF EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 6, 2014) – Governor O’Malley advises residents to take appropriate safety precautions as some of the coldest temperatures in 20 years approach Maryland. Temperatures are expected to dip to near or just below zero in central Maryland, with lows as cold as 15 below zero in the western portion of the state. Temperatures will be slightly warmer in southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore but wind chills are expected to drop temperatures dangerously low across most of the state for isolated periods.

“The brutal cold that’s coming our way can be dangerous, and Marylanders need to be vigilant and prepared,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “After just a few minutes in weather like this, hypothermia can set in and exposed skin can suffer from frostbite. I urge everyone in Maryland to exercise caution, limit their activities outdoors, wear loose layers and cover all exposed skin if venturing outside is unavoidable.”

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has been monitoring the weather forecast for several days 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 in case additional shelters and/or heating centers need to be opened.

Here are some 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.
• Be sure to stay hydrated in the low-humidity conditions, but avoid drinking beverages with alcohol and too much caffeine.
• 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.
• If you are travelling, make sure people know when you are expected to arrive and what route you plan to take and make sure you have a fully charged cell phone.
• 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.
• Keep cell phones, tablets and other portable devices fully charged in case you lose power.

“If you have any relatives, friends or neighbors who may not have adequate heat, please check on their welfare during these next few days,” said MEMA Executive Director Ken Mallette. “If you have the ability, help them get to someplace warm or contact local social service providers on their behalf.”

Tune in to your local news and radio stations for the most up-to-date information in your jurisdiction. Be sure to follow MEMA and local officials on Facebook, Twitter, and regularly check websites for updates. Marylanders are encouraged to call 211 or their local city or county governments for information on local shelters and warming centers. MEMA will also update their website with shelter hours and locations as they become available.

The following links may also be of use:

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

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

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/WinterWeather/index.html

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

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

Social Media links for MEMA:

https://www.facebook.com/MDMEMA

https://twitter.com/MDMEMA

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Warming Center Status as of 1300 hours

Allegany County

Anne Arundel

Baltimore County

Baltimore City

Calvert 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

Maryland Revises All-Hazards Emergency Response Plan

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is proud to present to you the approved State Response Operations Plan (SROP), published to the public on December 1, 2013. The SROP is the core plan of the Response Mission of the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program (MEPP). Its purpose is to describe the roles and responsibilities of Maryland entities during incident response operations and to define those actions to save lives, protect public health and safety, and protect property and the environment within the State of Maryland.

MEMA Introduces the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is pleased to introduce the first iteration of the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program (MEPP). The MEPP is an innovative, forward-thinking approach that sets the policy and strategy for comprehensive emergency preparedness and operations for the State of Maryland for today and into the future.

The Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program replaces the Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP), last updated in 2009, as the State’s overarching strategy for homeland security and emergency management preparedness and operations.  This document represents a comprehensive all-hazards approach to specific capabilities within four mission areas: Prevention/Protection, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. Each mission area will be guided by a separate, state-level interagency operations plan that identifies the coordinating structure and concept of operations to deliver the pre-defined capability set of the mission area.  Capabilities are distinct, yet highly interdependent elements, which provide the means to accomplish missions, functions, or objectives through the execution of related tasks.

The heart of the MEPP is risk management, and preparedness is one tool the State uses to manage risk.  Maryland is susceptible to a wide range of threats and hazards, and risk is a combination of the vulnerability of a community to threats and hazards, the impact that a threat or hazard would have on people, services, facilities and structures in the community, and the likelihood of a hazard resulting in an emergency condition that causes injury or damage.  The Maryland Preparedness System, part of the MEPP, uses an 8-step process to continuously improve the State’s ability to manage risk by identifying, building, delivering, evaluating, and sustaining capabilities.

The Governor’s Core Goals for Homeland Security are an interagency, intergovernmental, and multi-disciplinary listing of priority areas; they focus on common-sense ways to improve and maintain security, with a focus on “daily use” projects and programs.  The MEPP and the capabilities concept aligns with the Core Goals through either individual capabilities or as programs under a capability. The MEPP supports the Core Goals by providing a methodology for measuring the State’s progress towards building, maintaining, executing, and improving in all the mission areas of homeland security, making Maryland a Center of Preparedness Excellence.

The MEPP contemplates the “Whole Community” and encourages local jurisdictions to follow the lead of the State for emergency preparedness and operations.  The MEPP acknowledges that effective planning must: be community-based, representing the whole population and its needs; include participation from all stakeholders in the community; include senior officials throughout the process to ensure both understanding and approval; and inform those with operational responsibilities what to do and why to do it, and to further instruct those outside the jurisdiction on how to provide support and what to expect.

The MEPP represents the pathway to creating a Resilient Maryland.  Please look for additional planning products and guidance to support implementation of the MEPP.

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO IMPROVE MARYLAND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

REISTERSTOWN, MD  (Nov. 4, 2013) – As part of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s commitment to homeland security, Governor Martin O’Malley issued an Executive Order today to adopt the Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program (MEPP). The MEPP is the overarching platform to ensure a consistent and comprehensive approach to preparedness.

The Executive Order outlines the roles and responsibilities related to the four mission areas used for measuring preparedness — prevention and protection, hazard mitigation, incident response and disaster recovery. The Order is part of the Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve our State’s ability to withstand adverse conditions, both natural and man-made. Under the Executive Order, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Maryland State Police, and other state agencies are charged with fulfilling the activities that support those four core mission areas.

“Our most solemn obligation as public servants is to ensure the safety of our people. Over the last several years, winter blizzards, Hurricanes Irene and Sandy and the derecho storms have given us many opportunities to learn new lessons in safety and preparedness,” said Governor O’Malley.  “Building on those lessons, this new program will help to improve preparedness among individuals, businesses and governments throughout Maryland.”

MEMA is coordinating the new efforts with other state agencies, local partners and the private sector.

“Traditionally, state emergency management agency plans focus on roles and responsibilities during the response phase of an emergency – providing help for local governments and their first responders,” said MEMA Director Ken Mallette. “Now, we will develop robust plans to deal with those other mission areas – recovery, prevention and mitigation’ – so we will be better prepared to serve our residents.”

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For more information, contact MEMA Public Information officer Ed McDonough at410-517-3632 (desk), 410-446-3333 (cell) or [email protected].

MEMA ROLLS OUT NEW MARYLAND PREPARES MOBILE APP

Reisterstown, MD (Oct. 11, 2013) — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is excited to announce the release of its official “Maryland Prepares” mobile application.  The app provides iPhone, iPad, and Android phone and tablet users the ability to access emergency preparedness information on the go.

“MEMA is excited about the opportunities this new app affords Maryland families for emergency preparedness,” said Ken Mallette, MEMA Executive Director. “Incorporation of this new technology adds another dimension to the State’s ability to help Marylanders stay and be prepared for emergency situations.” 

Maryland Prepares enables families to make a communications plan and assess their disaster supply kit through an interactive checklist. Other features of the app include:

• View emergency preparation guides for different types of emergencies;
• Send an “I’m Safe” message via email, text, and social networks;
• View real-time alerts for emergencies, weather and traffic;
• Monitor current cyber threats and suspicious activity;
• Access Maryland Emergency Management Agency news and events; and
• View current and extended National Weather Service forecasts based on current location.

The app is available for Android users via Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nicusa.MDPrepares) and via the iTunes store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maryland-prepares/id718996444?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4) for Apple users. The application was developed jointly by MEMA, the Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) and NIC, which has helped government agencies develop electronic services for 20 years.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Kasey Parr, Social Media Coordinator

 K[email protected]; (office) 410-517-5129

Maryland Launches Grant Program for Backup Power at Fuel Stations

In an effort to help Maryland consumers avoid widespread fuel outages in the event of an energy emergency, the state has made available $1.7 million to help service stations install backup power generation.

Kicking off just as the hurricane season enters its typically most active period, the Maryland Service Station Energy Resiliency Grant Program will conclude on June 30, 2014, or until the total funds have been spent, whichever is earlier.

The initiative is the product of a state task force on resiliency measures that convened after 2012’s Hurricane Sandy. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley (D) included the funds in his capital budget this year.

“We looked at the long lines of customers that formed at service stations in New Jersey and New York and decided we could make a huge difference by being proactive about backup power generation,” MEA director Abigail Hopper told OPIS.

Severe weather events are becoming more commonplace, she said, and helping strategically located service stations to operate during emergencies provides transportation fuel for those who leave as well as fuel for backup power for those who stay.

Unlike New York’s $17 million Fuel NY program, Fuel Up Maryland is not mandatory for stations in areas that have been targeted.

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) anticipates dispersing up to $15,000 per grant to a Maryland station, which can be used to offset the cost to purchase or pre-wire portable generators, fixed generators or in-place batteries. According to a survey of stations conducted by an electrical contractor for MEA, $15,000 is about half of the total cost of the planning, design, wiring and installation of back-up power generation at the majority of fuel retail locations in the state.

Stations eligible for the grants should have fuel storage of at least 10,000 gallons, fuel sales of 75,000 gallons or more per year and be located within a half mile of an on- or off-ramp to a federal or state highway serving as an evacuation route.

MEA puts the total number of eligible stations at about 600.

Applicants can submit separate applications for multiple stations, but grant awards will be limited to five applications for individual stations per owner/operator. Award for multiple station applications by a single owner is dependent on the geographic distribution of the stations.

Information on how to apply for the Maryland grants can be found at:
http://energy.maryland.gov/Business/fuelupmd/index.html#requirements

Generator Programs in Other States

Downstate New York stations that are located within a half mile of highway exits or evacuation routes, and that pump 75,000 gal/month or more, have until April 1, 2014 to be wired to accept a generator. Thirty percent of all retail outlets that are part of a chain further than a half mile from downstate New York highway exits and evacuation routes will be required to install a transfer switch by Aug. 1, 2015.

Grants of up to $10,000 per station are available for rewiring if owners opt to use portable generators; awards of up to $13,000 per station are offered for operators who install permanent back-up generators.

New Jersey is still considering legislation proposing a pilot program under which operators of strategically located stations could get interest-free loans of up to $10,000 to wire their facilities for generators. That equipment, with the addition of a portable generator, would power fuel pumps, safety systems and payment acceptance equipment.

In Florida, service stations near interstate highways or evacuation routes, terminals and wholesalers must have transfer switches and appropriate wiring to transfer the electrical load from a utility to an alternate generated power source in the event of power failure. Corporations or entities with at least 10 service stations in a county must have access to at least one portable generator.

Louisiana requires new or completely rebuilt service stations in the southern part of the state to be wired with a transfer switch and capable of switching to an alternate generated power source in the event of a power outage.

Second Annual “Great ShakeOut” Earthquake Drill Set for October 17, 2013

In less than two months, individuals and communities throughout seven states and the District of Columbia will participate in the second Great SouthEast ShakeOut earthquake drill.  Held annually on the third Thursday of October, the ShakeOut is set for Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 10:17 a.m. EDT.  During the self-led drill, participants practice how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”.  Endorsed by emergency officials and first responders, the proper response to an earthquake is to:

–          Drop to the ground

–          Take Cover under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck

–          Hold On until the shaking stops

Following FEMA’s National Preparedness Month in September, Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are occurring nationwide in more than 40 states and territories.  More than 12 million people are expected to participate in drills on October 17.  In addition to safety drills, many participant take extra steps to become more prepared for earthquakes.

Additionally, ShakeOut comes on the heels of the two year anniversary of the damaging August 23, 2011 M5.8 Mineral, Virginia earthquake which caused considerable damage in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.  Several national landmarks, including the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian Institute, and the National Cathedral are undergoing multi-year restorations as a result of this earthquake.

According to Michael Cline, State Coordinator for Virginia Department of Emergency Management, “What we observed during the Mineral earthquake was that most of us did not really know what to do. We want everyone to remember to drop, cover and hold on” during an earthquake.

Coordinated annually by the Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) and the states of Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, nearly 2 million people participated in the first Great SouthEast ShakeOut drill in October of 2012.  This year, Delaware and West Virginia are joining the original SouthEast ShakeOut states to promote earthquake awareness and preparedness in their own states.

The goal of the program is to engage participants to take steps to become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.  The drill is free and open-to-the-public, and participants include individuals, schools, businesses, local and state government agencies, and many other groups.  Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills began in California in 2008 and have expanded each year since then.

To take part in the ShakeOut, individuals and organizations are asked to sign up to participate in the drill by visiting www.ShakeOut.org/southeast Once registered, participants receive information about showcase events in their area and regular information on how to plan their drill and become better prepared for earthquakes and other disasters.

To register for a ShakeOut in other areas of the country, or for more information, visit www.ShakeOut.org.  For information on FEMA’s National Preparedness Month, visit www.ready.gov/.