MDEM Newsroom - Page 30 MDEM Newsroom

Statement from DHMH on Train Derailment in Baltimore County

BALTIMORE (May 28, 2013) — Health officials at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have spoken with emergency management officials in Baltimore County and representatives of CSX to assess potential health concerns from the train derailment in Baltimore County.  Our initial assessment is that the risk to the general public is low. This initial assessment is based upon the following:

• We understand the primary chemicals potentially involved are terephthalic acid and sodium chlorate – neither should produce an imminent hazard to the general public.

• Reports of preliminary monitoring from the site do not indicate the presence of highly toxic chemicals.

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene supports current recommendations for the public, including avoiding direct exposure to smoke.  This is especially important for people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

MEMA Preparedness Director Appears on Local News to Discuss Tornado Safety

Full Article and Video: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/state/mema-urges-parents-to-teach-preparedness#ixzz2U24JN6pN

STATE BOARD APPROVES UPDATED EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE

BALTIMORE  (April 23, 2013) – The Maryland State Board of Education today gave unanimous approval to “Emergency Planning Guidelines for Local Systems and Schools,” a document designed to assist local officials in preparation and training for potential emergencies.

Maryland regulations require that all 24 school systems develop and implement emergency plans.  Emergencies range from violent or traumatic events on school grounds during regular school hours to events in the community that affect normal school functioning.

The Board’s action updates a document published in 2003.  The new version of the publication will be a living document, updated regularly as needed by circumstances.  The first edition of the guidelines has been utilized by all 24 Maryland systems to strengthen their emergency plans over the past decade.

“The key to safe and successful schools is planning and practice,” said State Superintendent of Schools Lillian M. Lowery.  “Schools and school systems must do everything in their power to keep students and staff free from harm.  Every staff member must know what to do in the event of an emergency, and must have practiced his or her role.”

MSDE staff developed the guide with the assistance of local school systems, Maryland State Police, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention, Maryland School Psychologist Association, Maryland Emergency Management Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.

Emergency management is an organized process by which schools and communities prevent or mitigate risks, prepare for hazards that cannot be fully mitigated, respond to emergencies, and recover from emergencies and restore the school to its pre-emergency condition.  The key to a well-functioning system is planning and practice, according to the guide.

The focus on improved planning, as well for additional drills and other practice activities, represents improvements in the new version of the Emergency Planning Guidelines.  In addition, the new document updates terminology commonly used in emergency situations.

Work on the new version began last year.  The revision adds new tools for local systems, such as information on technology hazards, threat assessment, universal drill procedures, and staff training.

The complete publication is available on the web at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/studentschoolsvcs/student_services_alt/ep.htm

STATE FIRE MARSHAL REMINDS ALL MARYLANDERS OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY ISSUES DURING POWER OUTAGES

PIKESVILLE, MD (March 5, 2013) – The potential of Winter Storm Saturn may cause disruption
in electrical service to our homes. State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is cautioning residents when
using alternative light and electrical sources during power outages. “These easy to follow tips will help
all Marylanders avoid injury or death during power outages,” said the State Fire Marshal.

• Use flashlights during power outages instead of candles. Keep plenty of fresh batteries on hand at all times. If you prefer the look of candles, consider flameless battery operated candles that offer the flickering light without the potential fire hazard.
• If using candles, make sure they are placed on a stable piece of furniture in sturdy holders that will not tip over. Candles should fit in the holders securely and the holders should be made of material that will not burn.
• Keep candles away from anything combustible, such as; clothing, books, papers, curtains, decorations or anything else that can burn.
• Do not place candles where they can be knocked over by children or pets.
• Always extinguish all candles when leaving the room or before going to sleep.
• Never use candles, matches or lighters if medical oxygen therapy is used in the home.
• Check portable electric heaters for frayed/damaged wires and ensure they are clean and placed on a flat level surface. Use only “listed” by an approved testing laboratory equipment and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not use extension cords with portable space heaters. The extension cord can overheat and cause a fire.
• If you use kerosene fuel fired heaters, use only “K-1” kerosene fuel. Never fill the unit inside, remove it to the exterior after it has cooled before refueling.
• Open a window enough to provide proper ventilation.
• Keep combustibles (furniture, curtains, clothing, paper goods, etc.), at least three feet from all heat sources.
• Fuel burning appliances can produce the deadly, tasteless and odorless gas known as carbon monoxide.
• Install and maintain CO2 alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide.
• Always turn off portable heating equipment when leaving the room for extended periods. Portable heaters should never be operated unattended.
• If you are depending on portable generators for electricity during power outages, use extreme caution when refueling. Fuel splashed on a hot muffler could ignite, causing severe burns and serious injuries.
• Never attempt to refuel a generator while it is running. Always allow the unit to cool before attempting to refuel.
• Operate generators outside of the home and outside of garages. Carbon monoxide gas produced by operating generators is poisonous and can quickly cause severe injury or death.
• Ensure placement of the generator does not allow carbon monoxide to enter the home through windows, doors or other openings.

The State Fire Marshal offers one final tip that is just as important. “Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. These early notification devices are some of the most effective fire and life safety tools for preventing injury or death from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning”.

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Somerset County Disaster Recovery Outreach Centers to Open

HUNT VALLEY, Md. – The Disaster Recovery Center in Crisfield will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 18, but survivors of hurricane Sandy still can get help.

Those who already have registered with FEMA can call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

There will be outreach centers open beginning January 22, at the following locations:

Centers are staffed with emergency management experts from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency who can answer questions about disaster assistance programs.

February 12 is the deadline to apply for assistance. There are three easy ways to begin the application process.  You may call FEMA’s toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Both numbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice, and multilingual operators are also available to answer your call. Residents with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at www.disasterassistance.gov  or web-enabled mobile device or smartphone visit m.fema.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.  If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

American Sign Language Videos: Frequently asked questions about Federal Disaster Assistance

Here are American Sign Language videos for frequently asked questions about federal disaster assistance.

Answers to Questions Survivors Ask About Federal Disaster Aid in American Sign Language

Mold Clean Up In American Sign Language Narrated English and Open-Captioned

Disaster Recovery Center Offers Resources To Sandy Survivors

HUNT VALLEY, Md.  – Residents in Somerset County affected by Hurricane Sandy can get first-hand information about disaster assistance and resources available to them directly from Federal Emergency Management Agency and Maryland Emergency Management Agency specialists at a Disaster Recovery Center.

The center will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the following location:

The Lower Somerset County Ambulance & Rescue Squad Building

#2 Mill Lane

Crisfield, MD 21817

Federal assistance can include grants to individuals for rental assistance and essential home repairs. Specialists can direct survivors to agencies that may be able to meet specific needs. Information is also available on rebuilding safer and stronger.

“You can register with FEMA by phone or online, so it isn’t necessary to go to a disaster recovery center,” Federal Coordinating Officer Mike Lapinski said. “However, if you want to speak with someone in person about assistance programs, eligibility or submitting documents to support a claim, we’re there for you.”

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will be available at the centers to assist survivors in completing their low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions about the loan program available to homeowners and renters as well as businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations. For many people, a completed SBA loan application is necessary to be considered for some types of federal financial disaster assistance. People with home-based businesses or rental property affected by the storm may also be eligible for SBA loans. 

Before going to a center, people with storm losses are encouraged to register with FEMA in any of the following ways:

• Online www.disasterassistance.gov

• By phone 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If using 711 Relay or Video Relay Services, call 1-800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available.

• Tablet or smart phone m.fema.gov

For more information about this disaster, go to www.fema.gov/disaster/4091 or www.mema.maryland.gov

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Governor Martin O’Malley Announces Federal Assistance For Somerset County To Help With Superstorm Sandy Recovery

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 14, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that President Obama has approved an Individual Assistance disaster declaration for Somerset County for damages from Superstorm Sandy. The Individual Assistance declaration will make federal funds available to homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered property damages as a result of the storm.

“I’d like to thank President Obama, Senators Mikulski and Cardin and our entire Congressional delegation for making this assistance available to Maryland residents who have suffered severe economic hardship because of Superstorm Sandy. This assistance will provide much-needed and long-awaited relief for hundreds of residents in Somerset County,” said Governor O’Malley. “I’d also like to thank our local partners like Senator Mathias who have been instrumental in highlighting the needs of  residents. Together, we will continue to recover and build a more resilient Maryland.”

“FEMA’s approval of individual disaster assistance to Sandy’s victims in Somerset County is a long-awaited gift this holiday season. It restores the light in some of our hardest hit communities during this Season of Light,” U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski said. “Senator Cardin and I refused to stand by while red tape and regulations stopped residents from getting the help they need. While we are thankful and ready for assistance to begin in Crisfield and Somerset County’s communities, we have not forgotten the rest of our communities. We will keep fighting for the victims of Sandy in Maryland.”

“FEMA and President Obama have delivered great news for the people of Crisfield and Somerset County on what has otherwise been a sobering day. Hurricane Sandy hit the people of Somerset County particularly hard. The damage has been too great to expect the locals to handle alone and the federal government had to step in to help,” said Senator Cardin. “Together, we also will continue to seek the needed assistance for other communities still struggling in their recovery efforts.”

The President had previously agreed to fund Public Assistance in most Maryland counties to help pay for state and local government costs for preparation for and cleanup from Sandy. However, the President had denied the state’s request for Individual Assistance. Maryland appealed that decision on Wednesday and Governor O’Malley was notified of the approval of Somerset County today.

“We encourage anyone in Somerset County who suffered damages to register with the FEMA toll-free number – 800-621-FEMA (3362) — as soon as possible,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “The federal programs may be able to help cover costs that were not covered by insurance, including building repairs and temporary living costs.”

Officials noted that federal assistance is not designed to fully return property to the condition it was in before the storm hit, but to deal with immediate health and safety issues. Low interest loans through the Small Business Administration also will be available for some residents and business owners for more substantial costs.

A Message from the State Fire Marshal:“Be Vigilant of Fire Safety as We Begin The Winter Season and Enjoy Holiday Festivities”

PIKESVILLE, MD (December 5, 2012) — State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard wants to remind all Marylanders to check for fire safety where they live, where they work and even where they attend classes, trainings and meetings.  “Fire and life safety is everyone’s responsibility, by testing smoke alarms, keeping exits clear of obstructions, and maintaining fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, we can all avoid injury or death from fire,” said the State Fire Marshal.

To ensure your best chances of surviving a fire, the State Fire Marshal offers the following tips on both escaping a fire and preventing one to begin with.

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. Remember, the effects of toxic smoke and gases can quickly overcome your ability to think clearly.  Every second counts when escaping the ingredients of fire.
• Check exits from both your home and any place you go to ensure you will be able to get to safety.  Blocked exits resulting from improperly placed chairs, tables or even holiday decorations can result in the delay of getting out quickly and safely.  Be vigilant of these safety concerns whether at church, school or even your local favorite eatery.
• When using portable unvented fuel-fired heaters, such as kerosene heaters, make sure to only use the recommended fuel specified in the owner’s manual and NEVER use gasoline.  Note: Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.
• If you find it necessary to use an electric space heater, use only one that has been approved by an authorized testing laboratory such as UL.
• Keep all portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible.
• If heating equipment fails, do not use kitchen stoves or ovens to supply heat.  These devices are not designed for that purpose and the chance of a fire improves greatly.
• When using fireplaces, woodstoves or pellet stoves; please ensure these heat sources have been installed and properly serviced by trained technicians according to state and local codes, which will allow them to work at peak efficiency and lower the risk of a catastrophic failure.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.  Extinguish the flame before leaving the room.
• Prevent fires from starting on the stove by staying in the kitchen and monitoring the food as it is being prepared.  If a fire would occur in a pot or pan on the stove, calmly place a lid on it and turn off the burner.  Allow it to cool before removal from the stove.
• If using a turkey fryer, please follow all safety precautions and manufacturer’s instructions.
• If you are using a cut tree for Christmas, special precautions need to be observed: Select a tree with green needles that do not remove too easily from the branches and the trunk should be sticky to the touch.  Place the tree in a location away from heat sources and add water every day during the recommended two week life span while on display.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.  Ensure candles are placed well away from tree branches.
• Inspect holiday lighting for frayed or damaged wiring and check for cracked sockets.  Replace strands with new sets as they become worn.  Follow manufacturer’s guidelines when attaching additional strands.
• Always unplug or switch off all holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Take down holiday lighting after the holidays.  Holiday lights are temporary seasonal decorations that should be limited to 90 days use.
• Dried out trees can ignite more readily.  Remove the tree shortly after the holiday and place outdoors.

Maryland’s Request For Individual Assistance Denied

   REISTERSTOWN, MD (Dec. 4, 2012) – Maryland officials will appeal the denial of the request for Individual Assistance for residents of the lower Eastern Shore who suffered damages in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency notified Governor Martin O’Malley of the decision Monday, December 3, 2012 to deny the Individual Assistance declaration.      “This decision will make it more difficult for hard hit residents of the Eastern Shore to recover from the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “State agencies will continue to work with local officials to try to help local residents, but the federal programs would have provided the best assistance.”

Maryland had sought individual assistance as part of the requested presidential disaster declaration for Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties.“We will appeal this decision,” said Maryland Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Mallette. “Although state agencies and volunteer groups have done their best to assist local residents, many residents have needs that go beyond the scope of those programs.”

Maryland has 30 days to file the appeal and will continue to supply updated damage information as it becomes available. Homeowners, renters and business owners who suffered damages not covered under existing insurance policies are urged to make sure that county emergency managers in Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester counties have been made aware of those damages.