MDEM Newsroom - Page 30 MDEM Newsroom

“Maryland Prepares” Social Media Campaign

During the month of September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security sponsor National Preparedness Month and promote activities that educate the public on how to prepare for emergencies.  This year, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency would like to spend the month of September recognizing individuals, families, and businesses that have been positively impacted by preparing for local disasters and emergencies. We will use our social media platforms to showcase these individuals throughout the month of September.

Participants can share a short story or a video documenting how being prepared has helped them or someone they know through an adverse situation. At the Maryland Emergency Management Agency we recognize that “A Prepared Marylander Creates a Resilient Maryland” and would like to showcase what is being done around the State to make us more prepared.

Throughout the month of August we will be collecting your entries. Please send your story to us via Facebook message, Twitter or email us at [email protected]. If you are emailing us please add “Maryland Prepares” to the subject line. If you tweet your story to @mdmema please include #MDPrepares.  We look forward to seeing your preparedness stories!

https://www.facebook.com/MDMEMA

https://twitter.com/MDMEMA

How Prepared is the National Capital Region for the Next Disaster?

MEMA Executive Director, Ken Mallette, testifies before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Emergency Management, Intergovernmental Relations, and the District of Columbia on the National Capital Region’s preparedness.

Hearing Video

Portions of Prince George’s County Face Water Shortage

Laurel – July 15, 2013:  A section of pipe in a vital 54-inch concrete pipeline appears to be failing, and parts of Prince George’s County may be without water for a few days while repairs are made. As a result WSSC is urging customers to begin stocking up on water immediately.  Prince George’s County Emergency Services will be working with hospitals, nursing homes and others to ensure they have access to water.

Some of the communities likely to be affected include Morningside, Hillcrest Heights, Camp Springs, Forest Heights, Temple Hills, and Oxon Hill, including Joint Base Andrews and the National Harbor.  Please check our interactive map (http://gisweb.wsscwater.com/waterrestrictions/) to see if you are in the affected area. If you’re not sure, just type your address in the search box on the upper left side of the page.

WSSC expects to issue mandatory water restrictions for the affected area Tuesday afternoon.  We hope this will buy additional time for residents to stock up on water and allow WSSC to continue filling its system to extend the time we can provide service.

The pipe is Pre-stressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) and located inside the Beltway between Suitland Parkway and Forestville Road.  Our monitoring system has recorded an increasing number of wire breaks in the pipe.  That’s a signal that this type of pipe is beginning to fail.

This pipeline is unique in our system in that there is little or no redundancy that could provide water to customers during repairs.  That’s why it’s likely tens of thousands of our customers in Prince George’s County will lose service for a few days.

We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your patience.

Please visit our website and Facebook page for conservation information during restrictions.

https://www.facebook.com/WSSCWater

https://twitter.com/wsscwaternews

http://www.wsscwater.com/home/jsp/home.faces

American Red Cross Issues Plea for Blood Donors

The American Red Cross has issued an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give because fewer donations than expected were received in June and the first week of July. “We are counting on generous volunteer blood and platelet donors to step up and give now,” said Page Gambill, CEO for the Red Cross Mid-Atlantic Blood Services Region.

More at: http://touch.dailypress.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-76607468/

STATE FIRE MARSHAL SUGGESTS ATTENDING PUBLIC FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

PIKESVILLE, MD (June 27, 2013) – With the arrival of summer, State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard is suggesting that Marylanders should attend public fireworks displays. “I would suggest the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public fireworks displays throughout the state.” stated Barnard. To help Marylanders enjoy a safer summer season, the State Fire Marshal offers several ways to enjoy fireworks while avoiding injury:

• Consider attending one of the numerous public fireworks displays scheduled throughout Maryland every year. Leave fireworks to the professionals. Check the Maryland State Fire Marshal website at: www.mdsp.org/firemarshal for listed public fireworks displays throughout the state.

For those individuals who insist on the use of consumer fireworks:

• Purchase the fireworks in the location where you intend to discharge them. Check with the local municipality to determine what fireworks are considered legal for use in that area.
• Read and follow label warnings and instructions.
• Do not allow small children to use fireworks.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while using fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water or hose available
• Fully extinguish remains of fireworks in water before disposal.

“Fireworks have been a long tradition of the 4th of July holiday celebrations. Please make safety your number one priority so everyone can enjoy the holiday season.” adds the State Fire Marshal. “By acting responsibly, we can help eliminate fireworks injuries in Maryland.”

MEMA URGES MARYLAND RESIDENTS TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL SEVERE WEATHER WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY

REISTERSTOWN, MD (June 12, 2013) – With forecasters predicting a high risk for severe weather over the next two days, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to be prepared for strong storms that might affect the area. Although much of Maryland has a chance of thundershowers today, the National Weather Service says the greatest risk for severe weather in the state will be on Thursday.

Residents are reminded to:

• Make sure cell phones and other portable devices are fully charged and consider purchasing and charging spare batteries.

• Have a disaster supply kit with bottled water, non-perishable food (with a hand-operated can opener), a first aid kit, portable   radio and flashlight with extra batteries, toiletries, special items needed for pets or infants, prescription medicine, a change of clothes and bedding. The kit will be helpful if you have to evacuate quickly or if you are without power.

• Keep some cash available in case ATM machines are not available.

• Have copies of important documents such as home and property insurance policies, driver’s licenses, health insurance cards, etc.

• Know where you would meet other members of your family if your home is not safe.

• Remember that in the immediate aftermath of a serious event, wireless communications systems may be overloaded. Text family members to let them know you are safe so voice calls for emergency agencies can go through.

Follow local weather forecasts in your area for the next two days to learn if there are any warnings in your specific area and take appropriate actions.

The following websites have preparedness information for severe storms and other emergencies:

Maryland Emergency Management Agency: www.mema.maryland.gov. MEMA also is on Twitter @MDMEMA and you may follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MDMEMA.

Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov

American Red Cross: www.redcross.org

Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

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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