MDEM Newsroom - Page 33 MDEM Newsroom
SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Private Non-Profit Organizations in Maryland
August 9th, 2012ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that certain Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) in Maryland that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low interest rate disaster loans. These loans are available as a result of a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by severe storms and winds that occurred from June 29 through July 8, 2012.
PNPs located in the following counties that provide non-critical services are eligible to apply: Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery, Saint Mary’s and the independent City of Baltimore in Maryland. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.
“PNP organizations are urged to contact the Maryland Emergency Management Agency at www.mema.maryland.gov to obtain information about local briefings. At the meeting, PNP representatives will need to provide information about their organization,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East in Atlanta. The information will be used to submit a Request for Public Assistance, which FEMA uses to determine if the PNP provides an essential governmental service and meets the definition of a “critical facility.” Based upon that conclusion, FEMA may provide the PNP with a Public Assistance reimbursement grant for their eligible costs or refer the PNP to SBA for disaster loan assistance.
PNP organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.
The SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to PNP organizations of all sizes to help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the organization suffered any physical property damage.
Interest rates are as low as 3 percent with terms up to 30 years. The SBA sets the loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to [email protected]. Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is October 1, 2012. The deadline to return economic injury applications is May 2, 2013.
Applicants’ Briefings Scheduled for Maryland Jurisdictions
August 7th, 2012REISTERSTOWN, MD – Officials from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Public Assistance applicants’ briefings are scheduled for areas included under President Obama’s disaster declaration issued for Maryland.
The briefings will help representatives from the state, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations (not households and individuals) apply for federal disaster assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms and straight-line winds during the period of June 29 to July 8, 2012.
After the severe storms, a presidential major disaster declaration was issued for 6 jurisdictions for the Public Assistance Program. As a result, federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair and replacement of facilities damaged by the storms in the counties of Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery and St. Mary’s in addition to the Independent City of Baltimore.
Below is a listing of locations, dates and times for the meetings:
August 9, 2012 – 10:30 a.m.
Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, Main Conference Room
29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
August 10, 2012 – 10:30 a.m.
Kent County
Kent County Public Works Building
709 Morgnec Road, Chestertown, MD 21620
August 13, 2012 – 9:30 a.m.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Public Safety Building, Conference Room #1
100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
August 13, 2012 – 1:30 p.m.
Baltimore City
City Hall – City Stat Room
100 North Holliday Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Representatives from local governments and private nonprofit organizations (in the above counties and Baltimore City) are encouraged to participate in the applicants’ briefings. Additional information about this disaster is available on FEMA’s website at http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4075#tabs-2
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.
Governor O’Malley Seeks Federal Disaster Aid in Wake of Derecho Storms of June 29-30
July 30th, 2012Six jurisdictions included in request for assistance for local and state agencies
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 27, 2012) – Governor Martin O’Malley today requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration for six jurisdictions in Maryland in the wake of the derecho storms that swept across Maryland on June 29 and 30. The request is for Public Assistance, which will reimburse county and municipal governments for up to 75 percent of the costs associated with response to and clean up of the storms.
The local jurisdictions included in the request are Baltimore City and Calvert, Charles, Kent, Montgomery and Saint Mary’s counties. Other counties could be added later as they continue to calculate their costs from the storm. The request also seeks state-wide hazard mitigation funds, to help government agencies reduce the threat of future events.
“In the aftermath of the historic storms in June, local governments around Maryland, and especially those in the jurisdictions included in this request, took extraordinary measures to remove debris, direct traffic at intersections without power and provide cooling centers for the many thousands of residents without power during a prolonged heat wave,” said Governor O’Malley. “That’s why we are seeking assistance from our federal partners to help our State recover from the unanticipated costs of these storms.”
Early in the morning of June 30, just after the last of the storms moved off shore, more than 1 million electric customers around the state were without power, some for more than a week. And in the days following the storms, temperatures in Maryland were in the upper 90s and low 100s, creating a health risk for those without access to air conditioning.
“We hope that federal reimbursement will help cushion the economic blow of these storms for the local agencies in these six jurisdictions,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “Local governments have already been suffering financially in recent years, so this federal assistance will be crucial to help them balance their budgets.”
Baltimoresun.com: Tornadoes, derecho meant a whirlwind start to job for MEMA Director Mallette
July 19th, 2012State’s top emergency official started role in May, will call for more outage information from utilities
One afternoon in early June, Ken Mallette was in Jacksonville driving from a funeral when he got a text message about severe storms striking Maryland. One of the storms’ 11 tornadoes had just ravaged nearby Fallston.
In his second week as executive director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, Mallette arrived in Fallston in a matter of minutes rather than head back to the state’s emergency command center in Reisterstown. He surveyed the damage and met with Harford County Executive David Craig.Read more about this Story here >>
Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans in Virginia is August 14
July 12th, 2012ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Virginia that working capital loans are still available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations affected by Tropical Storm Lee that occurred on Sept. 8 – 9, 2011.
“Businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the disaster and want to apply forlow-interest loans from the SBA are urged to do so before the Aug. 14, deadline,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA Field Operations Center East.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) up to $2 million are available at 3 percent for private non-profit organizations of all sizes and 4 percent for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. To be considered for this assistance, disaster survivors need to apply by the deadline.
These EIDLs are available to small businesses and most private non-profit organizations in the following:
Fairfax and Prince William counties; the neighboring counties of Arlington, Fauquier, Loudoun and Stafford; the independent cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park in Virginia; Charles, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland; and the District of Columbia.
To obtain disaster loan information and application forms, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to [email protected]. Loan application forms can also be downloaded from www.sba.gov.
Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
The deadline for economic injury applications is August 14, 2012.
Maryland Defense Force Assists “At Risk” Baltimore City Residents During Heat Wave
July 7th, 2012On July 7, 2012 Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel will conduct door to door health and welfare assessments of Baltimore City residents who have been identified as “at risk” given the ongoing heat wave. Approximately 30 MDDF personnel will work in conjunction with members of the Baltimore Emergency Management Agency (BEMA) during the residential visits. Special attention will be given to residents without electrical power who do not have access to air conditioning or cooling fans.
In addition to preliminary health screenings, at risk residents will be provided with water, ice, food transportation to Baltimore City cooling stations if necessary. Emergency medical personnel will also be on hand to support the mission. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, the commanding general of the MDDF noted that, “This is an essential mission and we look forward to bringing some needed relief to our fellow citizens.”
The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov.
CONTINUING WEATHER EVENT PROMPTS ADDITIONAL ACTION
July 7th, 2012Specialized Incident Management Team requested to
Assist MEMA and Local Agencies
Reisterstown (MD) …In an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of Maryland residents, The Maryland Emergency Management Agency has authorized a specialized Incident Management Team (IMT) to support the on-going response to a complex heat event that is affecting the State. This action will permit emergency management officials to continue to focus on their primary mission of supporting local agencies while ensuring coordination of critical messages and efforts.
“The extreme heat we are experiencing right now is both a public health and public safety event. We do not want people to be afraid – we want them to be informed,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of MEMA. “With information comes power and empowered citizens are better positioned to save their own lives as well as the lives of their neighbors.”
Media entities are requested to share the following information with the public so that they can make the right decisions about their safety:
1. Members of the public are asked to check on their neighbors several times each day. Individuals who are experiencing headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heart beat should seek immediate attention.
2. Statewide phone numbers have been established to provide all Marylanders with access to essential services including transportation to cooling centers. The phone numbers are 211 statewide and 311 in Baltimore City and Montgomery County.
3. Hydration is the primary way to combat the effects of heat ~ people should be consuming at least eight glasses of water daily. This amount should be increased for those working outdoors. Caffeinated beverages such as soda or carbonated energy drink should be avoided as should alcoholic beverages.
The Baltimore Regional IMT is comprised of representatives from the Baltimore metropolitan region including Anne Arundel, Annapolis City, Baltimore City, and Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. The team, formed after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, is designed to combine the resources of individual jurisdictions to effectively respond to any incident that has the potential to consume local resources. Past events such as Tropical Storm Isabel and the Amtrak train derailment highlight the potential for disasters in the local area.
MEMA URGES ACTION WITHIN COMMUNITIES
July 7th, 2012Wellness Checks Critical in Saving Lives
Reisterstown (MD) … With continued record heat across the State, Maryland officials are asking citizens to take an active role in saving
lives.
“We need every citizen in Maryland to check on their neighbor,” said Ken Mallette, Executive Director of MEMA. “This extreme heat event poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of everyone, including otherwise healthy individuals. This is an incredibly serious situation requiring continued action. Citizen first responders represent our most direct capacity to save lives.”
In addition to wellness checks between neighbors, citizens are strongly encouraged to follow the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines during this heat event. Across the State, Cooling Centers have been opened and the State is coordinating available transportation through its 2-1-1 phone line. A list of cooling centers is available on the MEMA website at http://www.mema.state.md.us.
Additionally, severe weather is predicted within the next 24 hours as a cold front moves through the area. The National Weather Service is predicting scattered severe thunderstorms with potentially damaging winds and hail.
Media entities are requested to share the following information with the public so that they can make the right decisions about their
safety:
1. Members of the public are asked to check on their neighbors several times each day. Individuals who are experiencing headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heart beat should seek immediate attention.
2. Statewide phone numbers have been established to provide all Marylanders with access to essential services including transportation
to cooling centers. The phone numbers are 211 statewide and 311 in Baltimore City and Montgomery County.
3. Hydration is the primary way to combat the effects of heat ~ people should be consuming at least eight glasses of water daily. This amount should be increased for those working outdoors. Caffeinated beverages such as soda or carbonated energy drinks should be avoided as should alcoholic beverages.
The Baltimore Regional IMT continues to support MEMA operations in a coordinating capacity. The IMT is a state asset that is available to local jurisdictions to provide similar coordinating services. Jurisdictions who identify the need for support can contact MEMA to
request the IMT.
DHMH: Daily Heat-related Illness Surveillance Report
July 7th, 2012
Saturday, July 7th, 2012 – Reporting for July 6th, 2012 – This information is designed to give a snapshot of the daily effect of extreme heat events. More detailed statewide information will be made available during the regular weekly report. The following report is divided by Region1.
Keep Pets Safe in Summer Heat
July 7th, 2012- Never leave your pet in a car when you travel or do errands. During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you’re parked in the shade. Dogs and cats can’t perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, leave your pets cool at home while you’re on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control (703-931-9241 in Arlington) or the police department immediately.
- Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
- Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.
- Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
- Don’t take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet’s well being, leave her at home.
If your pet is exposed to high temperatures:
- Be alert for signs of heat stress-heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
- If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature immediately.
- Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her temperature.
- Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only.
- Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian-it could save her life.
Tips provided by the Humane Society of the United States and are available at: http://www.hsus.org.