MDEM Newsroom - Page 39 MDEM Newsroom
Weather Observation Platform at The Maryland Emergency Management Agency
March 29th, 2012Reisterstown, Maryland) March 23, 2012 – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is the latest member to join the ranks of the more than 11,000 volunteers taking observations on farms, urban areas and suburban areas, National Parks, seashores, and mountaintops. The data are truly representative of where people live, work and play.
The staff of MEMA’s Joint Operations Center will join the many volunteer observers who conscientiously contribute their time to gather these meteorological data. These data are invaluable in learning more about the floods, droughts, heat and cold waves affecting us all. Data are also used in agriculture planning and assessment, engineering, environmental-impact assessment, utilities planning and litigation. COOP data plays a critical role in efforts to recognize and evaluate the extent of human impacts on climate from local to global scales.
Equipment to gather these data is provided and maintained by the NationalWeather Service. The collected data is used both operationally and sent to the National Climate Data Center in Ashville, North Carolina, where the data is digitized, checked and archived.
As seen in the photo of the observation platform it consists of a temperature sensor, two precipitation sensors (one automated and one manual), a wind sensor that measure wind direction and speed. The automated components will utilize solar power to maintain continuous operations. In addition ground based snow
Weather Observation Platform at The Maryland Emergency Management Agency
March 29th, 2012(Reisterstown, Maryland) March 23, 2012 – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is the latest member to join the ranks of the more than 11,000 volunteers taking observations on farms, urban areas and suburban areas, National Parks, seashores, and mountaintops. The data are truly representative of where people live, work and play.
The staff of MEMA’s Joint Operations Center will join the many volunteer observers who conscientiously contribute their time to gather these meteorological data. These data are invaluable in learning more about the floods, droughts, heat and cold waves affecting us all. Data are also used in agriculture planning and assessment, engineering, environmental-impact assessment, utilities planning and litigation. COOP data plays a critical role in efforts to recognize and evaluate the extent of human impacts on climate from local to global scales.
Equipment to gather these data is provided and maintained by the NationalWeather Service. The collected data is used both operationally and sent to the National Climate Data Center in Ashville, North Carolina, where the data is digitized, checked and archived.
As seen in the photo of the observation platform it consists of a temperature sensor, two precipitation sensors (one automated and one manual), a wind sensor that measure wind direction and speed. The automated components will utilize solar power to maintain continuous operations. In addition ground based snow
FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate Announces Interactive Discussion Website
March 20th, 2012FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) is pleased to announce the inauguration of its new interactive site dedicated to encouraging discussions of the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 National Preparedness Grant Program (NPGP). Through this website, GPD will be able to engage an ongoing dialogue with the stakeholder community and listen to the thoughts, concerns and ideas of state, territorial, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, non-governmental and faith-based organizations. GPD has actively engaged in encouraging discussions and conversations with our partners since the President’s FY 2013 budget was announced on February 13th. GPD is committed to continuing these discussions whether through one on one meetings, presentations, workshops, conference calls, or webinars.
Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this new interactive website which is found here:
We look forward to your comments, suggestions, questions and concerns in keeping the conversation moving forward. GPD staff will be checking this site daily and responding to questions. Please feel free to share this with your partners, colleagues, and members.
We look forward to hearing from you as GPD continues to develop the vision of NPGP.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact FEMA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at [email protected].
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.
FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate Announces Interactive Discussion Website
March 20th, 2012FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) is pleased to announce the inauguration of its new interactive site dedicated to encouraging discussions of the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 National Preparedness Grant Program (NPGP). Through this website, GPD will be able to engage an ongoing dialogue with the stakeholder community and listen to the thoughts, concerns and ideas of state, territorial, local, and tribal governments, the private sector, non-governmental and faith-based organizations. GPD has actively engaged in encouraging discussions and conversations with our partners since the President’s FY 2013 budget was announced on February 13th. GPD is committed to continuing these discussions whether through one on one meetings, presentations, workshops, conference calls, or webinars.
Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this new interactive website which is found here:
We look forward to your comments, suggestions, questions and concerns in keeping the conversation moving forward. GPD staff will be checking this site daily and responding to questions. Please feel free to share this with your partners, colleagues, and members.
We look forward to hearing from you as GPD continues to develop the vision of NPGP.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact FEMA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division at (202) 646-3444 or at [email protected].
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.
Citizen Corps launches “Family First – Be Prepared” Public Service Announcement Video Competition
March 19th, 2012Family First – Be Prepared Competition
Maryland Citizen Corps Council is getting ready to launch a Public Service Announcement Video Competition. Please see the attached for information, registration and rules!
Contact: Robert A. Ward State Citizen Corps Program Manager Maryland Emergency Management Agency phone: 410-517-3606 Cell: 443-277 4021
Download the Citizen_Corps_PSA_Competition_Info (PDF 4.09 mb)
The 2012 American Red Cross Hometown Heroes: Congratulations to One of Our Own!
March 15th, 2012Please join us in congratulating Lt. Jay Ringgold, Baltimore County EMA, for his receiving the 2012 American Red Cross Hometown Heroes Award. For those of us who know Jay, this is a well deserved recognition for all he has done, and continues to do, for the safety of the citizens of Maryland.
Great Job Jay!!
MEMA Encourages Maryland Residents to Be Aware of the Dangers and Impacts of Floods
March 12th, 2012Flood Safety Week runs from March 12-16
REISTERSTOWN, MD (March 9, 2012) — Floods are the most frequent and costly natural disaster in the United States. Flood effects can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) encourages residents to know their flood hazards. National Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 12-16) is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save lives and preserve property.
To help individuals better understand flood risks nationwide as well as empower them to take steps that mitigate damaging floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created a one-stop flood awareness tool available at http://www.ready.gov/floodawareness. This site contains valuable tips on what to do before, during and after a flood, and encourages flood insurance protection, among other measures.
There also are tools on the MEMA website (www.mema.state.md.us) to learn more about flooding in Maryland. You can click on the Flooding and Flash Floods link under Be Prepared on the left navigation bar. Visitors to the web site also can click on the flooding tab at the top of the webpage for a tool to determine if they are in a flood prone area.
“Tropical Storm Lee followed on the heels of Hurricane Irene, leading to serious flooding along the Susquehanna River in towns like Port Deposit and Havre de Grace, and in other locations such as Upper Marlboro and parts of Southern Maryland,” said MEMA Executive Director Richard Muth. “I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for families and businesses to plan ahead and prepare for flooding events that can potentially affect their communities. Now is also the time to consider purchasing flood insurance.”
Floods do more than damage properties; they can also threaten lives if careful safety precautions are not followed. It is important to know your community’s flood risk, flood history and overall community action plan to address flooding events before, during and after they occur. All areas of the state face flood risks: flash floods in the stream valleys of Western Maryland, urban flooding in Central Maryland, tidal flooding along the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland’s coastal bays and along the Atlantic coast and large river basin flooding along the Potomac and Susquehanna rivers.
“Develop a strong family emergency plan and reach out to your community’s best flood planning resource — the local emergency management office,” said Muth. “This approach will help protect your family and property while learning, lending input, and assisting your first responders.”
FEMA: BE AWARE OF SPRING TIME SEVERE WEATHER: Consider Safety in Advance
March 12th, 2012Over the past week states throughout the Midwest and South have been affected by deadly tornado outbreaks. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones and those whose lives have been affected by the storms.
Severe weather can strike when you least expect it. No matter where you live, it’s important to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news and to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings, and follow instructions of state and local officials.
There are simple steps we can do to be prepared. FEMA urges families to have a plan for what you and your family will do if there is a disaster, and prepare an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car to help prepare for power outages or impassable roads. It’s important to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and local news to monitor for severe weather updates and warnings and follow the direction provided by local officials. Be sure to check your homeowner or renter insurance. Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. Most everyone can purchase flood insurance – including renters, business owners, and homeowners. Individuals can learn more about their flood risk, and how to get their flood insurance policy, by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov.
If you have severe weather in your area, keep in mind these safety tips:
· Continue to monitor your battery-powered radio or television for emergency information.
· Injury may occur when people walk among disaster debris and enter damaged buildings. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris.
· Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. Residents of mobile homes must plan in advance and identify safe shelter in a nearby building.
· If a flood is likely in your area, be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
· Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report downed power lines and electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.
· After a disaster, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards in your home. Contact your local city or county building inspectors for information on structural safety codes and standards. They may also offer suggestions on finding a qualified contractor to do work for you.
When natural disasters strike, such as tornadoes, the emergency responders and public works personnel, volunteers, humanitarian organizations, and numerous private interest groups in the local areas are the first to provide much needed assistance. During this time, FEMA continues to coordinate closely with state and local partners to monitor what needs may arise as a result of the storms.
More information on tornado preparedness and flooding is available at www.ready.gov orwww.listo.gov.
Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, andwww.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities atwww.twitter.com/craigatfema.
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
Flood Safety Awareness Week
March 12th, 2012Floods are consistently the most common, costly and deadly natural disaster Americans face each year. Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the nation involve flooding.The Maryland Emergency Management Agency encourages citizens to heed the advice of FEMA and the NWS. Be prepared for potential flooding by learning what you can now about flooding and how to be ready should something happen. Find out if you are in aFlood Prone Area Here.
For Your Local Emergency Center Contacts and Hotlines Click Here.
Change Batteries in Smoke and CO Alarms This Weekend
March 9th, 2012
Daylight Saving Time begins March 11
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms this weekend for Daylight Saving Time. This year, Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11. Fresh batteries allow smoke and CO alarms to do their jobs saving lives by alerting families of a fire or a buildup of deadly carbon monoxide in their homes.
CPSC estimates there was a yearly average of 386,300 residential fires resulting in nearly 2,400 deaths between 2006 and 2008.
Two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes where there are no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. That is why it is important to replace batteries at least once every year and to test your alarms every month to make sure they work. CPSC recommends consumers have smoke alarms on every level of their home, outside bedrooms and inside each bedroom.
CPSC estimates there was an annual average of 183 unintentional non-fire CO poisoning deaths associated with consumer products between 2006 and 2008. CO is called the “invisible killer,” because it is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas. Because of this, people may not know they are being poisoned. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel in various products, including furnaces, portable generators, fireplaces, cars and charcoal grills.
That is why it is important to have working CO alarms in the home, on each level and outside each sleeping area.