MDEM Newsroom - Page 40 MDEM Newsroom
STATE FIRE MARSHAL WILLIAM E. BARNARD RECOMMENDS “CHANGE YOUR CLOCK – CHANGE YOUR BATTERY”
March 9th, 2012PIKESVILLE, MARYLAND (March 7, 2012) – In anticipation of daylight savings time beginning in the early morning hours of March 11th, the State Fire Marshal is urging Marylanders to “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery” in both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes. Recognizing that working smoke alarms and CO detectors double a family’s chance of surviving a home fire and/or an unsafe carbon monoxide level, the State Fire Marshal says Daylight Savings Time is a great opportunity for families to change the batteries. “This simple step can help us avoid tragedies in the place we feel the most secure – our homes.”
Along with working smoke alarms and CO detectors, home escape plans are another way Marylanders can avoid injury or death in their homes. By identifying at least two different escape routes, families can practice the plan together – before an emergency strikes. Practicing the plan helps educate younger children to the danger of hazardous situations and the importance of recognizing that the sound of a smoke alarm or CO detector signals a potential hazard in the home. “Changing the battery in your smoke alarms and CO detectors, along with developing and practicing a home escape plan, are two of the best ways to protect your loved ones and yourself from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated Fire Marshal Barnard.
Please observe the overhead electronic signs as you travel throughout the state this weekend. The Office of the State Fire Marshal and all Marylanders thank the Maryland Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration for assisting to spread the word about this life saving reminder.
For more information on fire and life safety, log on to our website at: http://mdsp.org/firemarshal
Follow us on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/MarylandStateFireMarshal
Baltimore Metropolitan Council: Department of Homeland Security Offers Grants to Non-Profits
February 29th, 2012BALTIMORE (February 23, 2012) – Once again the Department of Homeland Security is making grants available to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations to make their high-risk facilities more secure against terrorist attacks. The program seeks to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives and state and local governments. The DHS grant program will provide a total of $10 million to high-risk nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S.
Applications must be submitted electronically to the Baltimore Urban Area Work Group (UAWG) through the appropriate local UAWG law enforcement representative as listed below. Deadline for submission is Thursday, March 22, 2012. Incomplete applications may not be considered. The UAWG will score applications before forwarding them to DHS.
Criteria for determining eligible applicants who are at high risk of terrorist attack include, but are not limited to:
- Identification and substantiation (e.g. police reports or insurance claims) of prior threats or attacks against the nonprofit organization or closely related organizations (within or outside the U.S.) by a terrorist organization, network, or cell
- Symbolic value of the site(s) as a highly recognized national or historical institution that renders the site a possible target of international terrorism
- Role of the applicant nonprofit organization in responding to or recovering from international terrorist attacks
- Findings from previously conducted risk assessments including threat or vulnerability
Grants are limited to no more than $75,000, with an optional match.
In addition, all projects must comply with Environmental and Historic Preservation laws. All grantees will be required to develop an environmental planning and historic preservation Statement of Work (SOW), which must be submitted to FEMA for certification prior to the initiation of projects.
Eligible enhancements include such things as closed circuit television systems for perimeters of community facilities; vehicle barriers, lighting and fencing for perimeter security; and personal identification systems to limit unauthorized access to facilities.
The UAWG is composed of emergency management officials from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s member jurisdictions, which include Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties, plus the City of Annapolis.
The grant application and guidelines are also available online athttp://www.fema.gov/pdf/government/grant/2012/fy12_nsgp_invest.pdf.
Questions may be directed to the appropriate local law enforcement representative.
UAWG Law Enforcement Representatives
Anne Arundel County:
Lt. Col. David Pressley
[email protected]
410-222-3028
Annapolis City:
Capt. Scott Williams
[email protected]
410-268-9000
Baltimore City:
Sgt. Frank Jarrell
[email protected]
410-396-2607
Baltimore County:
Officer Joseph Pietro
[email protected]
410-887-5639
Carroll County:
Sgt. James Fisher
[email protected]
410-386-2255
Harford County:
Sgt. Steve Dunlop
[email protected]
410-836-5471
Howard County:
Lt. Michael Price
[email protected]
410-313-6013
USFA: Smoking Fire Safety
February 28th, 2012
Smoking Fire Safety
It may be cold in much of the United States right now, but if you smoke, it’s better to smoke outside. A lit cigarette left alone in a room, or accidentally dropped onto a chair or bed, or hot cigarette ashes or matches tossed away before they are completely out – all can cause a large fire in seconds.
Putting out a cigarette the right way only takes seconds, too. It is up to you to make sure your cigarette is put out, all the way, every time.
One-in-four people killed in home fires is not the smoker whose cigarette caused the fire.
- More than one-third were children of the smokers.
- Twenty-five percent were neighbors or friends of the smokers.
Take a moment to learn about Smoking and Home Fire action steps »
USDA: USDA Farm Service Agency Announces Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for Charles County
February 28th, 2012- will be so costly to rehabilitate that Federal assistance is or will be needed to return the land to productive agricultural use
- is unusual and is not the type that would recur frequently in the same area
- affect the productive capacity of the farmland
- will impair or endanger the land.
- removing debris from farmland
- grading, shaping, or releveling severely damaged farmland
- restoring permanent fences
- restoring conservation structures and other similar installations.
- an application for cost-share assistance has been filed
- the local FSA County Committee (COC) or its representative has conducted an onsite inspection of the damaged area
- the Agency responsible for technical assistance, such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), has made a needs determination, which may include cubic yards of earthmoving, etc., required for rehabilitation.
To Read Source the Source Click Here
MD State Fire Marshal: Fire Deaths Continue to Decrease in 2011
February 28th, 2012DEP LEADING RESPONSE TO REFINERY OIL TANK LEAK IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY; ILL CONTAINED ON-SITE
February 24th, 2012(12/P16) TRENTON – A large spill from an oil tank at the Paulsboro Refining Company facility in Gloucester County is not expected to impact the Delaware River or local water supplies. Air monitoring also indicates there should be no health effects from odors caused by the spill.
The Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with various state and local agencies is monitoring the cleanup of crude oil that has been leaking from the storage tank since this afternoon.
Petroleum odors have been reported in a number of surrounding communities as a result of the leak that developed in the base of the storage tank. Initial air monitoring by the Gloucester County Health Department and by refinery personnel do not indicate any health hazards from the odors.
However, sensitive populations such as the elderly or people with respiratory conditions may consider staying indoors until odors subside. Petroleum products have a low odor threshold, meaning they can be smelled readily even at very low levels that do not cause serious health risks.
Air monitoring is being conducted near the plant and in various surrounding communities and will continue until the odors subside.
The spill does not pose a threat to the Delaware River or to municipal water supplies.
Refinery personnel discovered the leak shortly before 1:30 p.m. today. The Paulsboro Refining Company is responsible for cleanup response.
As of 4:30 p.m., 157,000 barrels — or about 6.6 million gallons — of oil had leaked into the emergency containment area. The tank holds 286,000 barrels of oil, or about 12 million gallons. The emergency containment area, essentially a large berm surrounding the tank, is designed to hold 377,000 barrels in the event of an emergency.
Emergency crews were applying foam to the oil in the containment area to reduce vapors. The refinery is currently pumping oil in the tank and oil in the containment area into other facilities on-site. Those activities are expected to continue throughout the night.
The DEP’s Bureau of Emergency Response is coordinating response efforts along with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the New Jersey State Police, the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management, the Gloucester County Health Department, the U.S. Coast Guard and refinery personnel.
Residents with questions may contact a Community Information Line set up by the refinery at 856-224-6177.
State Highway Administration Ready for Winter Weather
February 8th, 2012Have a Plan in Place and Alter Travel Plans this Afternoon as Necessary
(February 8, 2012) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) has pre-treated major routes in Central, Northern and Western Maryland in advance of winter weather forecasted to visit the region later this afternoon and evening. SHA crews applied a salt brine solution to interstates and primary roadways yesterday in preparation for a quick moving storm.
“SHA will continue to closely monitor the storm, but we certainly need motorists to do their part as well,” said Melinda Peters, SHA Administrator. “Traveling the roads this afternoon during the height of the normal rush hour should NOT be an option; plows need space to clear the roads and gridlocked traffic does not allow crews the opportunity to make the roads safe. Last year’s January 26 storm was indicative of how quickly things can change and we want everyone to get home safely.”
With precipitation generally expected between noon and 9 p.m. crews will remain out until all State roads are clear. Motorists are reminded to never pass a snow plow or plow train. The safest place to be while driving in winter weather is behind a snow plow.
SHA reminds motorists to completely clear vehicles of snow, which could otherwise turn to ice and create a danger to other motorists.
Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit: www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
MEMA Advises Maryland Residents to Prepare Now
February 8th, 2012Weather Conditions Could Potentially Affect Afternoon Commute
REISTERSTOWN, MD (February 09, 2011) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is urging Marylanders to prepare now for weather conditions that could affect their commute home this afternoon. A winter weather advisory has been issued for Maryland which includes parts of the state seeing the possibility of light snow or rain. The timing of the storm suggests it could impact the afternoon drive home for many of our Maryland residents.
Similar past weather events have shown us how important it is to be prepared for winter storms,” said MEMA Executive Director Richard Muth. “This is especially true if the storms hits during times of heavy traffic.”
When storms hit during periods of peak traffic, it is very difficult for snow removal crews to keep roads free of snow and ice. That can lead to accidents and stalled vehicles, and the resulting backups then delay the response of snow removal crews and first responders and create long delays for travelers.
Residents are urged to make sure they have plenty of gas before winter travel, and also should keep a winter supply kit in their vehicle, with blankets, bottled water, snacks, a portable snow shovel and kitty litter or sand (to help with tire traction), in addition to a standard auto safety kit that includes jumper cables, flares or reflective devices and a small first aid kit. Make sure all lights and wipers are in good working order and that tires (all-season radials or snow tires) have plenty of tread.
If at all possible, try to avoid travelling during periods of heavy snow so snow removal crews have a clear path. If at work, ask your employer if you may shelter in place until conditions improve, or perhaps have dinner at a location near work. If at home, determine if you can wait to leave until conditions improve.
For more information on winter preparedness, please visitwww.mema.state.md.us, click on Be Prepared and then the link for Winter Storms. Other information is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at www.ready.gov .Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit:www.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law restricts hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.
Follow MEMA on Twitter www.twitter.com/mdmema
Follow MEMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdmema
For more information contact Ed McDonough at 410-446-3333 or Edward Hopkins at 410-422-7561
Weather | OPM Announcement: The National Weather Service is predicting snow in the National Capital Region today
February 8th, 2012Weather | OPM Announcement
The National Weather Service is predicting snow in the National Capital Region today, anywhere from 1 inch to upwards of 3 inches north and west of the District of Columbia. Weather advisories have already been issued in some jurisdictions. Federal agencies in the Washington, DC, area are open, however, due to the forecast the Office of Personnel Management has announced that employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Read more from OPM. Commuters are encouraged to check ahead with transportation/transit providers for any possible service interruptions
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
January 31st, 2012PIKESVILLE, MD (January 31, 2012) — Fire Marshal William E. Barnard wants to encourage Marylanders to be mindful of the dangers of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, and potentially toxic gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of liquid fuels, solid fuels, or natural gas.
Homeowners should consider purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm if they live in a house that has liquid-fueled space heaters, an attached garage, gas appliances, oil heat, or a wood stove or fireplace. The best place to locate your alarm is in the hallway just outside the sleeping areas of your home.
You can help decrease your chance of being poisoned by carbon monoxide by doing the following:
• Never let your car idle in the garage.
• Never use a gas range, oven, or clothes dryer for heating.
• Scheduling preventive maintenance inspections for your fuel fired appliances.
• Make sure chimneys and flues are inspected and cleaned each year and remain in good
condition.
• Never run a generator inside or near an entrance (door, window, vent, etc.) to your home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause symptoms similar to the flu, such as: headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and irritability. High concentrations of CO can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness, and even death.
“Everyone needs to assume responsibility and take the initiative to protect themselves and their families from the potentially lethal affects caused by carbon monoxide poisoning,” stated the State Fire Marshal.