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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.
On Anniversary of Winter Storm, COG Promotes New Public Information Site, Personal Preparedness
January 26th, 2012WASHINGTON, DC – On the one year anniversary of the snow and ice storm that triggered widespread, many hours-long traffic gridlock during the evening commute, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is reminding D.C. area residents to be prepared for emergencies and sign up for alerts from local governments and transportation agencies. To do this, COG recommends visiting the recently launched CapitalRegionUpdates.gov web site, a “one-stop shop” with guidance and information during emergencies.
At Capital Region Updates, residents can sign up to get emergency text alerts and view real-time news from their local governments through a regional news feed as well as traffic and transit information. During a regional emergency, the site will feature incident updates and regional officials’ recommendations on what to do. The site also has localized weather from the National Weather Service and tips on how to prepare for emergencies.
Capital Region Updates, which was established by Fairfax County for the entire region, is one of several improvements made by regional officials since the 2011 storm.
- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has updated its employee release policies.
- The region is creating a program with highly trained, regionally focused staff to ensure that area officials better coordinate decisions before and during major incidents. The D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency is hosting this program on an interim basis at its 24/7 Emergency Operations Center.
- In advance of this 2011-2012 winter season, local governments have been sharing with their residents the common message to “Get where you need to be before the weather gets bad.”
In the wake of the January 2011 storm, COG created a Steering Committee on Incident Management and Response. The Committee’s final report, released in November 2011, made several recommendations to improve the region’s response to future emergencies.
COG is a nonprofit association of 22 local governments in the National Capital Region.
One Region Moving Forward
STATE FIRE MARSHAL PROVIDES WINTER HEATING SAFETY TIPS
January 24th, 2012- Ensure chimneys are cleaned annually or more frequently if used as the primary heating equipment.
- Use properly sized fireplace screens or enclosures. Never use a flammable liquid to start a fire.
- When disposing of cooled ashes, do not use paper or plastic containers to remove them, instead use a metal container. Ashes will insulate hot embers long after the fire is considered out.
- Make sure fuel burning stoves are installed according to local fire codes andvmanufacturer’s instructions.
- Have your furnace inspected and serviced annually.
- Check portable electric heaters for frayed/damaged wires andvensure they are cleanvand 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 canvoverheat 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.
SHA PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER STRIKE ON WESTERN AND CENTRAL MARYLAND
January 20th, 2012National Capital Region Unveils New Web Portal and Winter Preparedness Campaign
January 13th, 2012- People die in traffic accidents on icy roads.
- People die of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold.