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Applicants’ Briefings Scheduled for Maryland Counties
October 7th, 2011REISTERSTOWN, Maryland (October 7, 2011) — 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 Tropical Storm Lee during the period of September 6-9, 2011.
As a result of the declaration, 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 or replacement of facilities damaged by Tropical Storm Lee in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Charles, and Prince George’s Counties. All counties in the State of Maryland and the independent City of Baltimore are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
Below is a listing of locations, dates and times for the meetings:
October 12, 2011 – 9 a.m.
Anne Arundel County
Camp Fretterd Military Reservation, 29th Division Hall
5401 Rue Saint Lo Dr., Reisterstown, Md 21136
October 14, 2011 – 10 a.m.
Charles County
Charlotte Hall Veterans Home
29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, Md 20622
October 17, 2011 – 10 a.m.
Prince George County
Howard County Public Safety Training Center
2200 Scott Wheeler Dr., Marriottsville, Md 21104
October 20, 2011 – 10 a.m.
Cecil County
Goodwill Fire Company
212 Broadway, Centreville, Md 21617
Representatives from local governments and private non-profit organizations (in the above counties) are encouraged to participate in the applicant briefings. Additional information about this disaster is availablehttp://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15439
Hurricane Irene Emergency Declaration Applicant Briefings
October 4th, 2011REISTERSTOWN, Maryland (October 4, 2011) — Officials from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that Public Assistance applicant briefings are scheduled for areas included under President Obama’s emergency 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 area affected by Hurricane Irene during the period of August 24 to September 5, 2011.
Prior to Hurricane Irene, the Governor requested a presidential emergency declaration which was approved for 22 counties (all counties in Maryland except Garrett) and the City of Baltimore. Specifically, FEMA is authorized to provide emergency protective measures (Category B), including direct Federal assistance, under the Public Assistance program at 75 percent Federal funding.
Below is a listing of locations, dates and times for the meetings:
October 7, 2011 – 10 a.m.
Allegany, Washington, and Frederick Counties
Washington County Division of Emergency Services
16232 Elliott Pkwy, Williamsport, Md 21795
October 12, 2011 – 9 a.m.
Carroll, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel Counties, and Baltimore City
Camp Fretterd Military Reservation, 29th Division Hall
5401 Rue Saint Lo Dr, Reisterstown, Md 21136
October 17, 2011 – 10 a.m.
Montgomery, Howard, and Prince George’s Counties
Howard County Public Safety Training Center
2200 Scott Wheeler Dr, Marriottsville, Md 21104
Representatives from local governments and private non-profit organizations (in the above counties) are encouraged to participate in the applicant briefings. Additional information about this disaster is availablehttp://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15439 andhttp://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=15439
SBA Disaster Assistance Available to Private Non-Profit Organizations in Maryland that suffered Hurricane Irene Losses
September 28th, 2011ATLANTA – 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 disaster loans. These loans are available as a result of a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by Hurricane Irene that occurred between Aug. 24 and Sept. 5, 2011
PNPs located in the following counties that provide non-critical services are eligible to apply: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Saint Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester in Maryland. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers and colleges.
“PNP organizations are urged to contact John Harding, Public Assistance Officer for the state of Maryland at 410-517-5112 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.
Eligible entities 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 help meet working capital needs, such as ongoing operating expenses to PNP organizations of all sizes. 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.
Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Applications can also be downloaded from http://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.
Those affected by the disaster may also apply for disaster loans electronically from
SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is November 15, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 18, 2012.
FEMA & FCC UNVEIL NEW TIP SHEET FOR CONSUMERS ON HOW TO COMMUNICATE DURING DISASTERS
September 26th, 2011Earthquakes, Hurricanes & Other Recent Emergencies Underscore Need to Empower the Public with Practical Information on Preparing for How to Communicate Before a Disaster Strikes – And How to Better Communicate During and After a Disaster
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 21, 2011 – As part of National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today released new tips for consumers aimed at preparing them for major disasters when communications networks are more likely to be compromised or damaged. Nearly one month ago, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake and Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast. In the minutes and hours that followed, mobile networks experienced significant network congestion, temporarily making it harder for millions of people to reach loved ones and emergency services. This tip sheet aims to help prepare Americans about how to communicate with each other, and loved ones, in the event of another disaster.
“Between the East Coast earthquake, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and wildfires in Texas and California, we have had a lot of powerful reminders lately that disasters can strike anytime, anywhere – and can often make it difficult for the public to communicate with friends, loved ones or emergency personnel,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “An important part of preparing for disasters includes getting ready for potential communications challenges, whether caused by power outages or heavy cell network congestion. These simple tips are easy for anyone to follow and could make a world of difference when it matters the most.”
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, “When disaster strikes, the ability to communicate is essential. However, power outages and other issues can interfere with the way people ordinarily communicate, making it harder to reach loved ones or emergency services. The FCC is committed to ensuring the public’s safety through the reliability of our nation’s communications networks. But there are also simple steps that consumers can take to prepare for a disaster as well as practical ways to better communicate during and after an event. I encourage all Americans to become familiar these tips and share them with friends and family.”
To read a joint blog post by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, click HERE.
To read the Tip Sheet for How to Communicate During Disasters, check outwww.ready.gov/tech OR http://www.fcc.gov/
Consumers with questions about their particular mobile phone devices
should contact their wireless provide or equipment manufacturer.
TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING BEFORE, DURING & AFTER DISASTERS
September 26th, 2011TIPS FOR COMMUNICATING BEFORE, DURING & AFTER DISASTERS
When disaster strikes, you want to be able to communicate by both receiving and distributing information to others. You may need to call 9-1-1 for assistance, locate friends or family, or let loved ones know that you are okay. During disasters, communications networks could be damaged, lose power, or become congested. This fact sheet provides two important sets of tips. The first will help you prepare your home and mobile devices for a disaster. The second may help you communicate more effectively during and immediately after a disaster.
Before a Disaster: How to Prepare Your Home and Mobile Device
- Maintain a list of emergency phone numbers in your cell phone and in or near your home phone.
- Keep charged batteries and car-phone chargers available for back-up power for your cell phone.
- If you have a traditional landline (non-broadband or VOIP) phone, keep at least one non-cordless phone in your home because if it will work even if you lose power..
- Prepare a family contact sheet. This should include at least one out-of-town contact that may be better able to reach family members in an emergency.
- Program “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone. Let your ICE contacts know that they are programmed into your phone and inform them of any medical issues or other special needs you may have.
- If you are evacuated and have call-forwarding on your home phone, forward your home phone number to your cell phone number.
- If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use if needed during or after a disaster.
- Have a battery-powered radio or television available (with spare batteries).
- Subscribe to text alert services from local or state governments to receive alerts in the event of a disaster. Parents should sign up for their school district emergency alert system.
During and After a Disaster: How to Reach Friends, Loved Ones & Emergency Services
- If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1. Remember that you cannot currently text 9-1-1. If you are not experiencing an emergency, do not call 9-1-1. If your area offers 3-1-1 service or another information system, call that number for non-emergencies.
- For non-emergency communications, use text messaging, e-mail, or social media instead of making voice calls on your cell phone to avoid tying up voice networks. Data-based services like texts and emails are less likely to experience network congestion. You can also use social media to post your status to let family and friends know you are okay. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, you can use resources such as the American Red Cross’s Safe and Well program (www.redcross.org/safeandwell).
- Keep all phone calls brief. If you need to use a phone, try to convey only vital information to emergency personnel and/or family.
- If you are unsuccessful in completing a call using your cell phone, wait ten seconds before redialing to help reduce network congestion.
- Conserve your cell phone battery by reducing the brightness of your screen, placing your phone in airplane mode, and closing apps you are not using that draw power, unless you need to use the phone.
- If you lose power, you can charge your cell phone in your car. Just be sure your car is in a well-ventilated place (remove it from the garage) and do not go to your car until any danger has passed. You can also listen to your car radio for important news alerts.
- Tune into broadcast television and radio for important news alerts. If applicable, be sure that you know how to activate the closed captioning or video description on your television.
- If you do not have a hands-free device in your car, stop driving or pull over to the side of the road before making a call. Do not text on a cell phone, talk, or “tweet” without a hands free device while driving.
- Immediately following a disaster, resist using your mobile device to watch streaming videos, download music or videos, or play video games, all of which can add to network congestion. Limiting use of these services can help potentially life-saving emergency calls get through to 9-1-1.
- Check http://www.ready.gov/ regularly to find other helpful tips for preparing for disasters and other emergencies.
Governor’s 2011 National Preparedness Month Proclamation
September 14th, 2011You can download the 2011 National Preparedness Month proclamation here:
Gov_npm_proclamation2011.pdf (894.41 kb)
As Susquehanna River Recedes Evacuees are Preparing to Return Home
September 10th, 2011MEMA Provides Safety Tips for Residents Returning Home
Reisterstown, Maryland (September 10, 2011) – Even though the floodwaters of the Susquehanna River are beginning to recede the dangers of flooding are not over, according to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
MEMA is working with local officials to support the safety of lives and property after back to back flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. With a history of flooding in low lying areas, federal and state officials want to ensure that Maryland residents know what to do after a flood event.
After the flood Listen to a radio or television and don’t return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Drive responsibly and pay attention to the directions of fire department and law enforcement 1st Responders and respect all public works and State Highway barricades as you return home.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance–infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
- If your home, apartment or business has suffered damage, call the insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance policy right away to file a claim.
- Before entering a building, inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Don’t go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing.
- Upon entering the building, don’t use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, because gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.
- Keep power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
- Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded, protect your family’s health by cleaning up your house right away. Throw out foods and medicines that may have met floodwater.
- Until local authorities proclaim your water supply to be safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for five minutes before using.
- Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.
- Take steps to reduce your risk of future floods. Make sure to follow local building codes and ordinances when rebuilding, and use flood-resistant materials and techniques to protect yourself and your property from future flood damage.
- Be aware of displaced wildlife and inspect all debris laden areas carefully for rodents, snakes and other animals that may be trapped or sought refuge in the debris.
- Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is another major source of deaths in floods. Electric current passes easily through water.
For more information log on to MEMA’s website at www.mema.state.md.usand click on the link for flooding.
TROOPER RESCUES WOMAN FROM SUBMERGING VEHICLE
September 8th, 2011(BEL AIR, MD) – A Maryland state trooper’s rescue of a Harford County woman whose vehicle was being submerged in flood waters last night is a reminder of why police, fire, and emergency management personnel are urging motorists not to drive into areas flooded by the continuing rain.
At about 8:30 p.m. yesterday, Corporal Ray Domico, of the Bel Air Barrack, was assigned to a traffic post at Rt. 24 and Cherry Hill Road where the road was closed due to flooding. Police Communications Operator Veronica Bruns received a frantic 911 call from a woman who was trapped in her vehicle that was being submerged after she drove into water flooding across the roadway from Deer Creek on Rt. 24 at St. Clair Bridge Road, about two miles north of Cpl. Domico’s post. While Cpl. Domico headed north toward the location, PCO Bruns stayed on the phone trying to calm the distraught 49-year-old woman from Pylesville.
Upon arrival at the scene, Cpl. Domico spotted the sinking sport utility vehicle in swift moving water. Knowing he had to act quickly, Cpl. Domico waded into the waist-deep water. He was able to reach the vehicle and assist the driver, who was the only occupant, out of the SUV. Cpl. Domico helped her walk back through the water to dry ground. Neither person was injured in the incident. The vehicle remains in the flood waters at that location.
State, county, and municipal road departments have blocked flooded roadway areas across the state. Drivers are urged to heed those blockades and follow established detours. If drivers come upon a flooded roadway that has not been blocked, they are urged not to drive into the flooded area.
Before heading out this morning, drivers are urged to check the State Highway Administration travel advisory website at www.md511.org for the latest road closures and information about highway hazards, traffic crashes, and delays. The latest weather and other emergency information is available on the Maryland Emergency Management Agency website atwww.mema.state.md.us.
Flooding forecast for Susquehanna River
September 8th, 2011Port Deposit, MD – September 7, 2011: Major flooding is forecast along the Susquehanna River over the next several days. The Town of Port Deposit and Cecil County Department of Emergency Services urge all residents to prepare now for evacuation. This will be a major flood event that should be taken very seriously by residents.
At 10:00 PM Exelon Corporation, operator of the Conowingo Dam, reported that 13 spill gates on the dam were open. MD.222 Susquehanna River Road is currently closed from the Conowingo Dam to the Town of Port Deposit and the Town Emergency Operations Center has been activated. As many as 20 spill gates may be opened by 6:00 AM and river flow is anticipated to increase through Saturday.
“Based on information from the National Weather Service, we expect this to be very similar to the flood that the Town experienced in 1996. I have ordered a voluntary evacuation for all of Main Street by 4:00 PM Thursday”, said Port Deposit Mayor Wayne Tome. Residents are asked to heed the direction of emergency workers when the time comes to evacuate and it is recommended that residents take prescription medications, non-perishable food, water, and a battery or hand-crank powered radio with you. The Cecil County Department of Emergency Services is coordinating the activation of an emergency shelter that will be available after 4:00 PM Thursday at the Perryville High School for evacuated residents that are unable to stay with family or friends.
Information on the number of gates open at the dam can be obtained from the Conowingo Spill Condition Hotline at (877) 457-2525. Residents in Port Deposit with questions or concerns may contact Town Hall at (410) 378-2121.
MOTORCYCLE REMEMBRANCE RIDE ON I-695 SUNDAY AFTERNOON
September 8th, 2011(PIKESVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police are joining with the State Highway Administration, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, and county police in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties to advise motorists of possible traffic delays along the route of a 9-11 memorial event this Sunday that will involve thousands of motorcycles and occur simultaneously on both loops of the Baltimore Beltway.
The memorial ride will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11th, at two locations on the north and south sides of I-695. A total of 3,000 motorcycles could potentially participate in this event.
The northern ride will begin on Rt. 40 in Middle River and proceed to I-695 south. Riders will travel around the inner loop of I-695, back to Rt. 43 where they will exit and the ride will end.
The ride from the south will begin in the 7500-block of Old Telegraph Road, in Hanover, Md., and will proceed to I-97 and then north to the outer loop of I-695. The group will travel around the outer loop of I-695 until they return to I-97 in Anne Arundel Co.
Maryland State Police will not be escorting the ride, but will be monitoring traffic in cooperation with the State Highway Administration and will do everything possible to minimize traffic disruptions. Extra troopers will be stationed at several locations around I-695 where pre-planning has determined traffic disruptions could occur. Additional troopers will also be working traffic details related to the Baltimore Ravens game that begins at 1:00 p.m. Sunday.
Motorists are reminded that if they are traveling anywhere on I-695 after 1:00 p.m. Sunday, they could experience delays if they encounter this group of motorcyclists. The ride could last up to three hours before it is completed. Questions about the ride should be directed to Tina Jarman at Harley-Davidson of Baltimore, 410-238-2003 x122.