MDEM Newsroom - Page 45 MDEM Newsroom

Port Deposit Mandatory Evacuation Order Beginning at 8pm

Port Deposit, MD – Mayor Wayne L. Tome, Sr. has issued a mandatory evacuation order beginning at 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 9th, 2011.

All residents of Main Street should prepare to evacuate.  A shelter has been established at Perryville High School on Perrylawn Avenue.  You are encouraaged to take an emergency kit with you.  Some suggested items are non-perishable food, water, a battery powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, a change of clothes, and medications.

Upon notification of a MANDATORY Evacuation due to the flooding conditions in Port Deposit residents are advised that water and wastewater services will be interrupted. No service of water of wastewater will be provided for the duration of the flooding event IN ALL SERVICE AREAS OF PORT DEPOSIT.

Exelon Corp. has opened 30 gates. Route 1 will be closed temporarily so that State Highway can remove debris from the roadway.

The Mayor issued a state of emergency at 6:30 P.m. on September 7.  He also issued a voluntary evacuation for all businesses and residents for 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8.  Residents are urged to evacuate by that time.  If you do evacuate, you should take an emergency kit with you.  Some suggested items are non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, a change of clothes, and medications.

The Mayor, Council, and Emergency Services are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated as necessary. In the meantime, please check the Conowingo Spill hotline at 877.457.2525 andhttp://www.portdeposit.org for updates

Tags: evacuation, flooding, port deposit

STATE POLICE URGE CAUTION DURING HEAVY RAIN

(PIKESVILLE, MD) — Maryland State Police are joining their partners at the State Highway Administration and Maryland Emergency Management Agency in urging motorists to use caution as they travel during the ongoing heavy rain, especially during the rush hours tonight and tomorrow morning.

Drivers are reminded that the ongoing heavy rain is contributing to water laying on roadway surfaces and to flooding in low-laying areas.  Hydroplaning is a real possibility, especially during heavy rain.  The faster someone is driving and the more water there is on the roadway surface, the greater the potential for hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning occurs when one or more tires on a vehicle lose contact with the roadway surface due to the amount of water between the tire and road.  This causes decreased ability to control the vehicle and can result in a driver losing complete control.  Drivers should reduce speeds and increase following distances.

Drivers are also reminded not to enter areas where flooding has occurred across a roadway.  Crossing waters of unknown depth can result in a vehicle stalling out and the occupants becoming stranded, sometimes causing a rescue operation for police and fire personnel.  Flood waters can also be swift-moving, adding to the degree of difficulty and danger for motorists and rescue workers.

Drivers should also be on the alert for unexpected hazards such as trees or limbs that have fallen into or across the roadway.  The continuing rain on already saturated ground is expected to cause additional downed trees throughout the area.

Tags: md555, mema, rain, traffic

Flooding Conditions on Baltimore Roadways

Motorists are strongly advised to proceed with extreme caution

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists that heavy rains throughout the area have caused flooding on roadways throughout the city. Motorists are advised to proceed with extreme caution while traveling. Multiple areas have been affected and motorists are advised to avoid the following areas:

• Hilton Parkway from Edmondson Avenue to North Avenue (both directions)
• Patapsco Avenue from Potee to Annapolis
• Franklintown Road from Elamont to Forrest Park
• Areas along Harford Road
• Erdman Avenue (eastbound) at Pulaski Highway

Delays and congestion may occur during the evening rush hour. Please allow additional time for travel and stay tuned to local news for updates and alerts.

Tags: heavy rain, traffic

MARYLAND INSURANCE COMMISSIONER CLARIFIES INSURANCE COMPANIES’ UTILIZATION OF PERCENTAGE DEDUCTIBLES FOR HOMEOWNERS IN AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IRENE

Baltimore, MD  Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith today issued Maryland Insurance Administration Bulletin 11-25 to remind property insurers that Maryland law provides that “hurricane deductibles” pay be imposed only in limited circumstances.  To lawfully impose a percentage deductible for hurricane damage, the insured’s home must be located in a part of Maryland that was subject to a hurricane warning.

For Hurricane Irene, the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service has confirmed today that only the following Maryland counties were under hurricane warnings: Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Wicomico (expiring at 5 a.m. Sunday, August 28, 2011); and Worcester (including Ocean City) (expiring at 11 a.m. Sunday, August 28, 2011).

Section 19-209 of the Insurance Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland allows insurers to charge a deductible based on a percentage of the policy’s “Coverage A—Dwelling Limit.”  However, § 19-209(b) limits the applicability of a percentage deductible to properties located in part of the State for which the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather Service issued a hurricane warning.  If an insured’s home is not located in a part of the State that was subject to such a hurricane warning then a percentage deductible may not be imposed.  The law also provides that a percentage deductible only can be applied to a loss or damage that takes place while the hurricane warning is in effect and until twenty-four (24) hours after the termination of the last hurricane warning issued for the part of the State in which the insured’s home is located.

Tags: homeowners, hurricane, insurance

MOSH AND OSHA CALL ON WORKERS AND PUBLIC TO GUARD AGAINST SAFETY HAZARDS DURING HURRICANE CLEAN UP

BALTIMORE, MD. (September 2, 2011) – As residents of Maryland recover from damage inflicted by Hurricane Irene, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) of Maryland’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation urge workers and members of the public engaged in hurricane cleanup activities to be aware of the hazards they might encounter and the steps they should take to protect themselves.

“Hurricane Irene proved to be a formidable storm. Clean up and repairs continue across the state. The Maryland Labor Department strongly urges all Maryland families and workers to be safe and use extreme caution as we all clean up from the storm,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez.

“Hurricane recovery work involves a wide range of safety and health hazards,” said William A. Burke, acting administrator of OSHA’s Philadelphia Regional Office.  “These hazards can be minimized by knowledge, safe work practices and personal protective equipment. Federal OSHA and Maryland OSH want to make certain that no casualties result from cleanup operations.”

Cleanup work can involve restoring electricity, communications, water and sewer services; demolition activities; removal of floodwater from structures; entry into flooded areas; cleaning up debris; tree trimming; structural, roadway, bridge, and dam and levee repair; use of cranes, aerial lifts and other heavy equipment; hazardous waste operations; and emergency response activities.

Inherent hazards may include illness from exposure to contaminated water or food, exposure or heat stress, downed electrical wires, carbon monoxide and electrical hazards from portable generators, fall and “struck-by” hazards from tree trimming or working at heights, being caught in unprotected excavations or confined spaces, burns, lacerations, musculoskeletal injuries, being struck by traffic or heavy equipment, and drowning from being caught in moving water or while removing water from flooded structures.

Protective measures should involve evaluating the work area for all hazards; task-specific hazard exposure monitoring; utilizing engineering or work practice controls to mitigate hazards; using personal protective equipment; assuming all power lines are live; following proper hygiene procedures; using portable generators, saws, ladders, vehicles and other equipment correctly; and utilizing proper precautions for traffic work zones.

OSHA maintains comprehensive websites on keeping disaster site workers safe during hurricane cleanup and recovery operations and flooding preparedness and response athttp://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/hurricane/index.html andhttp://www.osha.gov/dts/weather/flood/index.html  Federal OSHA is responsible for federal, postal and maritime workplaces and military bases in Maryland, and its Baltimore/Washington Area Office may be reached at 410-865-2055, with more information online athttp://www.osha.gov/oshdir/md.html.  MOSH has jurisdiction over all public and private sector places of employment in the state of Maryland. It can be reached at 410-527-4499, and more information is available athttp://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/mosh/.

Additionally, a checklist of activities to be undertaken before, during and after a hurricane is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visithttp://www.osha.gov.

The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation protects and empowers Marylanders by safeguarding workers, protecting consumers, providing a safety net and cultivating a thriving workforce that can meet the demands of Maryland’s dynamic economy. For updates and information, follow DLLR on Twitter (@MD_DLLR) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DLLR.Maryland).

Tags: hurricane, mosh, osha, safety

MTA WORKS TO REPAIR DOWNED WIRES, DAMAGED TRACK

Light Rail Service Could Be Impacted Through Thursday

BALTIMORE, MD (AUGUST 30, 2011) –  The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has contracted local and out of state crews to help repair extensive damage to the Light Rail system. Over 3,500 feet of catenary wire was damaged by trees that were toppled by Hurricane Irene. Sections of track were also damaged when the high voltage wires made contact with the rails. Tree cutting crews have been working around the clock since Sunday morning to remove debris so catenary repair teams can reach the damaged wires.

At least five locations suffered severe damage, including a section of track just south of Northern Parkway along I-83 and south of the Woodberry Light Rail station. Three of the locations were repaired as of Tuesday afternoon.  Repair crews from Norfolk, Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are assisting MTA workers.

Light Rail service was temporarily suspended Saturday evening in anticipation of potential damage from the storm. Service was restored Sunday from North Avenue to BWI-Cromwell/Glen Burnie.

The MTA expects to have service fully restored Thursday. Shuttle buses will continue to operate from North Avenue to Hunt Valley until the repairs are complete. Customers including students and State Fair goers are encouraged to monitor the MTA website for service updates, and anticipate delays in their regular travel time. A separate shuttle bus will transport Poly-Western students from the North Avenue Light Rail station to school during the morning commute.

For general information on MTA service, visit www.mta.maryland.gov. Customers can also call the MTA Transit Information Center Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 410-539-5000.
TTY: 410-539-3497. To sign-up for email about service modifications and delays, go to www.mta.maryland.gov/enotifications.

Tags: light rail, mta

Important Information from the Maryland Insurance Administration

Download this Poster: IRENE_Poster.pdf (117.91 kb)

HURRICANE IRENE
INSURANCE HELP FOR
MARYLAND CONSUMERS
Concerned about the insurance company’s handling of
your claim?
The Maryland Insurance Administration is a state
agency that can:

• Help you better understand the coverage on your insurance policy so that you are a well informed consumer.
• Investigate the handling or settlement of your claim on your behalf.
• Determine whether actions taken by your insurance company are in compliance with Maryland law.
• Ensure that you are treated in accordance with Maryland law.

Contact the Maryland Insurance Administration
Phone: (410) 468‐2000
Toll Free: (800) 492‐6116
Online: www.mdinsurance.state.md.us

Tags: hurricane, irene, maryland insurance administration

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Launches Emergency Contact Information Registry

(GLEN BURNIE, MD – June 13, 2011) –The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) today officially launched an Emergency Contact Information program that will help law enforcement officials notify emergency contacts in the event a person is injured in a vehicle accident and unable to communicate.

The Emergency Contact Information Registry is a database in which holders of a valid Maryland driver’s license or identification card can voluntarily list emergency contact information stored electronically on their driving record.  Valid Maryland driver’s license or state of Maryland identification card holders can provide the name and contact information for one, two, or three persons who they wish to be notified in the event of an emergency.

Individuals may submit their Emergency Contact information online atwww.mva.maryland.gov , or via MVA Kiosks which are located in all MVA offices.  The information is very secure and can only be accessed by authorized law enforcement personnel.  Participants can add, modify, or delete their emergency contact information at any time by visitingwww.mva.maryland.gov .   Any modifications or deletions will overwrite all previously entered information.  For Marylanders who voluntarily add emergency contact information to the database, law enforcement will be able to quickly get word to their loved ones in the event of a serious accident.

Joining the MVA to help launch the Emergency Contact Information Registry was Karen Knight, an advocate for this database in Maryland.  Knight’s son Andrew was involved in a fatal collision that also left his wife incapacitated.  Because Andrew’s wife was the next of kin, the police were not able to properly notify his parents of his death.  Rather, it was a near stranger who broke the news to the Knights in a voice mail message.  “We did not receive word of the accident until some 10 hours later.  After retrieving the voice mail message, it took additional time to locate the caller and verify the tragic truth.  This was a most disturbing and emotional blow to all of us, especially to find out this way,” Mrs. Knight said.

Delegate Gail Bates (District 9A, Howard County) also took part in the launch.  The idea for the program was initially proposed in the form of legislation (titled “Andrew’s Law”), first by former Senator Sandra Schrader and then by Delegate Bates.  Although the legislation was unsuccessful and understanding the importance of this issue, the MVA decided to update their computer system.  The program is now available online and at MVA Kiosks to give peace of mind to Maryland residents that their loved ones will be notified in case of an emergency.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Maryland State Police and the Maryland Hospital Association who have joined forces with MVA to urge Marylanders to take advantage of this service and list their emergency contact information.

“Especially in an emergency situation, getting information quickly can be critical,” said Jim Reiter of the Maryland Hospital Association.  “Maryland’ hospitals support this simple method to ensure that Marylanders’ contact information is easily and quickly accessible.”

Open Disaster Assistance Centers: St. Mary’s and Calvert County

St. Mary’s County has opened a Disaster Assistance Center. It will be opened from 8-5 Thursday and Friday. The location is 23115 Leonard Hall Drive, Room , 4, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Calvert County will open a Disaster Assistance Center at Courthouse Square Building located at 205 Main Street Prince Frederick, MD.  The time of operations will be Noon to 7pm Thursday, 9am to 7pm Friday and 9am to 7pm on Saturday.

The State will provide support with the following agencies:

·                     Maryland Insurance Administration

·                     Department of Human Resource

·                     Maryland Department of Aging

·                     Department of Labor License and Regulation

·                     Department of Housing and Community Development

Tags: disaster assistance centers

Download the Amended Emergency Declaration

Download the Amended Emergency Declaration Here

Tags: emergency declaration