MDEM Newsroom - Page 46 MDEM Newsroom
MARYLAND INSURANCE COMMISSIONER CLARIFIES INSURANCE COMPANIES’ UTILIZATION OF PERCENTAGE DEDUCTIBLES FOR HOMEOWNERS IN AREAS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE IRENE
September 2nd, 2011Baltimore, 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.
MOSH AND OSHA CALL ON WORKERS AND PUBLIC TO GUARD AGAINST SAFETY HAZARDS DURING HURRICANE CLEAN UP
September 2nd, 2011BALTIMORE, 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).
MTA WORKS TO REPAIR DOWNED WIRES, DAMAGED TRACK
August 31st, 2011Light 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.
Important Information from the Maryland Insurance Administration
August 31st, 2011Download 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
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) Launches Emergency Contact Information Registry
August 31st, 2011(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
August 31st, 2011St. 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
Download the Amended Emergency Declaration
August 30th, 2011Download the Amended Emergency Declaration Here
Volunteer and Donations Information
August 30th, 2011Individuals or companies wishing to make a financial contribution to a reputable organization active in disaster relief should visit the Maryland Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MDVOAD) website atwww.mdvoad.org. All member organizations’ information and activities can be viewed by following the “Members” tab.
Individuals wishing to assist in disaster relief efforts in their community should not self-deploy. We encourage individuals and families to visit their local volunteer center to be matched with appropriate opportunities in their community. All of Maryland’s volunteer centers can be viewed atwww.marylandvolunteercenters.org.
Companies wishing to donate services should call the Maryland Donations and Volunteer Management Team hotline at 1-877-868-4954 to be matched with a current need.
Officials Urge Motorist to Use Caution in Downtown Bel Air
August 29th, 2011Power outage leaves Town of Bel Air without traffic lights
(Bel Air, MD) – – The Bel Air Police Department is urging motorist to use caution when driving through downtown Bel Air. As a result of Hurricane Irene, much of the downtown area has been without electricity for much of Sunday, including several intersections on both Main Street and Bond Street where traffic lights are not working.
Bel Air Police recommend motorist use caution when driving through the town until electric service has been restored and traffic lights are once again operational. Additionally, Bel Air Police request that motorist treat all intersections normally controlled by a traffic light as a “four way stop” to help ensure safe passage through the town.
For additional information regarding traffic safety in the town of Bel Air, contact the Bel Air Police Department at 410-638-4500.
DON’T BE FOOLED BY IRENE SCAMS; HIRE LICENSED CONTRACTORS FOR REPAIRS
August 29th, 2011BALTIMORE, MD (August 29, 2011) – Hurricane Irene left her mark on the State of Maryland and most of the Eastern seaboard. While Maryland weathered the storm in large part because of a coordinated response led by Governor Martin O’Malley, many homeowners saw their homes damaged by winds, falling tree limbs and torrential downpours. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission, a professional licensing board under the umbrella of the Maryland Department of Labor, urges all Marylanders to avoid being ripped off by Irene-related scams and only hire licensed contractors for repairs.
“Hurricane Irene proved to be a formidable storm. Thousands of Marylanders had their homes damaged by falling trees, high winds and torrential downpours and must now replace siding, repair roofs, replace water-damaged drywall and floors and repair chimneys,” said Maryland Labor Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez. “I strongly urge those Marylanders whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Irene to avoid hiring any just anyone with a tool belt and hammer. Protect yourself. Only hire licensed contractors. Get several estimates, only pay upon completion of the work and check your contractors’ licenses.”
“Too often, unlicensed contractors arrive after a major storm or a natural disaster with disingenuous offers to help,” said Maryland Commissioner for Occupational and Professional Licensing Stanley J. Botts. “The Maryland Home Improvement Commission stands up for homeowners and protects consumers from predatory contractors.”
The Maryland Home Improvement Law requires contractors, subcontractors and salespeople to hold a current Maryland Home Improvement Commission license in order to solicit or perform home improvement services in the state. Penalties for working without a license include criminal fines or imprisonment. The Maryland Home Improvement Guaranty Fund offers homeowners protection from shoddy work and compensates homeowners who suffer economic damages due to the work of a licensed contractor. The fund only protects homeowners who use licensed contractors. Consumers can check on contractors’ licensing statuses and complaint histories by calling the Maryland Home Improvement Commission at 410.230.6309 or visiting dllr.maryland.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 <http://www.twitter.com/MD_DLLR> ) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/DLLR.Maryland).