MDEM Newsroom - Page 48 MDEM Newsroom

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER PROVIDES VITAL INFORMATION TO MARYLANDERS AS THEY RECOVER FROM HURRICANE IRENE

(Baltimore, MD) Maryland Insurance Commissioner Therese M. Goldsmith today provided Marylanders with important information as they begin to recover from Hurricane Irene.
First, Commissioner Goldsmith activated emergency regulations requiring all health insurance carriers in the State to waive any time restrictions on payment for prescription medication refills and replacement of durable medical equipment or supplies, eyeglasses and dentures while the State of Emergency declared by Governor O’Malley is in effect. This means that consumers forced to evacuate because of Hurricane Irene can obtain prescription refills or replace their eyeglasses, for example, regardless of the refill date or benefit plan time limitations.
Second, Commissioner Goldsmith reminded consumers that coverage from flooding generally is not covered by homeowner’s policies. A separate flood insurance policy must be purchased for flood damage. Anyone with a flood insurance policy who has questions about coverage can find helpful information by visiting www.FloodSmart.gov or calling the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-888-379-9531.
Third, homeowners should be aware that some homeowner’s insurance policies provide for a special deductible for hurricane-related damage, which can be considerably higher than the standard flat-rate deductible. The precise amount depends upon the terms of the particular homeowner’s policy. Homeowners should read their policies to determine whether a special deductible applies, and call their insurance company, insurance agent, or the Maryland Insurance Administration with questions.
The Insurance Administration has posted on its website at www.mdinsurance.state.md.us contact information for the major homeowners and automobile insurers in the State. You can also get this contact information by calling the Insurance Administration at (410) 468-2340. To better assist consumers with questions or issues about their insurance claims as the State recovers from Hurricane Irene, this telephone number will be staffed on weekdays during the expanded hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tags: baltimore, floodsmart, mdinsurance

CDC Warns Those in Hurricane’s Path: Follow Local Instructions

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging people in the path of Hurricane Irene to protect themselves from storm hazards. In addition to storm surges and high winds, hurricanes can cause tornadoes, flooding, and dangers from downed power lines and debris. CDC also recommends taking specific steps to protect yourself and your family from the oncoming storm.

Before the storm:

• If evacuating, pack an emergency supply kit with food, bottled water, prescription medicines, and important document, such as insurance policies.
• If you plan to drive, fill your car?s gas tank as soon as possible.
• Turn off gas, electricity, and water, and disconnect appliances before leaving.
• Take steps to ensure your pets? safety during the storm.
• Follow designated evacuation routes for your area, and expect heavy traffic.

If you stay home during the storm:

• Pack an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food, bottled water, and prescription medicines to last from three to five days.
• Determine the best escape routes from your home, and make sure that everyone in your house is able to follow the escape plan to your chosen meeting place outside your home.
• Look for escape routes from upper levels of the house, in case of flooding.
• Do not go outside, even if the weather seems calm. Wait for local authorities to tell you it is safe to go outside.
• If your home is flooded or damaged, move to a neighbor?s or a local shelter.

After the storm:

• NEVER touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one.
• Turn off electrical power when there are hazards around your home such as standing water, fallen power lines, or gas leaks. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall.
• Listen to announcements in local media (radio, television or newspaper) to find out if it?s safe to use tap water, and follow instructions regarding water.
• If you are not sure if water is safe to use, boil it for 1 minute at a rolling boil before you use it for anything, including brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, making ice, or bathing. Seehttp://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp for more specific instructions.
• Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.
• Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, instead of candles, to prevent fires.
• Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, or charcoal burning devices release dangerous carbon monoxide gas and should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper, or even outside near an open window or vent. Follow manufacturers? instructions.
• Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).

For more information about staying safe and healthy during hurricane season, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visitemergency.cdc.gov or www.ready.gov.

Tags: cdc, hurricane, irene

The Maryland State Fair and Thoroughbred Horse Racing are OPEN

The Maryland State Fair and Thoroughbred Horse Racing are OPEN, today, Saturday, August 27, 2011.

The 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale has been postponed.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions and will alert you if any other schedule changes are made.

Tags: horse racing, state fair

Hurricane Irene has Potential to Cause Extensive Damage to Properties in Maryland

Disaster Recovery Starts Before the Storm Arrives

(Reisterstown, MD. August 27, 2011) – Persons who are interested in volunteering their time and talent or making donations to people in need in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene are asked to contact the Maryland Volunteers and Donations Management Team at 1-877-868-4954.

MEMA is asking members of the public who wish to volunteer their services to refrain from traveling to a disaster scene before the needs of survivors have been determined. Local emergency management officials are often swamped with their respective response and recovery duties.  Persons who show up at the disaster site without being requested often have no means of support (shelter, food, fuel, communications, etc.) and thus become an additional burden to emergency management officials trying to manage the situation.

Public donations of materials without specifically being requested can also be a severe burden to emergency management officials because they must plan for the collection, storage, transport and distribution of the materials often before a need for specific items has been identified.    At this time, cash is the best form of donation…and there are a number of organizations that can accept cash and procure specific items for survivors based on need.  To see a list of these organizations, please visithttp://www.mdvoad.org/

Special Notes

The State Highway Administration recommends motorists plan ahead before traveling.  For specific travel information and real-time traffic conditions, call 511 or visit www.MD511.org” 

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency stresses awareness and preparedness as Hurricane Irene approaches Maryland. Go towww.mema.state.md.us  for the latest storm track and preparedness information.

Tags: disaster recovery, hurricane, irene, md511, mdvoad, mema

Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps

* * * Fact Sheet * * *

Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps

Licensed health professionals are encouraged to register today to volunteer as part of Maryland’s MPVC program to assist those affected by Hurricane Irene.

Sign up is quick and easy by visiting http://MDResponds.dhmh.maryland.gov

The Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps (MPVC) consists of health care and community professionals ready to assist with disaster and emergency recovery during a declared emergency situation.

There is no financial compensation provided for work done as an MPVC volunteer. Once registered as a MPVC volunteer, your participation may be requested any time there is an emergency declaration or disaster in any area of Maryland.

A volunteer who registers with and is deployed by MPVC, when providing assistance in an emergency, is afforded immunity from personal liability under State law similar to that afforded to regular State employees and is treated as a State employee for purposes of coverage under the State’s self-insurance program and workers compensation.

The MPVC is a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) administered by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The MRC program coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses, other health professionals, and citizens who are eager to address their community’s ongoing public health needs and to help during large-scale emergency situations.

MPVC volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with victims, and provide care directly to those with less serious injuries and other health-related issues.

Tags: hurricane, irene, volunteering

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is closed

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is closed until further notice authority of Virginia OEM.

Tags: hurricane, roads, virginia

President Obama Signs Maryland Emergency Declaration

The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Maryland and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irene beginning on August 26, 2011, and continuing.

The President’s action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Baltimore, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester, and Baltimore City.

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency.  Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.

W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security, named Thomas J. McCool as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Tags: declaration, hurricane, o'malley, obama

Tornado watches and warnings

Snow Hill, MD — Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms, with whirling winds that can reach 300 mph. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms and Hurricane Irene, damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long.

Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Pay attention to local media such as radio and television to monitor weather warnings in your area.

• Tornado Watch – Tornadoes are possible. Remain alert for approaching storms. Heed media updates and warnings.
• Tornado Warning – A tornado has been sited or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.

During a Tornado Watch

• Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or commercial media for updates.
• Be alert for an approaching storm, particularly a revolving funnel-shaped cloud. Other tornado danger signs include a dark, almost greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; or a loud roar, similar to a freight train.
• Be warned that sometimes tornadoes develop so rapidly; there is no visible advance warning.
• Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as an auditorium, cafeteria, supermarket or shopping mall.
• Be prepared to take shelter immediately. Gather household members, pets and disaster supplies.

During a Tornado Warning

• In a home/house or small building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement or storm cellar. If there is none, go to an interior room on the lower level like a closet, interior hallway. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to cover your head and neck.
• Do not open windows. Use the time to seek shelter.
• Go to the center of the room, avoiding the corners, which attract debris.
• In large public buildings, go to predetermined shelter areas. Interior hallways on the lowest floor are usually safest. Stay away from windows and open spaces.
• In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest possible floor.
• Get out of vehicles, trailers and mobile homes immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy nearby building. Never try to outrun a tornado in a congested area.
• If caught outside with no shelter, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential of flooding.
• Do not go under a bridge or overpass. You are safer in a low, flat location.
• Watch out for flying debris from tornadoes, the cause of most fatalities and injuries.

After a Tornado

• Listen to the media for the latest emergency information.
• Be aware of broken glass and downed power lines.
• Help injured or trapped persons. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury.
• Stay out of damaged buildings, returning only when authorities have deemed it safe.
• Use the telephone only in emergencies.
• Leave the area if you smell gas or chemical fumes.
• Take photographs/video of the damage for insurance purposes.
• Remember to help your neighbors, particularly those who may require special assistance.

Tags: tornado

Mandatory Evacuation Orders in Maryland: 6pm August 27

Evacuation Orders in Maryland

6pm August 27

Mandatory Evacuation Orders

Download the Mandatory Evacuation_Orders_in_Maryland here. 

Tags: mandatory evacuation, maryland

Survival Tips After a Hurricane Strikes

CPSC and USFA Warn About Deadly Dangers That Can Linger After Hurricane Irene Passes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are warning residents in hurricane-impacted areas about the deadly dangers that can remain even after Hurricane Irene strikes.

Consumers need to be especially careful during a loss of electrical power, as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fire increases at that time.

In order to power lights, to keep food cold or to cook, consumers often use gas-powered generators. CPSC and USFA warn consumers NEVER to use portable generators indoors or in garages, basements or sheds. The exhaust from generators contains high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) that can quickly incapacitate and kill.

“Don’t create your own disaster in the aftermath of a storm,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “Never run a generator in or right next to a home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible killer. CO is odorless and colorless and it can kill you and your family in minutes.”

From 1999-2010, nearly 600 generator-related CO deaths have been reported to CPSC. CPSC is aware of an annual average of 81 deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators in recent years. The majority of the deaths occurred as a result of using a generator inside a home’s living space, in the basement or in the garage.

“We know from experience as victims try to recover from disasters, they will take unnecessary risks with candles, cooking and generators. These risks often result in additional and tragic life safety consequences,” said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “When you consider the challenges faced by firefighters and their departments to also recover from the same disasters, it is important that all of us remember even the simplest of fire safety behaviors following disasters of any type.”

Do not put your family at risk. Follow these important safety tips from CPSC and USFA in the aftermath of a storm.

Portable Generators

Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner’s manual and follow the instructions. Any electrical cables you use with the generator should be free of damage and suitable for outdoor use.

Charcoal Grills and Camp Stoves

Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Burning charcoal or a camp stove in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. There were at least seven CO-related deaths from charcoal or charcoal grills in 2007.

CO Alarms

Install carbon monoxide alarms immediately outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home to protect against CO poisoning. Change the alarms’ batteries every year.

Electrical and Gas Safety

Stay away from any downed wires, including cable TV feeds. They may be live with deadly voltage. If you are standing in water, do not handle or operate electrical appliances. Electrical components, including circuit breakers, wiring in the walls and outlets that have been under water should not be turned on. They should be replaced unless properly inspected and tested by a qualified electrician.

Natural gas or propane valves that have been under water should be replaced. Smell and listen for leaky gas connections. If you believe there is a gas leak, immediately leave the house and leave the door(s) open. Never strike a match. Any size flame can spark an explosion. Before turning the gas back on, have the gas system checked by a professional.

Candles

Use caution with candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.

Consumers, fire departments and state and local health and safety agencies can download CPSC’s generator safety posters, door hangers and CO safety publications at CPSC’s CO Information Center or order free copies by contacting CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

Download USFA’s publications on disasters and fire safety and other safety issues at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov

Tags: cpsc, survival tips, usfa