Federal, State, Local Partners Strengthen Regional Resilience, Demonstrate Available Resources After a Disaster

REISTERSTOWN, MD (May 11, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today for the Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise. This joint exercise was an important test of State, local, and federal readiness and the ability to respond to disasters in the Mid-Atlantic area. “As we participate in the Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise, we are reminded of our Department’s vision to shape a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive by building strong partnerships and promoting community preparedness,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “By working together with our federal and local partners in this exercise, we are taking proactive steps towards achieving that vision and ensuring we are prepared to respond to disasters in our region and our State.”

The exercise aims to:

• Validate FEMA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic) transition plans and procedures with field elements.
• Coordinate the mobilization of Region 3 staff.
• Facilitate the preliminary damage assessment (PDA) process.
• Coordinate between FEMA, the State, and locals to perform a disaster survivor assistance (DSA) mission, which includes the opening and operating of a disaster recovery center (DRC) that successfully allows survivor access to individual assistance programs.

“The Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise is an important step in ensuring that Anne Arundel County is prepared for any disaster that might occur in our region,” said Preeti Emrick, Director of the Anne Arundel County OEM. “It is essential that we collaborate with our State, federal, and local entities to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.”

Volunteer actors served as disaster survivors and made their way through the DRC seeking information from these entities as they would have in a real post-disaster environment. The mock DSA mission and opening of the DRC offer an opportunity for residents to see firsthand how these services might work in the event of a disaster.

Some residents participated as a residential role player in the exercise and gained a better understanding of what to expect and how they can access individual assistance programs.

The Rising Phoenix Recovery Exercise provides a unique opportunity for MDEM, FEMA, and the Anne Arundel County OEM to work together to improve their response capabilities and better prepare for future disasters. MDEM encourages all residents to learn more about the disaster recovery process and additional resources by visiting https://www.ready.gov/recovering-disaster.

###

CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

“The Food System Resiliency Council was established in the wake of the COVID-19 disaster, which demonstrated how critical all parts of our food system are to creating resilient communities in Maryland,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland, who also co-chairs FSRC. “There are so many innovative efforts underway in Maryland to improve food production and food access, as well as limiting climate impacts. I’m grateful to the sites today for welcoming the Council members, sharing information, and demonstrating potential solutions to the challenges we face in ensuring no one is left behind in our community.”

The tour will consist of three site visits to locally operated food system-related organizations and provide their stakeholders an opportunity to share what is and what is not working in order to identify gaps within the Maryland food system. The tour will make stops at Compost Outposts (managed by Eco City Farms), Prince George’s County Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park (a collaboration among ECO City Farms, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District [PGSCD], the Prince George’s Food Equity Council [FEC], and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission [M-NCPPC] Parks and Recreation Department), and Purple Mountain Grown (operated by farmers Nazirahk Amen and Amanda Heinbaugh [and family!] with an intent to support local food sustainability through regenerative practices).

The driving goals of the FSRC are:

• Address the food insecurity crisis in the State resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis.
• Develop equity and sustainability policy recommendations to increase the long-term resiliency of the food system.
• Expand the impact of existing food council organizations.
• Develop a strategic plan to increase the production and procurement of Maryland certified food.

You can find more information by visiting the following websites:

mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/md-fsrc.aspx 
pgscd.org/urban-agricultural-conservation/urban-farm-incubator/ 
purplemountaingrown.com/
compostcrew.com/compost-outposts-eco-city-farms/

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, the NWS will issue a statement over National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios about the tornado drill.  Be aware, while an EAS test code will precede this message, that Required Monthly Test (RMT) code may not trigger some weather radios. This test code will also not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts over cell phones. Schools, businesses, community groups, and individuals can practice what to do when a tornado warning is issued by NWS. While everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill Wednesday at 10 a.m., you can practice at other times too. Families, for example, might want to practice when everyone is at home.

“Tornadoes strike with little or no warning, so knowing how to quickly move to safety is essential,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Whether you are in school, at work, or at home, knowing how to receive a warning and the safest place to go during a tornado warning is vital.”

Tornadoes happen almost every year in Maryland – sometimes even violent and deadly ones. Already this year, a small tornado damaged several buildings and knocked down utility poles and trees in Cecil County on April 1. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. However, since 2000, fatalities have been reported from tornadoes in LaPlata (Charles County), College Park (Prince George’s County), and Baltimore City.

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris.

 “Don’t Get Caught in the Storm – Be MdReady” Is the Theme of This Year’s Campaign as MDEM, NWS Focus on Spring Storm Hazards, Urge Marylanders to Practice Tornado Drill

REISTERSTOWN, MD (April 7, 2023) — Maryland residents and visitors are invited to practice what to do in the event of a tornado as part of Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week, April 10-16,  2023. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging residents to be aware of the most common spring weather hazards and how to prepare for and protect against them. “Marylanders should be aware of spring weather hazards, most notably tornadoes, damaging (straight line) winds, flooding, and lightning,” said Russ Strickland, Secretary of MDEM. “Although we can’t predict when these hazards will materialize, we know that severe thunderstorms can and do pose a serious threat to life and property. We urge all Marylanders to know about these threats and to be proactive in having several different ways to receive the latest alerts.” Marylanders also are encouraged to download the MdReady WebApp, which gives instant access to a wide array of emergency notifications and preparedness information to residents and visitors alike. To install the new WebApp, users can visit MdReady.maryland.gov and follow the prompt to easily add the MdReady shortcut to a mobile device home screen or to sign up for text alerts in English or Spanish. During Severe Storms Awareness Week, MDEM will devote special days to cover information about flooding, damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and lightning. The theme on Monday, April 10, is flooding, generally the most common weather hazard in Maryland. Most flood fatalities in Maryland have happened when people try to drive, walk, or swim across flood waters. If you see standing water on a roadway or bridge, it is often not possible to tell how deep the water is or how quickly it is flowing. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. On Tuesday, April 11, the focus is damaging winds. While many people focus on swirling tornadic winds, straight line winds and downbursts can also cause serious damages. Much of the damage from the derecho storm in the summer of 2012 was caused by straight line winds. On Wednesday, April 12, Marylanders are invited by MDEM and the NWS to practice what to do in the event of an actual Tornado Warning during the Great Maryland Twister Test tornado drill. At 10 a.m., the NWS will issue a statement over National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios about the tornado drill.  Be aware, while an EAS test code will precede this message, that Required Monthly Test (RMT) code may not trigger some weather radios. This test code will also not trigger Wireless Emergency Alerts over cell phones. The NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office, which covers most Maryland jurisdictions, is coordinating this statement and drill in conjunction with their colleagues at NWS Mount Holly (PA), which covers Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot county, and NWS Wakefield (VA) which handles Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. While Maryland schools, businesses, and organizations can drill at 10 a.m., they are encouraged to practice their tornado drill  any time that day. Dangers from hail will be the focus on Thursday, April 13. Hail is a ball of ice formed in the extreme turbulence of strong thunderstorms as rain freezes and re-freezes, sometimes allowing the ice to grow as large as the size of softballs. Hail is only formed in strong, dangerous storms and the larger the hail, the more dangerous the storm. If you witness hail, get indoors as soon as possible. On Friday, April 14, the theme  is lightning safety. More than 98 percent of lightning casualties are suffered by people outdoors. The most frequent fatalities come outside of the rain area. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from where rain is falling. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. When Thunder Roars, Head Indoors.  “The majority of Maryland’s weather-related damage comes from thunderstorms and tornadoes,” said James E. Lee, Meteorologist in Charge of the NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office (WFO). “The NWS Baltimore/Washington WFO typically identifies hazardous weather threats minutes in advance, then immediately issues severe weather warnings. It is vital that Marylanders receive our warnings and rapidly respond to get out of harm’s way. Maryland Severe Storms Awareness Week reminds people to develop a response plan, then practice the plan during the tornado drill.” Visit our Severe Storms Awareness Week page for more information: https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/severe-storms-week.aspx. To find more preparedness information for severe storms and other hazards, please visit the following websites: mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/types-of-emergencies.aspx, weather.gov/safety, or ready.gov.

###

CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

REISTERSTOWN, MD (January 11, 2023) — The Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund Program (RLF Program), which will provide money to local governments to help pay for hazard mitigation projects, is now open. The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), and the fund was created by legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.

“This program is a prime example of a State, federal and local partnership,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “Studies have shown that mitigation projects save an average of $6 in future recovery costs for every $1 spent. This program will help reduce costs to local governments and help them access federal grants to keep their communities safer and more resilient, which gets us closer to our vision of a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive.”

The RLF Program provides funding to local governments to support proactive mitigation projects that reduce the negative effects of natural disasters and other crises. One of the key purposes of the program is to help local governments pay the federal cost–share requirements, which can strain local budgets for larger projects. The loans will have an interest rate of no more than one percent. Most importantly, the loan may be used as the non-federal cost share for other hazard mitigation grants.

The RLF Program is designed to help local governments seeking loans and encourage partnerships between two or more entities to carry out projects. The program also aims to have at least 40 percent of the overall benefits generated from loan funds to flow to underserved communities.

The Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act became law in January 2021 and authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide capitalization grants to states for the establishment of revolving loan funds that aid hazard mitigation. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides funding of $500 million over five years, with $50 million appropriated for Federal Fiscal Year 2023.

Local governments may obtain loans to carry out eligible projects that build resilience for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities. Eligible projects may include mitigation of impacts from severe storms such as hurricanes, tornados, windstorms, and severe winter storms; drought and prolonged intense heat; and flooding, shoreline erosion, high water levels, and storm surges. The funds also can be used for zoning and land use planning and establishing and enforcing resilient building codes. There is no requirement for a presidential disaster declaration or for damages to have occurred.

More information on the STORM Act can be found here: fema.gov/grants/mitigation/storm-rlf.  Filing of a Notice of Intent (NOI) will be coordinated through the local emergency management office. For all inquiries, please email ResilientLoan.MDEM@maryland.gov.

REISTERSTOWN, MD (November 14, 2022) — As the busiest travel time of the year approaches, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) wants to make sure all Maryland residents are as safe as possible as they travel during this holiday season. MDEM’s Annual Maryland Travel Safety Week aims to ensure that residents are equipped with the latest travel safety information as we approach this busy time of the year.

One important change for drivers is the revision to the State’s  “Move Over Law,” which has been expanded to require motorists to make a lane change or slow down when approaching ANY stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals – including hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals including traffic cones, caution signs, or non-vehicular warning signs.

MDEM also reminds travelers that, regardless of their mode of transportation, they should remember to “Know Before You Go” and “If You See Something, Say Something.”

“During this holiday travel season, we want to remind all Marylanders to be alert, prepared, and  aware of their surroundings,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “We would like everyone to have a safe holiday season. Taking the extra time to plan before your trip and also letting authorities know if you see something suspicious makes a big difference.”

MDEM designated November 14-20 as Maryland Travel Safety Week in preparation of the beginning of holiday travel to encourage safe travel all year on all modes of transportation. MDEM encourages travelers to learn about safe travel practices whether using roads, air, or rail, and as pedestrians and bike riders. You should also be aware of safety at various types of lodgings and at gatherings.

MDEM encourages Marylanders to review some of these simple practices recommended by safety specialists covering a variety of transportation methods.

Know Before You Go — Do not head out for travel uninformed, unprepared, and hoping to learn about travel conditions and your destination while enroute. Check on road and traffic conditions along your route; check for last minute delays or cancellations before heading to the airport or train station; always check local weather forecasts to make sure you pack appropriate clothing and prepare for potential travel delays.

If You See Something, Say Something — If you see a suspicious activity, device or package, or overhear a suspicious conversation, report it immediately to a facility manager, carrier employee, or law enforcement. If you see accidents or hazards along the roadway or hiking/biking trails, make sure to alert local law enforcement, highway officials, or parks employees so they can respond.

REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 28, 2022) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has distributed more than $10.87 million to prepare State and local governments against terrorist attacks. The State award was issued in May by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and MDEM recently announced its distribution to partners in Maryland.

“The safety of Maryland and the protection of our residents is a top priority for MDEM, and federal funding is vital to help our State and its local jurisdictions to remain prepared against terrorist attacks,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “This grant will fund capability-building at the state and local government level by enhancing planning, organizing, training, and equipment purchase while improving emergency managers’ response.”

The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) includes a group of risk-based grants to assist State, local, tribal and territorial efforts in preventing, protecting against, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from acts of terrorism and other threats. These grants provide recipients with the resources required for implementation of the National Preparedness System and working toward the goal of a secure and resilient nation.

The recent distribution by MDEM includes more than $7 million in State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) funds distributed across the State and another $3.8 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funds distributed to jurisdictions in the Baltimore metro area. Jurisdictions in the National Capital Region receive money from a different UASI fund that is administered by that region. Distributions are based on population and the location of critical infrastructure, among other factors.

UASI allocations are decided by a working group of emergency management professionals and other officials in those areas. This year’s HSGP grants were more than $1.12 billion nationwide. For more information about the program, visit www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/homeland-security

Jurisdiction

UASI

SHSP

SUB TOTAL

$3,146,000.00

$5,303,053.00

GRAND TOTAL Including MDEM Admin and Operational Costs

$3,800,000.00

$7,074,841.00

REISTERSTOWN, MD (September 16, 2022) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) has received a Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant of $693,000 to help community partners build capacity to keep Marylanders safe. The grant will cover activities from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2024.

“The TVTP grant provides the funding that will improve our understanding of targeted violence aimed at public spaces where Marylanders gather every day. It will also fund the risk assessment tools needed to develop strategies that will improve the security and protection of these gathering sites,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “This grant will allow us to work with other State and local agencies, academic partners, and the private and nonprofit sectors to give communities the tools to help prevent and protect against these attacks.”

The grant funds will be used to help determine best practices and identify locally based strategies to address radicalization and targeted violence and extremism. They will also fund strengthening threat assessment and management capabilities of local jurisdictions by developing a threat assessment framework to enhance existing capabilities or establish them where they don’t exist.

The TVTP Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and provides funding for State, local, tribal, and territorial governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education with funds to establish or enhance capabilities to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. Developing local prevention capabilities is a key element of Goal 3 of the Strategic Framework to Counter Terrorism and Targeted Violence.

The TVTP Grant Program provides assistance to implement that goal and develops innovative solutions to prevent targeted violence and terrorism. DHS has more information about the TVTP Grant Program at www.dhs.gov/tvtpgrants.

In all, 11 Maryland workers are assisting in Jackson, 7 from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Water (WSSC Water) and 4 from the Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works. The group includes Class A surface water and membrane operators, instrument technicians, licensed electricians, mechanics, general maintenance workers, and an emergency management specialist.

“Throughout our nation, states have never hesitated to support their counterparts when they are in times of crisis.” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “It is important that we continue to help other communities when they need it the most. I want to thank the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Anne Arundel County for stepping up to the plate to help with what has become a humanitarian crisis in Jackson.”

Recent heavy rains caused the Pearl River to overflow its banks, causing serious flood damage in Jackson and disrupting the water distribution system in the city of about 150,000 residents. However, the city’s aging water infrastructure was having issues before the recent flood.

The team from Maryland joins utility specialists from other states and local workers to help repair the storm damage so the plant can again begin serving its residents. Those currently deployed will remain in Jackson until September 20, and the city, through the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, may request additional EMAC resources to replace them.

The employees from WSSC Water include  Brandon Brown, Sade Dunnock, Thomas Lilly, David McDonough, Stanley Pearson, James Price, and Zechary Windsor. The Anne Arundel employees are  Philip Daley, Vincent-Dang Nguyen, Robert Swann, and Edwin “Chip” Yuniga.

EMAC, considered the all-hazards national mutual aid system, has been ratified by the U.S. Congress and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Through EMAC, states can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for mission-related costs. To learn more about EMAC, visit https://www.emacweb.org/