MDEM Newsroom - Page 51 MDEM Newsroom
Hurricane Hunter visits Maryland
May 11th, 2011MEMA, the National Weather Service and St. Mary’s County Partner to Raise Awareness for Hurricane Preparedness
Reisterstown, Maryland (May 10, 2011) The Maryland Emergency Management 
Agency (MEMA), the National Weather Service and the St. Mary’s (MD) County Office of Emergency Management recently hosted a visit by a Lockheed WP-3D P3 Orion “Hurricane Hunter” aircraft at the Patuxent Naval Air Station in St. Mary’s County. The event, held on May 3rd, was designed to encourage the public to visit, tour the aircraft and speak with the crew about their duties and learn about the tools the NWS uses to monitor, and track hurricanes. Dozens of school children, their teachers, parents, elected officials and 1stResponders all came to view the aircraft nicknamed Kermit after a character in the Muppets. Several speakers, most notably Craig Fugate the Director of FEMA, welcomed the crowd and not only spoke about the technology involved but more importantly that citizens must 
be prepared. Technology will tell us it’s coming, he explained but it doesn’t prevent the storm from occurring and emphasized all citizen must be ready to react and respond.
Richard Muth, Executive Director of MEMA, also strongly encouraged citizens to be prepared. “Hurricanes are a destructive force”, Muth said, adding, “But there effects can be mitigated and injury and death reduced if people prepare before the storm.” The key, he offered, is awareness. “Technology, such as the Hurricane Hunter, can provide us a great deal of information about a pending storm”, Muth said. “But it is up to the citizens to pay attention to that detail and other reliable news and weather sources and take the appropriate actions before
the storm so they are properly prepared when the storm occurs,” he concluded.
The aircraft remained at the base for the day before traveling to their next destination. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service deploys this aircraft to different cities at the start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season to encourage family preparedness. The season begins on June 1st and runs through the end of November each year.
For more information about the aircraft log on to www.aoc.noaa.gov. Additional information about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness can be found at www.weather.gov and www.mema.state.md.us. Follow MEMA on TWITTER at www.twitter.com/mema_feeds
Maryland Issues Public Awareness Guidelines for Suspicious Powder Incidents
May 6th, 2011Incidents Occurred in Washington DC but State Officials Want Marylanders to be Prepared
REISTERSTOWN, MARYLAND (May 6, 2011). On Thursday May 5, 2011, Maryland’s law enforcement, emergency management, health and school officials were made aware of a series of letters containing an unknown powder had been delivered to public schools in Washington D.C.
Police are investigating these crimes and to date initial tests have found no toxic substance in the items delivered to the schools and there have been no incidents reported to state officials in Maryland. However, officials recognize that Maryland residents, including those who work in Washington, may have questions and concerns.
“Upon learning of these events yesterday, State law enforcement, emergency management, health and education officials initiated a series of meetings throughout the day and evening reviewing our preparedness and response strategies,” said Richard Muth, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “We believe this is an effort to instill fear and disrupt the daily lives of those who receive these packages,” said the Director, adding that, “Maryland is prepared to respond and we can reduce that fear by raising awareness and informing our citizens to be prepared for how to react should this same scenario occur in their community,” he concluded.
Police say if you receive a suspicious package to stop and not handle it any further. They recommend the following web link and actions:http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/mailsecurity/security.htm
- Call 911
- Alert others about the package
- Isolate the package and leave the area
Some potential indicators of a suspicious package include but are not limited to:
- Incorrectly addressed
- Excessive tape
- No return address
- Misspelled words
- Restrictive markings
- Rigid or bulky
- Oil stains and/or strange odors.
- Excessive postage
Health officials from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene have provided the following guidance to assist Maryland residents:
1. Telephone 911 immediately if you receive a suspicious package or letter.
2. Do not open, smell, or taste.
3. Wash your hands immediately with soap and water
4. No preventive antibiotics are recommended at this time for persons potentially exposed to these letters.
For additional preparedness actions and information go to
http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness or MEMA’s web site atwww.mema.state.md.us. Follow MEMA on TWITTER atwww.twitter.com/MEMA_feeds
Suspicious Powder Informational Documents:
DHMH: White Powder Letters in Washingtion DC (PDF 74.21 kb)
MCAC: Awareness Bulletin (PDF 221.99 kb)
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance on Agribusiness Security
May 4th, 2011ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 3, 2011) – “In light of recent events and the start of a new growing season, this is a good time to remind farmers and agribusinesses of on-farm biosecurity measures and to double check that they are in place. I encourage farmers and agribusinesses to be aware of their surroundings, remain alert and vigilant in implementing routine security measures.
Farmers should maintain biosecurity procedures to protect the health of livestock by taking common sense precautions to prevent the transmission of disease. Agribusinesses, especially those who sell, distribute, transport, store, or apply pesticides, should review their security risks, needs and heighten their critical security control points. Should you experience a breach in security, pesticide or application equipment theft or if suspicious activity occurs, you should report these incidents to your local police department.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with Maryland Law Enforcement agencies advises that homeland security begins with hometown security where an alert public plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe. If You See Something/Say Something – report any and all suspicious behaviors and situations to local law enforcement. Report Homeland Security threats to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS.
Police and emergency management officials ask that citizens familiarize themselves with the Department of Homeland Security’s National Terrorism Advisory System, which replaces the former color-coded alert system. Citizens can find information on the new terror alert system at:http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA/content_page.jsp?TOPICID=ntas.”
Gazette.Net: Law Enforcement Officials Increase Patrols Following Bin Laden Death
May 3rd, 2011Marylanders encouraged to report suspicious activity
While there have been no direct threats to Maryland or the state’s infrastructure following the slaying of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden, policy and safety officials are stepping up patrols and reviewing security plans.
Sgt. Jonathan Green, spokesman for the Maryland Transportation Authority police, said patrols will be increased at the Port of Baltimore and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport after President Obama’s announcement Sunday of bin Laden’s death. Travelers, however, will be relatively unaffected by the increased security, Green said.
“They won’t see any significant impact to travelers and airline schedules,” Green said. “Certainly our No. 1 goal is going to be safety; at the same time, they’re both large facilities.
Green and other security officials acknowledged the potential for counterattacks from people sympathetic to bin Laden, who was killed Monday (Pakistani time) in a U.S. raid on a compound in the suburbs of Islamabad.
“Obviously, all of our officers are aware of what happened; there is a heightened awareness. In both cases [of the port and airport], there is no indication of any specific threat,” Green said.
The Maryland Emergency Management Administration has spent time since the announcement of bin Laden’s death reviewing its anti-terrorism policies.
“We’re not trying to scare that public, but we are trying to take stock of the plans we’ve had in place for many years,” said Edward Hopkins, director of external affairs for MEMA.
In conjunction with bolstered security, Hopkins said his agency is encouraging Marylanders to be aware of any suspicious activity.
“The main things we’re focusing on right now is vigilance,” Hopkins said. “We want Maryland residents to remain vigilant.”
The link to this story is:http://www.gazette.net/stories/05022011/polinew183529_32548.php
Maryland Residents Urged to be Vigilant
May 2nd, 2011In light of the death of Osama Bin Laden, The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with Maryland Law Enforcement agencies, has recommended the following protective action and awareness recommendations to all Maryland residents.
The law enforcement intelligence community has assessed that the death of al-Qa’ida (AQ) leader Osama Bin Ladin could result in retaliatory attacks in the Homeland and against US and Western interests overseas and therefore not only Maryland, but all US citizens should remain at a heightened state of vigilance.
Police and First Responders emphasize citizens should remain alert and aware at all times. If You See Something/Say Something – REPORT any and all suspicious behaviors and situations to local law enforcement. TheIf You See Something, Say Something campaign underscores the concept that homeland security begins with hometown security where an alert public plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe.
Report Homeland Security threats to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS.
Police and emergency management officials ask that citizens familiarize themselves with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)—a robust terrorism advisory system that provides timely information to the public about credible terrorist threats and replaces the former color-coded alert system. The National Terrorism Advisory System will provide the American public with information about credible threats so that they can better protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Citizens can find information on thenew terror alert system here.
The Department of Homeland Security does not intend to issue an NTAS alert at this time. DHS has been clear since announcing NTAS in January that they will only issue alerts when they have specific or credible information to convey to the American public.
NTAS alerts provide a concise summary of the potential threat including geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, actions being taken to ensure public safety, as well as recommended steps that individuals, communities, business and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to a threat. NTAS Alerts will include a clear statement on the nature of the threat, which will be defined in one of two ways:
- “Elevated Threat”: Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States
- “Imminent Threat”: Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States
Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be sent to law enforcement, distributed to affected areas of the private sector, or issued more broadly to the public through both official and social media channels—including a designated DHS webpage (www.dhs.gov/alerts), Facebook, and via Twitter @NTASAlerts.
Remember….Be Alert…..If You See something….Say Something…..
Maryland and Target Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Assist with Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts
April 29th, 2011BALTIMORE, MD (April 29, 2011) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with representatives from the Target Corporation which will enhance disaster response and recovery, and Maryland’s ability to assist victims and return those citizens quickly to a sense of normalcy after a catastrophic event.
According to MEMA’s Executive Director, Richard Muth, lessons learned from disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Gustav, and events closer to home, such as the 2010 Blizzard and localized flooding shows a shift in how recovery is managed by governments throughout the United States. “During catastrophic events our citizens often believe they have a very limited role in helping their community recover”, Muth said. “The reality is that recovery is and must be a unified effort between government, business and our communities” he stated. Muth also acknowledged that people want to help by being able to obtain supplies and self-sustain and, as such, should be encouraged to do so. “People impacted by disasters want to have a role in their recovery efforts”, Muth said, adding, “Empowerment gives people confidence, and in partnership with Target, gives them a sense they are contributing toward the resiliency and rebuilding of their community. Restoring our communities to normal is an effort in which we all must play a part, Muth said”.
Muth explained MEMA and Target met earlier this year and agreed to enter into this an M.O.U which enhances the concept of public/private partnerships during a response to an emergency or disaster. This collaboration between public/private entities has been instituted in several states and has met with great success, Muth said, noting a similar such partnership, referred to as a Business Operations Center (B.O.C.) was developed in California as a response to the 2007 wildfires. Maryland is beginning to explore this concept and anticipates developing a BOC in conjunction with private corporations like Target.
Some highlights of the Target M.O.U include.
- Enhances the ability of the Government and Private Sector to work together and provide a “Continuity of Community”
- Allows the Governor, elected officials, the emergency management community and others the opportunity to publically make citizens aware of the proactive steps being taken, specifically regarding partnering with the private sector, in an attempt to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from a host of natural or man-made emergency events
- Target partners with the state to identify the needs of the communities impacted then determine how best to respond with supplies, personnel and support.
- Items donated in the past have been water, food, batteries, blankets, clothing items, gloves, tools etc.
- Target volunteers have also been provided to augment emergency personnel and other volunteers to assist with recovery efforts or provide expertise in areas deemed appropriate.
More Stories about the Maryland and Target Memorandum of Understanding:
Media Advisory Severe Storms Impacting Maryland
April 27th, 2011Maryland Residents Should Monitor Weather Broadcasts
REISTERSTOWN, MD (April 27,2011) – Maryland residents should monitor local television, radio and weather radio broadcasts throughout the evening, as there is a potential for severe weather to impact Maryland counties. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in conjunction with another approaching weather system.
Much of the state has been under a severe weather and tornado watches throughout the evening. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. Severe thunderstorms also are possible.. Emergency management officials are urging motorists to check news, weather and traffic reports before traveling for the evening. Drivers are asked to exercise diligence and patience when driving and be aware of firefighters , State Highway crews and law enforcement handling emergencies on state and county roadways.
Additionally, drivers must avoid downed wires and trees and stay alert for falling debris in the roadway. All loads should be secured, preventing debris from flying out of pickup trucks and other truck beds. The State Highway Administration recommends delaying travel during the storm. Log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click “CHART” to view traffic cameras and current traffic conditions.
Residents and media members should check the following website to learn about current National Weather Service watches and warnings throughout the state: http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/md.php?x=1.
For information on how to prepare for severe weather, go towww.mema.state.md.us and click on the Be Prepared tab on the left side of the home page. That will display a menu with preparedness information for a variety of emergencies. Preparedness information also is available forwww.ready.gov. Follow MEMA on TWITTER atwww.twitter.com/mema_feeds
State Exercise for Emergency Preparedness: Volunteers Needed
April 18th, 2011
Click Here to Downoald Flyer(449.22 kb)
Harford County and Exelon Team Up to Produce Emergency Preparedness Video
April 18th, 2011(Bel Air, MD) – The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations (EOC) in cooperation with Exelon Power has produced a video to demonstrate emergency preparedness between Harford County and Exelon should an emergency occur at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Plant in nearby Pennsylvania. The program was filmed by Harford Cable Network.
“The Harford County Division of Emergency Operations and Exelon Power have worked together for many years developing emergency preparedness plans should an incident occur at the Peach Bottom nuclear facility,” stated Harford County Emergency Manager Rick Ayers. “Together we are prepared to help protect the citizens of Harford County, as well as those in neighboring Cecil County and Pennsylvania should an unfortunate situation occur at the power plant,” Ayers remarked.
The 30 minute program, called “Ready Harford,” will air on the Harford Cable Network Friday, March 18 at 8:00 p.m. and will be shown every Friday at the same time and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for the next month.
Harford Cable Network is available to Comcast subscribers on Channel 21, to Armstrong subscribers on Channel 7, and to Verizon FiOS subscribers on Channel 31.
For more information regarding Harford County emergency preparedness visit the Harford County Division of Emergency Operations website atwww.harfordpublicsafety.org.
President of Bosnia and Herzegovina Tours MEMA
April 18th, 2011President Bakir Izetbegovic, a member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Tri-presidency, visited the Maryland Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday, March 22 during a visit to Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown, Md.
The official visit was part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) with Maryland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to enhance bilateral relationships. The president and his delegation were also in town attending the U.S.-Balkans Business Summit at the University of Baltimore.
While at MEMA, the President received a tour of the State Emergency Operations Center and the Maryland Joint Operations Center, the first joint civilian-military 24-hour watch center in the United States. this week. He was briefed about how MEMA helps to coordinate the use of state resources to support local agencies in emergencies and how the state civilian and military agencies work together.
The SPP brings together U.S. states and territories with partner nations through a range of military, civil-military and civil activities under the Maryland Military Department auspices. MEMA resides at Camp Fretterd with the Maryland Military Department, which maintains two State Partnerships — one with Estonia, and one with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The state has partnered with Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2003.
For more information about the visit, you may go to the Maryland Military Department’s Facebook page athttp://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150129774822557. To view a news clip of the visit from WJZ TV, Channel 13, in Baltimore, please go to http://bit.ly/dE83mN