“We typically do not think of earthquakes as a common hazard in Maryland,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “But the 2011 earthquake was a reminder for us to practice what to do – and what NOT to do – in an earthquake.” While powerful earthquakes are not common in the Mid-Atlantic Region, they have happened. The August 23, 2011 tremblor near Mineral, Virginia, was felt throughout our State and reminded us that we are not immune from such activity.

One of the most frightening and destructive phenomena of nature is a severe earthquake and its terrible aftereffects.  Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and at any time during the day. It is impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will occur, so it is important that you and your family are prepared ahead of time.

A key aspect of the Great ShakeOut is integrating comprehensive science-based earthquake research and the lessons learned from decades of social science research about why people get prepared.  The result is a “teachable moment” on par with having an actual earthquake (often followed by increased interest in getting ready for earthquakes).  ShakeOut creates the sense of urgency that is needed for people, organizations, and communities to get prepared, to practice what to do to be safe, and to learn what plans need to be improved.

On October 19 at 10:19 a.m. EDT you should drop, cover, and hold on for earthquake preparedness;

REISTERSTOWN, MD (October 5, 2023) — Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) Secretary Russ Strickland today was elected President of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA). The selection took place at the Association’s annual forum in Memphis, Tenn.

“I am honored and humbled to be leading the Association at such a pivotal time for emergency management,” said Strickland. “In many cases, the loss of lives due to disasters has been decreasing, thanks to improved early warning systems, emergency response, and disaster preparedness. However, there is a growing body of scientific evidence indicating an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, and extreme precipitation events. As we have shown the ability to coordinate response and recovery efforts among disciplines, we also are being asked to help solve a wider range of issues. We have important work to do.” As of September 11, 2023, a total of 23 separate billion-dollar disasters have been confirmed this year — the most events on record during a calendar year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NEMA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association dedicated to enhancing public safety by improving the nation’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all emergencies, disasters, and threats to our nation’s security. NEMA is the professional association of and for emergency management directors from all 50 states, 8 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia, and is an affiliate of the Council of State Governments.

MDEM staff is also supporting Maryland’s engagement with multiple NEMA committees, including Resilience, Response and Recovery, and Legislative Committees. Additionally, MDEM’s Deputy Executive Director, Chas Eby, was selected to continue as chair of the NEMA’s Deputy Director’s Group and Anna Sierra, MDEM’s Chief Development Officer, was appointed Chair of NEMA’s newly created State Legislative Staff Subcommittee.

“These roles are a testament to the vision and dedication of our team at the Maryland Department of Emergency Management,” Eby said. “We are fortunate to collaborate with colleagues from diverse communities and backgrounds. Together, we are committed to advancing emergency management practices to build capabilities and reduce the risk of disasters.”

About Russell J. Strickland

Secretary Strickland has been leading the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (formerly Maryland Emergency Management Agency – MEMA) since July 2015 and was reappointed Secretary of MDEM by Governor Wes Moore in January 2023. Secretary Strickland is an experienced emergency management professional who has more than 40 years of experience in the field of emergency services and first responder activities at the state and local levels of government, academia, and the private sector. This includes expertise in fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, fire inspection and investigation, communications, and emergency management leadership.

Directly prior to his appointment, Secretary Strickland worked as a Senior Law & Policy Analyst at the University of Maryland Center for Health and Homeland Security (CHHS), where he led CHHS’ work with the United States Department of State Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program and developed strategy for the Montgomery County (Md.) Fire Department to meet compliance with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Secretary Strickland also has experience leading a cabinet-level emergency services department at the local level as the Director of Emergency Services in Harford County, Md. This position oversees emergency operations and communications, public safety answering points (the 9-1-1 center), training, and special operations, among other responsibilities.

His executive responsibilities have also included previously serving the State of Maryland as Deputy Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Assistant Director of the Field Programs Division at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, University of Maryland, College Park.

Secretary Strickland has a Master of Science degree in Management from Frostburg State College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Maryland, College Park.

The purpose of this national test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

“These tests help to ensure that residents across the country can receive timely messages about emergencies,” said Russ Strickland, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM). “This is the system that sends the weather warnings and Amber alerts, and it is an important tool to test the effectiveness of the system.”

REISTERSTOWN, MD (September 13, 2023) — Maryland is one of just eight states to receive capitalization grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of a groundbreaking new program to help communities reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and disasters. Maryland received a $6.5 million grant — the second highest award — under the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund Program.

Maryland joins seven other states receiving funds in the first round of this program, authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which appropriated $500 million over five years for the program. The program’s capitalization grants provide low-interest loans to local governments most in need of financial assistance, including low-income geographic areas and underserved communities.

“Maryland is at the forefront of mitigation, being one of the first eight recipients of these grants from FEMA,” stated Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. “This pioneering initiative equips our communities with a powerful tool to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. These funds will also empower local partners to engage in hazard mitigation activities that might otherwise be financially out of reach.”

The State created the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund to administer this program. The money can be used to help finance a variety of projects designed to minimize the effects of natural hazards on communities and can also be used to help local governments pay their cost share of traditional federal hazard mitigation programs.

Here is more information about the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund. You can also learn more about the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan fund.

Officials Recommend Donations Of Cash To Reputable Nonprofit Organizations Active In Hawai‘i

REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 16, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management expresses its deepest condolences to the residents of Maui and Hawai‘i counties affected by the recent devastating wildfires. In the spirit of solidarity and support, the Department is extending its assistance for the wildfire relief efforts and sharing valuable tips with Maryland residents on how they can help. “The people of Maryland stand in solidarity with our fellow Americans in Maui during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to those affected by the horrific wildfires,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We commend the dedication and bravery of all responders and volunteers working tirelessly to aid in the recovery. We are united in our efforts to provide support and comfort to those in need.” Maryland Task Force 1 (MDTF1), a specialized urban search and rescue (USAR) team, has received an activation order to deploy a Type 1 USAR team to Maui. Comprising 70 rescuers and 10 support personnel, the team is scheduled to depart on the earliest available flight on August 16. Maryland Task Force 1’s dedicated personnel will be working in conjunction with other deployed teams, including two K9 rescue teams. Some Maryland Task Force 1 personnel have been on the ground since Monday, assisting in search and rescue efforts under challenging conditions due to elevated temperatures. Maryland Task Force 1’s commitment to aiding disaster-stricken communities remains steadfast, with daily updates provided to ensure transparency and effective coordination. “The flames that have ravaged Maui have left a mark on the hearts of its residents and survivors as well as the beautiful landscape. We share in their pain and are committed to offering our assistance in any way possible,” said Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. In light of the outpouring of support, the Department recommends that Maryland residents consider the following tips to maximize relief efforts, in accordance with requests from Hawai’i:

• Cash Donations: Reputable nonprofit organizations active in Hawai‘i recommend cash donations, which can be used to procure specific goods and services needed for relief.
• Avoid Physical Donations: The volume of donated goods has overwhelmed some groups. Cash donations can be more efficiently directed to where they are needed most.
• Respect Access Restrictions: Individuals are urged not to “self-deploy” to the disaster-impacted areas. Authorities are managing access to ensure safety and protection of culturally important items.

Beware of Scammers: Stay vigilant against scams. Protect your donations and refer to official resources for information on how to avoid fraud.

The Hawai’i government is working with the following organizations and requesting donations:

Hawai‘i Community Foundation – Maui Strong Fund: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong

Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement – Kāko‘o Maui Fundraiser: hawaiiancouncil.org/maui

Maui United Way – Maui Fire Disaster Relief: mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief

Maryland remains committed to supporting recovery efforts in Maui and will continue to collaborate with local and national partners to ensure the effective allocation of resources.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

High Likelihood of Severe Thunderstorms, Widespread Damaging Wind Gusts, Locally Destructive Winds

REISTERSTOWN, MD (August 7, 2023) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is urging all Maryland residents and visitors to remain vigilant and alert today as severe thunderstorms, capable of harming life and property, will be moving through our State beginning early this afternoon and into the evening depending on your location. The Storm Prediction Center has increased our risk for severe weather to “MODERATE.” Winds greater than 70 miles per hour, flash flooding, hail, extreme lightning, straight-line wind damage, and tornadic activity with the possibility of an isolated significant tornado, may accompany these storms. The moderate area of risk is concentrated over our largest population centers. The department raised the State Activation Level to ENHANCED to support this incident at noon. “Everyone should pay close attention to weather forecasts throughout the day,” said Secretary of Emergency Management, Russ Strickland. “This is a dangerous system that could produce life-threatening winds and severe storms, and some areas may see multiple rounds of storms. I urge you to be prepared and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

Be prepared and MdReady for the storm:

• Prepare for power outages NOW:
  • Charge electronics, have battery backups, and check flashlights.
  • Have emergency supplies in place at home, work, and in cars.
  • Stay alert and have several ways of receiving emergency alerts.
  • If you have impaired mobility and use an elevator to get between floors, work with your household members or neighbors to figure out a plan to get you out of the building if needed.
  • If you use electric medical devices, make sure they have fresh batteries and contact your doctor to discuss what to do if you lose power.
• Listen to local officials.
• Motorists should avoid driving if possible until the storm is over and are advised to never drive over flooded roadways or around.
• Be prepared for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes:
  • A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for tornado development. Closely monitor local forecasts and listen to emergency alerts on your phone or TV.
  • A tornado warning means that a tornado is developing or has developed in your area.
    • SEEK SHELTER AND TAKE COVER IMMEDIATELY.
    • Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    • Avoid windows.
    • If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.

• Monitor the weather through the US National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/lwx
• Monitor road conditions via the Maryland Department of Transportation 511 and CHARTWeb: chart.maryland.gov
• Monitor power outages through the MdReady installable app and website: MdReady.maryland.gov

Please remain vigilant and be safe.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

Be Prepared: Know Your Zone, Have a Plan, Stay Informed and Have a Kit

REISTERSTOWN, MD (May 26, 2023) — The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts Thursday, June 1, and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) reminds people who live in, work in, or visit Maryland to Know Your Zone if a large storm requires evacuations from coastal and tidal areas. Recent hurricane seasons have been unusually busy – 2020 set a record for named Atlantic Hurricanes – so it is important to Know Your Zone, and also have an emergency plan, a disaster supply kit, and multiple ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency officials. In 2021, Hurricane Ida, which made landfall in the Gulf of Mexico, still managed to cause tornadoes and flooding in Maryland and dangerous flash floods in the Northeast. Last year, Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida. “It takes just a single storm to change your life,” emphasized MDEM’s Secretary Russ Strickland. “Even without a direct hit, Maryland can face significant consequences from the remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes, including wind, and tidal and inland flooding. Remain vigilant to forecasts, make sure you Know Your Zone, and be prepared for the potential impacts of a storm in your area by having an emergency plan and a disaster supply kit.” When the remnants of Ida passed over Maryland two years ago, it spawned several tornadoes, inducing one that caused substantial damage in the Annapolis area. Heavy rains also caused flash floods, inundating basement apartments at a complex in Montgomery County that led to a drowning. Farther up the coast, Ida’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding in New York City subway tunnels. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the NWS, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 30% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5, with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges. The Know Your Zone program allows local emergency officials to order evacuations by letter zones (A, B, and C) to more easily provide information to those in the area. To determine if you live, work, or visit an evacuation zone in Maryland, please go to KnowYourZoneMD.com and click on the “Find Your Zone” link. Type in the address of the property you are interested in and you will find out if the location is in an evacuation zone. Please note that the zones are for evacuations from storm surge or tidal flooding along the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, the coastal bay, and ocean on the Eastern Shore. The zones do NOT apply to inland and flash floods. Here are some additional considerations while planning for hurricanes and other hazards:

• Plan now! Do not wait until the peak of hurricane season.
• Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
• Determine your best protection for high winds and flooding.
• Unless you live in an evacuation zone, make a plan to shelter-in-place if it is safe to do so.
• If you are in a mandatory evacuation zone, make a plan with friends or family to shelter with them where you will be safer and more comfortable.
• Check with local authorities for the latest information about public evacuation shelters.
• Only use outdoor generators that are at least 20 feet away from your home and away from windows, doors, and vents.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, including sample emergency plans and supply kit information, please visit MDEM, FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the American Red Cross.

To receive text alerts, tips, and resources related to threats and hazards that may affect Maryland, text “MdReady” to 211-631, or text “MdListo” to receive alerts in Spanish. Marylanders also are encouraged to install 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.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

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.

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CONTACT:
Jorge Castillo, [email protected], 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, [email protected], 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872