MDEM Newsroom - - Page 8 MDEM Newsroom

MEMA Reminds Marylanders of COVID-19 Rumor Control Page

Updated Site Will Make it Easier to Find Accurate Information and Report Rumors About Pandemic, COVID-19 Vaccination

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 8, 2021) — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) today unveiled a revamped and redesigned rumor control page that will help visitors more easily find accurate information related to the pandemic and COVID-19 vaccinations. It will also allow users to quickly check the accuracy of potential disinformation, misinformation, and rumors. The web address for the new page is bit.ly/Md-Covid19-Rumors.

Visitors to the site will have three choices. They could click on “Vaccine Rumors” to visit the site’s section addressing rumors and misinformation related specifically to the COVID-19 vaccination. Or, they could click on “Virus Rumors” and visit the area of the site devoted to general SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 pandemic rumors. Lastly, they could submit a rumor they have seen or heard by clicking the “Submit a Rumor” button.

“We are aware of the increased volume of inaccurate information regarding the COVID-19 vaccination and are hopeful that the redesigned rumor control page will continue to provide Marylanders with reliable and unambiguous information,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “With public interest focused on the COVID vaccinations, it is a good opportunity to remind Marylanders and visitors to our state about the information resources available to them during this important time.”

The original pandemic rumor control page was unveiled last spring to help provide a centralized location for residents to check the accuracy of information they may have heard or read. The MEMA team worked with the Maryland Department of Health and used information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other trusted experts to provide accurate information.

The rumor control page concept was created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a way to combat rumors or intentional misinformation related to disasters and their recovery programs. MEMA has been using rumor control pages and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages to address rumors and common misinformation for several years.

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CONTACT:
Erik Wescoat, erik.wescoat@maryland.gov, 443-381-4536
Jorge Castillo, jorge.castillo@maryland.gov, 443-381-3518
Ed McDonough, ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov, 410-446-3333
24/7 line: 877-636-2872

MEMA Secures $19.3 Million to Prepare for and Reduce Risks of Hazards, Disasters, Terrorist Attacks

Grants to Fund Projects that Continue Building Resilience and All-Hazard Preparedness in Maryland

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 5, 2021) — The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announced today that it will receive a combined total of $19,331,363 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 from the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), and the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program.  The HSGP, NSGP, and EMPG are the three programs that constitute the DHS/FEMA focus on enhancing the ability of state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from disasters and terrorist attacks.

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)

Ensuring the safety of Marylanders is a top State priority. MEMA has been awarded $11,595,897 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 in order to prepare State and local communities for terrorist attacks. The award is part of the Homeland Security Grants Program, which will provide $1,120,000,000 nationwide to recipients to improve their ability to prepare for, prevent, and respond to terrorist attacks.  This grant will fund capability building at the state and local government level by enhancing planning, training, and exercising for terrorist attacks and improving emergency managers’ response.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) awards total $1.2 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.  The awards provide funding for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack. The NSGP also seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program.

MEMA has been awarded $6,535,466 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 to be used for assisting state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management agencies to implement the National Preparedness System (NPS) and to support the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation. The  Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) award is one of the grant programs that constitute DHS/FEMA’s focus on all-hazards emergency preparedness. These grant programs are part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by DHS.

Collectively these critical funds support MEMA’s mission to proactively reduce disaster risks and reliably manage consequences through collaborative work with Maryland’s communities and partners and MEMA’s vision to shape a resilient Maryland where communities thrive.

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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

Maryland Receives Highest Honor in Emergency Management

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 1, 2021) — The State of Maryland joins Arkansas and Washoe County, NV. as the three jurisdictions to have earned the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) distinction in 2021.

“We are thrilled and extremely proud of this accomplishment,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). “This accreditation shows our commitment to our field, to keeping Marylanders safe, and to shaping a more resilient Maryland where communities thrive.”

The EMAP Accreditation is awarded to programs that have built and sustained a set of Emergency Management capabilities over a period of years. MEMA remains among the elite leaders in emergency management by earning accreditation through the EMAP. “Receiving this accreditation is a high honor and I want to congratulate everyone at MEMA for this distinction,” continued Strickland. “But to earn it during a pandemic that has tested and tried us, shows the real character of the individuals in Emergency Management and our administration’s commitment to the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of our state and all Marylanders.”

To earn accreditation programs must show continued leadership to the field of Emergency Management by proving through its commitment and leadership that their programs are sustainable and focus on their communities’ and stakeholders’ best interests. MEMA had to demonstrate through self-assessment, peer assessment, and documentation verification, that its program meets the Emergency Management Standard certified by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and recognized by the industry.

MEMA and other Emergency Management programs use the accreditation to prove the capabilities of their disaster preparedness and response systems. These programs demonstrate accountability and focus attention on areas and issues where resources are needed to heighten their preparedness efforts to any technical or natural disaster that may affect their communities. The program must maintain compliance with the Emergency Management Standard and is then reassessed to maintain accredited status. MEMA received accreditation in 2007, 2014, and 2021.

To learn more about EMAP visit their website at emap.org.

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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

Maryland to Appeal Denial of Inaugural Presidential Emergency Declaration

Seeks Reimbursement for Costs Related To Emergency and Safety Measures 

Reisterstown, MD (February 12, 2021)—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Maryland has appealed the federal denial of a request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration to reimburse Maryland agencies for expenses related to the inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in January. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) sent an appeal through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for costs during the period of Jan. 6-21.

“The State of Maryland and several of our jurisdictions were proud to support the peaceful transition of power,” said Gov. Hogan. “We did not hesitate to provide critical support during the January 6 insurrection, and hope that our partners at FEMA will work with us to recoup these expenses.”

The former administration denied Maryland’s request on January 17 and also denied a similar request from the Commonwealth of Virginia. The request covers costs incurred within Maryland, including the staging of law enforcement units to respond into Washington, D.C. if needed and also to secure Annapolis due to threats of nationwide violence at state capitals, along with traffic control measures and the opening of emergency operations centers. The request does not include emergency personnel working in the District under mutual aid agreements since these costs were captured by the District of Columbia, or Maryland National Guard troops in D.C., who were operating under federal orders.

“It has been a long 12 months for many of those involved in the inauguration efforts,” said MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “The ongoing pandemic, several weather incidents, and the riots at the Capitol have stressed many of our agencies. It is important that the federal government recognize this effort, which helped to keep many of their facilities secure.”

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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

State of Maryland Awarded Over $341 Million Grant for COVID-19 Response

Funds to be used to Reimburse the State for Medical Supplies Purchased during the Pandemic Response

Governor Larry Hogan Declares State of Emergency For Presidential Inauguration, Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration

State Seeks Federal Assistance for Security, Other Resources Related to D.C. Riots, Presidential Inauguration

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan has issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency related to the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. This executive action will allow the state to more efficiently coordinate support and provide assistance to local jurisdictions within Maryland and neighboring states.

The governor has also asked the White House for a Presidential Disaster Declaration to reimburse state and local governments in Maryland for costs incurred by their response to last week’s insurrection at the Capitol, as well as support to federal partners and the District of Columbia for the days leading up to, and including, the inaugural ceremonies. 

“The State of Maryland will continue to do everything we possibly can to secure our nation’s capital and to ensure the peaceful transition of power,” said Governor Hogan. “We did not hesitate to provide critical support during the January 6 insurrection, and will continue to work closely with allied agencies, local governments, and our federal partners to support the Inaugural Ceremonies.” 

In his letter to the administration, Governor Hogan is also requesting that the cost share typically required by the Stafford Act be waived due to the inauguration’s nature as a federal event, as well as the fiscal impact on the state from several recent disasters, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the state of emergency declaration, Governor Hogan has authorized the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and all other appropriate state authorities to deploy and coordinate available resources in support of local jurisdictions and the citizens of Maryland, and to activate their emergency preparedness plans. It also allows Maryland to receive assistance from other states as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

On January 11, Governor Hogan joined D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in advising residents not to come into Washington, D.C. for the inauguration and to instead participate virtually.

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Comienza la Segunda Semana Anual de Seguridad en el Invierno de Maryland

MEMA, FEMA, el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional y las agencias estatales se asocian para aumentar la conciencia del público sobre los peligros del invierno

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (7 de diciembre, 2020) — A medida que comienza la temporada de invierno con la pandemia que afecta nuestras actividades diarias, la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Maryland (MEMA por sus siglas en inglés) se une a socios estatales, locales y federales para alentar a todos los residentes de Maryland a aprender más sobre la seguridad invernal y la importancia de la preparación para emergencias invernales en la era COVID-19. La segunda Semana Anual de Seguridad en el Invierno de Maryland (Maryland Safety Week) se lleva a cabo del 7 al 13 de diciembre de 2020.

A lo largo de la semana, MEMA compartirá información en sus plataformas sociales, incluyendo videos grabados del Gobernador Hogan, la Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Maryland y una discusión de video en vivo con MEMA y el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (NWS por sus siglas en inglés).

“Ahora no es el momento de bajar la guardia”, dijo Russ Strickland, director ejecutivo de MEMA. “La temporada de invierno trae consigo varios peligros que causan lesiones y que cuestan vidas y dinero cada año, pero 2020 es diferente. COVID-19 hace que todo sea más complicado además de otras consideraciones a tomar durante los meses fríos. Todos estamos agotados por esta pandemia, pero es precisamente por eso que debemos tomar en serio las precauciones de seguridad en invierno ”.

Este año, MEMA insta a todos los residentes de Maryland a tomar precauciones adicionales debido al COVID-19 y a seguir todas las recomendaciones del Departamento de Salud de Maryland (MDH por sus siglas en inglés) y los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) con respecto a cubrirse el rostro, distanciarse y prácticas de higiene. Cuando sea posible, salga a tomar aire fresco y haga ejercicio. Asegúrese de tener suministros para la pandemia como cubiertas adicionales para la cara, desinfectante de manos y desinfectante como parte de sus kits de suministros tanto en su casa como en su automóvil.

Entre los diversos peligros que trae el clima invernal se encuentran los riesgos para la salud que plantea la exposición sostenida al frío extremo. Puede bajar la temperatura corporal, debilitar el sistema inmunológico y puede agravar enfermedades crónicas como asma, artritis, diabetes, enfermedades cardiovasculares y pulmonares y enfermedades mentales, entre otras. Un informe de 2014 de los CDC indicó que de las casi 11,000 muertes relacionadas con el clima informadas a nivel nacional entre 2006 y 2010, el 63 por ciento se atribuyó al frío natural excesivo.

Miles de personas también corren riesgo en el interior de sus hogares si se les corta la energía o si no tienen los medios económicos para aumentar la temperatura en su hogar. Para aquellos con enfermedades crónicas, un interior frío puede ser un entorno peligroso. Los casos de exposición al monóxido de carbono alcanzan su punto máximo durante el invierno, cuando es más probable que las personas utilicen generadores, estufas y sistemas de calefacción domésticos que pueden no recibir el mantenimiento adecuado. Si no es seguro hacer funcionar una cortadora de césped a gas o un automóvil en un espacio determinado, tampoco es seguro hacer funcionar un generador portátil.

MEMA y otras agencias estatales han recopilado una serie de consejos de seguridad y preparación para el invierno que se compartirán durante la Semana de la Seguridad en el Invierno de Maryland y durante la temporada de invierno a través de nuestros canales de redes sociales. Éstos son algunos de los aspectos más destacados:

• Cuando llega el clima frío, debe verificar el bienestar de la familia, los amigos y los vecinos que son particularmente vulnerables al frío, la nieve y el hielo; esto puede incluir a los ancianos y aquellos con necesidades funcionales y de acceso.
• Ciertos peligros de incendio son comunes durante el invierno. La Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado le recuerda que practique la seguridad al calentar su hogar o lugar de trabajo, tenga cuidado al cocinar y asegúrese de que las luces y decoraciones navideñas se usen correctamente.
• Prepare un kit de emergencia para el hogar que incluya suministros para el invierno, como palas de nieve, productos para derretir hielo, ropa y mantas extra abrigadas, linternas y baterías. También incluye suministros adicionales de COVID-19.
• Siga una fuente meteorológica confiable, como el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional y los medios de comunicación locales, para estar al tanto de cualquier precipitación congelada pronosticada o temperaturas frías severas.
  • Visite Ready.gov/es/invierno para obtener más información sobre la seguridad en el invierno y Ready.gov/es/alertas-de-emergencia para obtener más información sobre las opciones de alerta de emergencia.
• La Administración de Carreteras del Estado del Departamento de Transporte de Maryland ofrece estos consejos para una conducir seguramente en invierno.
• Asegúrese de que su vehículo esté listo para viajar en invierno
  • Revise y prepare su vehículo para el invierno, incluidos todos los líquidos, limpiaparabrisas, luces y sistemas antes de que comience la temporada de invierno.
  • Tenga un kit de emergencia para el automóvil en su vehículo y agregue algunos suministros de COVID-19.
  • Tener un equipo de emergencia para el automóvil puede ser la diferencia entre sobrevivir a una tormenta invernal severa o una ventisca y sufrir de una congelación o, peor aún, morir.
• Mantenga su tanque de gasolina casi lleno para evitar hielo en el tanque y las líneas de combustible.
• Identifique a su mascota con etiquetas de nombre y etiquetas de rabia actualizadas; incluya su número de teléfono celular en la etiqueta. O bien, su mascota puede tener un microchip, y la mayoría de los veterinarios o agencias de control de animales pueden escanear el chip para ayudar a localizar al dueño.
• Aísle su casa instalando contraventanas o cubriendo las ventanas con plástico desde el interior para mantener el aire frío afuera.
• Deje la calefacción encendida en su casa y ajuste el termostato a no menos de 50° Fahrenheit si se va a ir durante el clima frío.
• Considere usar velas sin llama que funcionen con baterías. ¡Se ven y huelen reales!

Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la preparación para el invierno en nuestro sitio web (www.mema.maryland.gov), nuestro feed de Twitter, nuestra página de Facebook, nuestra página de LinkedIn y nuestro sitio de YouTube.

NOTA PARA LOS MEDIOS: El personal de MEMA está disponibles para entrevistas sobre tormentas de invierno y preparación para emergencias.

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

Second Annual Maryland Winter Safety Week Begins

MEMA, FEMA, National Weather Service, State Agencies Partner to Increase Public’s Awareness of Winter Hazards

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (December 7, 2020) —As the winter season begins with the pandemic affecting our day-to-day activities, the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is joining with state, local and federal partners  to encourage all Marylanders to learn more about winter safety and the importance of winter emergency preparedness in the COVID-19 era. The 2nd Annual Maryland Winter Safety Week runs from December 7 through December 13, 2020.

“Our administration, with our partners of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Maryland State Police, the Maryland Department of Health, and the National Weather Service are working together to bring awareness to all Marylanders about winter safety,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to  navigate this winter season safely.”

Throughout the week MEMA will be sharing information on their social platforms, including recorded videos from Governor Hogan, the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal, and a live video discussion with MEMA and the National Weather Service.

“Now is not the time to let our guard down,” said Russ Strickland, MEMA’s Executive Director. “Winter season brings with it several hazards that cost injuries, lives, and money every year, but 2020 is different. COVID-19 makes everything more complicated on top of other considerations to be taken during the cold months. We are all exhausted by this pandemic, but it is precisely because of it that we must take winter safety precautions seriously.”

This year, MEMA urges all Marylanders to take extra precautions because of COVID-19 and to follow all recommendations from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding face coverings, distancing, and hygiene practices. When possible, go outside for fresh air and exercise. Make sure to have pandemic supplies like extra face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant as part of you supply kits in both your home and car.

Among the several hazards that winter weather brings are the health risks posed by sustained exposure to extreme cold. It can lower body temperature, weakening the immune system, and it can aggravate chronic diseases like asthma, arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular and lung disease, and mental illness, among others.  A 2014 report from the CDC stated that of the nearly 11,000 weather-related deaths reported nationally between 2006 and 2010, 63 percent were attributable to excessive natural cold.

Thousands of people are also at risk indoors if their power has been shut off, or they do not have the financial means to increase the temperature in their home.  For those with chronic diseases,  a cold interior may be a dangerous environment. Cases of carbon monoxide exposure peak during the winter, when people are more likely to use generators, stoves, and home heating systems that may not be properly maintained. If it is unsafe to  run a gas lawnmower or a car in a given space, it is also unsafe to run a portable generator.

MEMA and other state partners have gathered a number of winter preparedness and safety tips that will be shared throughout Maryland Winter Safety Week and the winter season through our social media channels. Here are some of the highlights:

• When cold weather hits, you should check on the welfare of family, friends, and neighbors who are particularly vulnerable to cold, snow, and ice – this may include the elderly and those with access and functional needs.
• Certain fire hazards are common during the winter. The Office of the State Fire Marshall reminds you to practice safety when heating your home or workplace, be cautious when cooking, and make sure holiday lights and decorations are used properly.
• Build a home preparedness kit that includes winter supplies such as snow shovels, ice melting products, extra warm clothes and blankets, flashlights, and batteries. Also include extra COVID-19 supplies.
• Follow a trusted weather source, such as the National Weather Service and local news media, to be aware of any predicted frozen precipitation or severe cold temperatures.
  • Visit Ready.gov/alerts for more information on emergency alert options.
• The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration offers these tips for safe winter driving.
• Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter travel
  • Check and winterize your vehicle, including all fluids, wiper blades, lights, and systems before the winter season begins.
  • Have a car emergency kit in your vehicle, and add some COVID-19 supplies.
  • Having a car emergency kit can be the difference between surviving being stranded in a severe winter storm or blizzard and getting frostbite, or worse, dying.
• Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Identify your pet with up-to-date name tags and rabies tags; include your cell phone number on the tag. Or, your pet can be microchipped, and most vets or animal control agencies can scan the chip to help locate the owner.
• Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
• Leave the heat on in your home and set the thermostat to no lower than 50° Fahrenheit If you will be going away during cold weather.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. They look and smell real!

Additional information about winter preparedness can be found on our website (www.mema.maryland.gov), our Twitter feed, our Facebook page, our LinkedIn page and our YouTube site.

NOTE TO MEDIA: MEMA staff members are available for interviews about winter storm and emergency preparedness.

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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

Servicio Meteorológico Nacional Transiciona los Pronósticos de Tiempo de los Condados de Cecil y Garrett a la Oficina de Baltimore / Washington

El cambio consolidará el pronóstico y las alertas del corredor I-95 y agilizará la coordinación con el estado

REISTERSTOWN, Maryland (9 de noviembre de 2020) –Dos condados de Maryland tendrán sus pronósticos y alertas meteorológicas manejados por una oficina diferente del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (NWS por sus siglas en Inglés) a partir de mañana (10 de noviembre) en una medida que agilizará el pronóstico y las alertas al oeste de la Bahía de Chesapeake y a lo largo del corredor I-95 en el estado.

El condado de Cecil se trasladará de la oficina de pronóstico del tiempo del NWS de Philadelphia en Mount Holly, Nueva Jersey, y el condado de Garrett pasará de la oficina de pronóstico del tiempo del NWS de Pittsburgh, a la oficina de pronóstico del tiempo del NWS Baltimore / Washington en Sterling, VA. La medida significa que NWS Baltimore / Washington ahora manejará los pronósticos y advertencias del NWS para todos los condados de Maryland al oeste de Chesapeake, junto con Cecil. NWS Mount Holly continuará manejando pronósticos y advertencias para los condados de Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne y Talbot mientras NWS Wakefield, VA. (Área de Hampton Roads) seguirá prestando servicios a los condados de Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico y Worcester.

“El corredor de la I-95 a menudo define dónde cambia el clima en Maryland, y tener esa área atendida por una oficina facilitará la coordinación”, dijo Russ Strickland, director ejecutivo de la Agencia de Manejo de Emergencias de Maryland (MEMA por sus siglas en inglés). “Tenemos excelentes asociaciones con las cuatro oficinas de pronóstico que actualmente prestan servicios en Maryland y esta consolidación mejorará aún más nuestras operaciones conjuntas y comunicaciones con estas tres oficinas en el futuro”.

Por lo general, MEMA coordina las llamadas meteorológicas con las cuatro oficinas del NWS, los administradores de emergencias locales y las agencias estatales antes de eventos importantes como huracanes, tormentas de invierno o el día de las elecciones, pero en el futuro, participarán tres oficinas del NWS.

“Esta transferencia nos permitirá satisfacer las necesidades de nuestros socios de manejo de emergencias estatales y locales en Maryland, y brindar servicios de pronóstico y advertencia más optimizados desde la Bahía de Chesapeake hasta las montañas del condado de Garrett en el oeste de Maryland”, dijo James E. Lee, meteorólogo a cargo del NWS Baltimore / Washington.

El condado de Garrett había sido parte de la oficina de Pittsburgh desde la década de 1990, en gran parte, porque el radar Doppler en esa oficina del NWS cubría mejor el área. Sin embargo, las mejoras en la tecnología ahora permiten compartir más fácilmente los datos meteorológicos entre oficinas. Por lo tanto, NWS Baltimore / Washington está bien equipado para manejar pronósticos y advertencias para el condado más occidental de Maryland, utilizando todos los radares Doppler y observaciones locales del NWS.

“Al desarrollar nuestro Plan de Mitigación de Riesgos y nuestro Plan de Respuesta a Emergencias para todo el condado, hemos descubierto que el clima invernal severo es la mayor amenaza del Condado de Garrett”, dijo John Frank, director de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Garrett. “Al condensar las estaciones del NWS en Maryland, las alertas meteorológicas más rápidas proporcionarán un mejor conocimiento de la situación para que nuestros dedicados voluntarios y personal sirvan a los ciudadanos y visitantes del condado de Garrett”.

Uno de los beneficios de agregar el condado de Cecil al NWS Baltimore / Washington es que ambas orillas del río Susquehanna recibirán pronósticos y advertencias de la misma oficina, ya que los riesgos de inundaciones tienden a ser similares en el mismo evento meteorológico.

“Este traslado a la Oficina de Pronóstico del Tiempo de Baltimore / Washington ayudará a optimizar los pronósticos y fortalecer los productos del clima en Maryland, específicamente cuando se trata del corredor de la Interestatal 95”, dijo Richard K. Brooks III, Director del Departamento de Servicios de Emergencia del Condado de Cecil . “Realmente ayudará a crear una imagen meteorológica común a lo largo de una ruta de transporte tan vital en Maryland”.

Como parte del cambio, el Servicio Meteorológico Nacional ofrecerá clases de observación meteorológica SKYWARN en línea gratuitas en los condados de Garrett y Cecil la próxima semana. La clase del condado de Garrett será el 17 de noviembre y la capacitación del condado de Cecil será el 18 de noviembre a partir de las 6 p.m. a las 8 p.m. cada día.

Para obtener más información sobre este cambio, visite los titulares de noticias de la oficina de pronósticos de Baltimore / Washington.

National Weather Service Transitioning Cecil, Garrett Forecasts to Baltimore/Washington Office

Change Will Consolidate I-95 Corridor Forecast and Alerts, Streamline Coordination with State

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (November 9, 2020) — Two Maryland counties will have their weather forecasts and alerts handled by a different National Weather Service (NWS) office beginning tomorrow (Nov. 10) in a move that will streamline forecasting and alerts west of the Chesapeake Bay and along the I-95 corridor in the state.

Cecil County will move from the NWS Philadelphia Weather Forecast Office in Mount Holly, NJ, and Garrett County will move from the NWS Pittsburgh Weather Forecast Office, to the NWS Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office in Sterling, VA. The move means that NWS Baltimore/Washington will now handle NWS forecasts and warnings for all Maryland counties west of the Chesapeake, along with Cecil. NWS Mount Holly will continue to handle forecasts and warnings for Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties while NWS Wakefield, VA. (Hampton Roads area) will continue to serve Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

“The I-95 corridor often defines where weather changes in Maryland, so to have that area served by one office will provide ease of coordination,” said Russ Strickland, Executive Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “We have terrific partnerships with all four of the forecast offices currently serving Maryland and this consolidation will further improve our joint operations and communications with these three offices moving forward.”

Typically, MEMA coordinates weather calls with all four NWS offices, local emergency managers and state agencies in advance of major events like hurricanes, winter storms or election day, but moving forward, three NWS offices will participate.

“This transfer will allow us to meet the needs of our state and local emergency management partners in Maryland, and provide more streamlined forecast and warning services from the Chesapeake Bay to the mountains of Garrett County in western Maryland,” said James E. Lee, Meteorologist-in-Charge of NWS Baltimore/Washington.

Garrett County had been a part of the Pittsburgh office since the 1990s, in large part, because  the doppler radar at that NWS office better covered the area. However, improvements in technology now allow for easier sharing of weather data between offices. So NWS Baltimore/Washington is well equipped to handle forecasts and warnings for Maryland’s westernmost county, using all NWS doppler radars and local observations.

“In developing our Hazard Mitigation Plan and our county-wide Emergency Response Plan, we have found that severe winter weather is Garrett County’s highest threat,” said John Frank, Director of Garrett County Emergency Management. “By condensing NWS stations across Maryland, faster weather alerts will provide better situational awareness for our dedicated volunteers and staff to serve Garrett County’s citizens and visitors.”

One of the benefits of adding Cecil County to NWS Baltimore/Washington is that both shores of the Susquehanna River will receive forecasts and warnings from the same office, since flood risks tend to be similar from the same weather event.

“This move to the Baltimore/Washington Weather Forecast Office will help streamline forecasts and strengthen the weather products in Maryland, specifically when it comes to the Interstate 95 corridor,” said Richard K. Brooks III, Director of the Cecil County Department of Emergency Services. “It will really help in creating a common weather picture along such a vital transportation route in Maryland.”

As part of the change, the National Weather Service will be offering free on-line SKYWARN weather spotter classes in both Garrett and Cecil countries next week. The Garrett County class will be on Nov. 17 and the Cecil County training will be on Nov. 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

For more information about this change, please visit the Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office news headlines.

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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

NWS BALTIMORE/WASHINGTON CONTACT:
Chris Strong, christopher.strong@noaa.gov