{"id":12774,"date":"2018-09-10T15:20:11","date_gmt":"2018-09-10T19:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=12774"},"modified":"2018-09-10T16:41:17","modified_gmt":"2018-09-10T20:41:17","slug":"what-does-a-state-of-emergency-mean-6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2018\/09\/10\/what-does-a-state-of-emergency-mean-6\/","title":{"rendered":"What does a \u201cState of Emergency\u201d mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does a \u201cState of Emergency\u201d mean?<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>In preparation for Hurricane Florence, Governor Larry Hogan has asked State agencies to launch a coordinated effort to keep Marylanders safe and informed in the upcoming days. Governor Hogan signed an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency in Maryland on Monday, September 10, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. EST. \u00a0Here is information on what a state of emergency means.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Not all states of emergency are the same. Each state of emergency is different and can change depending on the severity of the event or emergency. \u00a0Be sure to check with your local news and with MEMA for updated information related to states of emergency.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>A state of emergency has been declared in order to allow Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources, like the National Guard, in order to increase the State\u2019s response. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>A state of emergency is a good indicator that residents should remain alert and follow officials\u2019 orders, news stations, and weather forecasts in order to be informed of the situation.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is additional information about this state of emergency:<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Will schools be closed?<\/b>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>States of Emergencies typically do not mandate school closures. It usually is the local school district\u2019s decision to stay open or to close. Check with your school for up-to-date closure information.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span>Will stores and businesses be open?<\/b>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>This state of emergency does not require employers to close. We ask that all employers consider employee safety at all times.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Can I drive on the roads?<\/b><\/p>\n

Most of the time, motorists are not prohibited from driving. However, this depends on the situation and the limitations set in each particular State of Emergency. Each State of Emergency is different. \u00a0If you are a motorist and must drive and cannot change your plans, you should drive carefully and use common sense. You should also:<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n