{"id":18786,"date":"2019-12-02T12:47:07","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T17:47:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=18786"},"modified":"2019-12-02T12:47:07","modified_gmt":"2019-12-02T17:47:07","slug":"governor-hogan-proclaims-inaugural-maryland-winter-safety-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2019\/12\/02\/governor-hogan-proclaims-inaugural-maryland-winter-safety-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Governor Hogan Proclaims Inaugural Maryland Winter Safety Week"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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MEMA, FEMA, National Weather Service, State Agencies Partner to Increase Public\u2019s Awareness of Winter Hazards \u00a0<\/em><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

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REISTERSTOWN, Md. (December 2, 2019) \u2014<\/strong>The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Weather Service (NWS), the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDoT SHA), the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), the Maryland State Police (MSP), and local and state emergency management coordinators to encourage all Marylanders to learn more about winter safety and the importance of winter emergency preparedness.\u00a0Maryland Winter Safety Week\u00a0<\/em>extends from December 2 through December 8, 2019. An official proclamation will occur on Monday, December 2 at the MDoT SHA Annapolis District Office. Accompanying the proclamation officials will host a press conference with representatives of each of these state agencies.<\/p>\n

“Winters in our state bring frigid temperatures, intense winds, dangerous ice, and heavy snow, so I urge Marylanders to start preparing now,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “By being prepared, staying aware, and using common sense, we can all enjoy the winter season.”<\/p>\n

According to the Maryland Department of Health, since the winter of 2013-2014, there have been 208 cold-related deaths in Maryland.\u00a0 This includes 61 cold-related deaths in the 2017-2018 winter season and 54 cold-related deaths during the 2018-2019 winter season. Thirty percent of these deaths occurred in Baltimore City alone.<\/p>\n

Further, a 2014 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that of the nearly 11,000 weather-related deaths reported nationally between 2006 and 2010, 63 percent were attributable to excessive natural cold.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf history is any guide, it\u2019s likely that our state will experience some severe winter weather over the next few months,\u201d said Russell Strickland, MEMA\u2019s Executive Director. \u201cOur message is simple: Make preparations now so you can avoid the last minute rush for snow shovels, salt, and other winter essentials, but most importantly,\u00a0be informed, and be prepared.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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\u00a0 run a gas lawnmower or a car in a given space, it is also unsafe to run a portable generator.<\/p>\n

MEMA and other state partners have gathered a number of winter preparedness and safety tips that will be shared throughout\u00a0Maryland Winter Safety Week\u00a0<\/em>and the winter season through our social media channels. Here are some of the highlights:<\/p>\n