{"id":497,"date":"2011-04-29T18:36:09","date_gmt":"2011-04-29T18:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mema\/?p=497"},"modified":"2011-04-29T18:36:09","modified_gmt":"2011-04-29T18:36:09","slug":"maryland-and-target-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-to-assist-with-disaster-response-and-recovery-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mdem\/2011\/04\/29\/maryland-and-target-sign-memorandum-of-understanding-to-assist-with-disaster-response-and-recovery-efforts\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland and Target Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Assist with Disaster Response and Recovery Efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"

BALTIMORE, MD (April 29, 2011) \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0The 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\u2019s ability to assist victims and return those citizens quickly to a sense of normalcy after a catastrophic event.<\/p>\n

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According to MEMA\u2019s Executive Director, Richard Muth, lessons learned from disasters such \u00a0as Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Gustav, and events closer to home, such as the 2010 Blizzard and localized flooding shows a shift\u00a0in 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\u00a0all\u00a0must play a part, Muth said”.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

Some highlights of the Target M.O.U include.<\/p>\n

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  1. Enhances the ability of the Government and Private Sector to work together and provide a “Continuity of Community”<\/li>\n
  2. 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<\/li>\n
  3. Target partners with the state to identify the needs of the communities impacted then determine how best to respond with supplies, personnel and support.<\/li>\n
  4. Items donated in the past have been water, food, batteries, blankets, clothing items, gloves, tools etc.<\/li>\n
  5. 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    More Stories about the\u00a0Maryland and Target Memorandum of Understanding:<\/p>\n