Governor O'Malley Expands Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration Statewide

Press Release

Governor O'Malley Expands Pre-Disaster Emergency Declaration Statewide

Governor Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) have now issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency for all jurisdictions in the State of Maryland in anticipation of Hanna. This expands the limited declaration issued yesterday to the Eastern Shore. The Declaration was made at 3:00 p.m. today, with the weather effects from Hanna expected to impact Maryland early Saturday morning.

"While we can never be certain as to the path or the devastation of any storm, it is nonetheless our responsibility out of an abundance of caution to prepare the people of Maryland and the appropriate resources," said Governor O'Malley. "Marylanders should take the necessary steps to prepare themselves and their families, and be assured that their government is sparing no expense or effort to do the same."

A Declaration of Emergency permits Maryland to engage the National Guard as a resource and pre-deploy troops throughout the State. Additionally, it allows Maryland to ask other states for help and resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), as well as seek federal aid and reimbursement.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at MEMA, which has been staffed around the clock since Saturday, has elevated its response to a Level 3. This increase brings in agencies such as the Maryland State Police, U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and other organizations directly involved in planning for this event.

"Hanna's projected storm track suggests regions in Southern and Central Maryland in addition to the Eastern Shore may also be impacted by heavy rains," said Richard Muth, Director of MEMA.

"Even with the advanced technology that monitors these weather events, the storm's path can change rapidly, and we need to adapt quickly. It is prudent to move to a statewide emergency declaration," Muth said.

MEMA continues to coordinate with local emergency managers and state agencies to review hurricane plans and assess available resources in preparation for the storm.

Source