ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today toured storm damage in Edgewater and Annapolis and provided an update on statewide response efforts to Tropical Depression Ida.
“The extent of the destruction from the storm is devastating, but these are strong communities, and we will provide whatever state resources are needed to help them rebuild,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to assess the damage, and coordinate closely with federal, state, and local officials in the days ahead. I want to thank all the first responders and emergency managers who have been working around the clock as part of our statewide response.”
JOE ANDRUCYK
Statewide response efforts include the following:
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
- Continues to coordinate resources and information needs with local and state agencies
- Sent liaison officers to Washington County, Anne Arundel County, and City of Annapolis
- Facilitated requests from Anne Arundel County for aerial drone for damage assessment pictures and light towers
Maryland Department of Transportation
- Participated in the Statewide Emergency Operations Center activation efforts at MEMA
- Proactively reduced MARC Brunswick Line schedule to ensure safe passage on the most rural areas of the rail line
- Instituted appropriate wind related restrictions on some bridges to ensure safe passage of travelers
- Collaborated with utility companies to assist with downed line issues
- Maintained elevated operations staffing levels in the field and operational monitoring centers
- Maryland Transportation Authority and State Highway Administration (SHA) highway response teams maintained elevated availability to assist travelers
- SHA alone responded to 283 incidents, including crashes, disabled vehicles, high water, tree removal, and assisting utility companies with down poles and wires
- Conducting ongoing assessment of assets for potential storm impacts
Maryland Department of Health
- The Office of Preparedness and Response worked in conjunction with the Statewide Emergency Management Coordination (SWEM) team to monitor the storm all week.
- Participated in daily briefings with the National Weather Service coordinated resource requests
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems
- MIEMSS continues to monitor all hospitals and local jurisdictional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs for possible needs.
- Regional EMS coordinators are working with local counties and assessing the ongoing situation.
Maryland Department of Human Services
- Provided virtual representation to the State Emergency Operations Center
- Provided updates on weather and potential threats to over 50 local, state, and nonprofit response partners
- Provided updates to 2-1-1 Maryland on how to assist potential callers who have evacuated to Maryland from Louisiana
- Provided a powerpoint presentation to all mass care partners at the local and state level on safe sheltering operations during COVID-19
Maryland State Police
- Provided continuous updates throughout the day to citizens and media via social media regarding crashes, calls for service, and disabled/abandoned vehicles
- Monitored conditions to provide safety messages statewide
- On Sept. 1, MSP responded to 163 crashes, 34 disabled/abandoned vehicles, and answered 789 calls for service.
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- Maryland Park Service staff and equipment were prepared to respond to any emergencies from rising water and damaging winds, and any necessary cleanup or repair operations after the storm.
- Maryland Natural Resources Police prepared all vessels for the rains, rising water, and high water flows, and officers prepared to respond to any and all calls related to public safety during the storm. NRP officers staffed the State Emergency Operations Center virtually.
- DNR Hydrographic Operations are on standby to remove debris posing a hazard to navigation in Maryland waterways.
Maryland Department of General Services
- DGS continues to ensure the storm water management systems for state buildings are clear of debris and in working order.
- DGS has a designated MEMA resource team procurement officer ready and willing to report on site to assist in utilizing the emergency resource list, which consists of the following resources; generators, sandbags (pre-filled and empty), ice, dry ice, food, and MREs.
Maryland Energy Administration
- MEA is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Energy, other state agencies, as well as private industry stakeholders.
- The MEA Emergency Team is active and monitoring for any energy related outages throughout the state or reduced commodity flows.
- In communication with BGE regarding potential natural gas leak(s) and downed power lines
