Following Governor Larry Hogan's declaration of a State of Emergency for Maryland prior to the potential impact of Hurricane Florence, state agencies are preparing for their individual agency's response to the storm.
The Maryland Emergency Management Agency is coordinating activities and staffing to ensure an efficient response, the agency said. Local jurisdiction requests are also being supported and coordinated by MEMA.
The Maryland National Guard is ready to respond in emergency or recovery situations, MEMA said.
The Maryland Department of Human Services is coordinating mass care and preparing state shelters in local jurisdictions, MEMA said.
The Maryland Insurance Administration is readying response teams to handle consumer related insurance issues, MEMA said. More information about insurance preparedness can be found on the department's website.
The Department of Disabilities is preparing a large inventory of accessibility devices to mass care shelters. The agency is also sharing emergency preparedness tips on their social media accounts.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Authority will increase monitoring for road conditions that may affect travel or bussing, and track conditions that might affect Light RailLink or Metro SubwayLink service. The State Highway Administration is deploying road crews to clear drainage systems and prep emergency response tools to stay ahead of issues that might affect area roads.
Maryland State Police are coordinating personnel with MEMA to assign deployments based on predicted need.
Boaters are recommended to secure their vessels with extra lines and bumpers, readying them for impending rough seas.
Several state parks may have limited or restricted public access due to safety concerns.
For updated information from MEMA's efforts with other state agencies, follow the agency on Twitter, Facebook, or go to the agency's site.
"There is an elevated potential for historic and catastrophic rainfall, life-threatening flooding, and high winds. I urge Marylanders to stay tuned to your local news stations for the latest updates, listen to state and local authorities, use common sense, and most importantly, plan and be prepared ahead of this storm," Hogan said. "Don't wait until Wednesday."
