Emergency Management in Montgomery County: Preparing for the Unpredictable

Introduction

Montgomery County, Maryland, is a vibrant and diverse community, but like any other area, it faces a range of potential emergencies and disasters. To address these challenges, the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and preparedness of the county's residents. In this article, we will explore the hazards that Montgomery County faces, the importance of being prepared, and the steps individuals and communities can take to enhance their readiness in the face of adversity.

Hazards in Montgomery County

Montgomery County is no stranger to a variety of hazards, both natural and man-made, that can disrupt daily life and pose serious threats to the community. Some of these significant events that have impacted the area in the past include:

• Derecho
• Water Main Breaks
• Blizzard of 2016
• Flower Branch Apartment Explosion
• Central Maryland Tornadoes in 2020
• Ellicott City Floods in 2016 and 2018
• Baltimore Civil Unrest in 2015
• Papal Visit to Washington, D.C.

Natural Hazards within the County

The county experiences a range of natural hazards, including:

• Thunderstorms
• Winter Storms
• Extreme Heat and Extreme Cold
• Flooding
• Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Utility Disruptions

In addition to these natural and man-made hazards, Montgomery County residents should also be prepared for utility disruptions, such as power outages, gas leaks, and water-related problems. Here are some essential tips for dealing with these disruptions:

Power Outage:

• Call your power provider.
• Turn off all appliances that will turn on and unplug them.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers set to as cold as possible.
• Assume downed power lines are dangerous.
• Don't use candles.
• Don't use generators indoors.

Gas Leaks:

• Evacuate and call 911.
• Do not smoke or light lighters or matches.
• Do not operate any light switches or electrical devices.

Water-related problems:

• Ensure you have a three-day supply of water in your emergency kit (one gallon per person per day).
• Insulate your pipes before cold weather arrives.

When to Call 9-1-1

It's essential to know when to call 9-1-1 in emergency situations. Some situations that warrant a 9-1-1 call include:

• Any life-threatening situation, such as fights, weapons, personal injury, or vehicle collisions.
• An immediate fear for your personal safety or the safety of others.
• A serious crime in progress, such as robbery, burglary, or assault.
• The smell of gas or downed power lines.
• Any type of fire.
• Any serious medical problem that requires immediate medical response.

Make a Plan

To ensure your safety and the well-being of your loved ones, it's essential to have a well-thought-out emergency plan. Here are some steps to consider when making your plan:

• Identify at least 2 people to be in your support network.
• Include what to do if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.
• Identify how you would communicate with your loved ones in the event of an emergency.
• Create a written plan with a list of medications, special medical conditions, eyeglass prescriptions, health insurance information, and contact details for doctors and pharmacists.
• Talk to everyone in your home about the plan, and make sure everyone knows where supplies are kept.
• Ensure you have the appropriate insurance for your home, including flood insurance, if applicable.
• Be familiar with the emergency plans of buildings you visit often.
• Clear hallways and exits for easy evacuation.
• Know when and how to shut off your utilities.
• Establish a support network and consider shelter and transportation options for special needs.

Building a Kit

Preparing an emergency kit is a crucial aspect of being ready for any disaster. There are two types of kits to consider: one for sheltering in place and one for a "go bag." Here's what you should include in each kit:

Shelter in Place Kit:

• Food and water (3 days' worth)
• Clothes and shoes
• Manual can opener
• Radio and batteries
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Hygiene items
• Important documents
• Contact information
• Maps
• Money
• Personal items (items for pets, infants, etc.)

Go Bag:

• Food/snacks
• Clothes and shoes
• Radio, flashlight, batteries, or a charger
• First aid kit
• Medication
• Hygiene items
• Extra pair of eyeglasses/contacts
• Important documents
• Contact information
• Maps
• Money
• Personal items (items for pets, infants, etc.)

Stay Informed

Staying informed is essential during any emergency. Tune in to local weather providers and the National Weather Service (NWS) to receive updates and important information regarding current conditions and potential threats.

Get Involved

To further enhance your preparedness and support your community, consider getting involved in local emergency response and volunteer organizations, such as:

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• County Animal Response Team (CART)
• The Red Cross
• Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
• Emergency Support Volunteers (ESCVs)
• Montgomery County COAD

Resources

For more information and resources, visit the OEMHS Resource Library and Ready.gov. By taking these steps and preparing for various emergencies, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of yourself, your loved ones, and your community in Montgomery County. In times of crisis, preparedness can make all the difference. Download this presentation.

Activities Chair Vivian Wolpers presents Mr. Fleming with a token of our appreciation for speaking.

Patrick Fleming is a National Capital Region (NCR) Emergency Preparedness Specialist with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS). Mr. Fleming earned a Master of Science in Law with a concentration on Crisis Management and Homeland Security from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore.

He has ample experience developing numerous emergency preparedness and response initiatives in collaboration with various Montgomery County agencies, coordinating resources and donations with volunteer and community organizations, and delivering expedited recovery efforts for Montgomery County residents affected by man-made and naturally occurring disasters.

He spoke to the MCCAAA on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

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