Governor Martin O’Malley this morning signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency for all Maryland counties as the State continues to monitor Hurricane Sandy and its potential impact. The declaration gives the state flexibility to activate the Maryland National Guard and provide assistance to local emergency managers.
“As Hurricane Sandy makes its way north, I urge all Maryland residents to prepare for extreme weather,” said Governor O’Malley. “I urge all Marylanders to review their family emergency plans, make sure their emergency supplies like batteries and water are fully stocked and to stay informed.”
The declaration of a state of emergency (among other things):
- requires the Director of MEMA to coordinate agencies’ activities to alleviate the emergency;
- authorizes the deployment and use of resources covered under the State and local emergency plans;
- authorizes the use or distribution of supplies, equipment, materials, and facilities that have been stockpiled or arranged to be made available in emergencies;
- permits the Governor, if the Governor finds it necessary in order to protect the public health, welfare, or safety, to suspend the effect of statutes and regulations of the State (or localities);
- activates the National Guard to provide assistance if necessary.
A copy of the Executive Order can be found here: http://www.governor.maryland.gov/executiveorders/01.01.2012.19eo.pdf
