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What's Going On ...

Emergency Notifications Available on Twitter

Sign up to receive emergency updates and other information from the Office of Emergency Management on the social networking tool, Twitter. Our twitter account is BACOemergency; visit www.twitter.com/BACOemergency to sign up.

Senior Centers Will Serve As Cooling Centers During Periods of Extreme Heat

Baltimore County senior centers will serve as public cooling centers periods of extreme heat. When the County declares a heat emergency, certain senior centers will open as “cooling centers” with extended hours until 8 p.m.

High heat and humidity already are settling over our region. Extreme heat can cause serious health problems and even death, especially among the elderly and other vulnerable populations. Educate your self about how to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.

Emergency Preparedness Program Comes To Woodlawn

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors," an all-hazards program designed to teach people the skills required to get through the first, critical 72 hours following an emergency, begins Tuesday, September 21 in Woodlawn.

Hurricane Season Lasts Through November

Are you prepared for a tropical or storm or a hurricane? The National Hurricane Center provides information on preparing and up-to-the-minute information about tropical storms hurricanes.

Tornado Watches and Warnings: What To Do

Tornadoes occur with regularity in Maryland and can strike with very little warning. A "watch" means conditions are right for tornadoes; a "warning" means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar. Make sure you know what to do; visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's tornado resource.

Information About Disaster Assistance For 2009-2010 Winter Storms

Baltimore County is eligible for federal disaster aid to assist with recovery from the February 2010  winter storm. See our online resource for recent updates about assistance related to the 2009-2010 winter season.

Water and Power Outages

Water and power outages occur fairly frequently. Every household should be prepared to get along for 72 hours without power and water. Make sure you are prepared.

Turn Around, Don't Drown

Flash flooding is fairly common during the summer storm season. Do not drive through floodwaters, and take other appropriate safety precautions.

H1N1 Flu

Join the Health Department's H1N1 Community Connection Network and receive email updates about H1N1 in Baltimore County. Visit the federal Centers for Disease Control for daily updates about the swine flu outbreak. Two other useful resources: www.flu.gov, and the helpful, "Swine Flu and You" fact sheet; it answers the most common questions about swine flu.

Disaster Loans Available For Small Businesses Affected by Vomitoxin

Federal disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations affected by vomitoxin, a toxin resulting from wet weather that occurred from May 1, 2009 to June 30, 2009. Loan applications must be returned to the U.S. Small Business Administration by July 13, 2010.

Are You Prepared?

Renters Need Renter's Insurance

Few victims of apartment fires have renter's insurance. If you rent, your belongings are not covered unless you are covered by a renter's insurance policy. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the Maryland Insurance Administration provide additional information.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Homeowner's policies do not include protection from flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area, you need to purchase flood insurance. The National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage for homeowners who need it.

Emergency Notifications On Cable TV

During a weather emergency or manmade disaster, the Office of Emergency Management will broadcast notifications about shelters, safety information and county closings on BCTV Channel 25 on your cable dial. The notifications will repeat for the duration of the emergency.

Plan For Your Pets

Pet owners need to prepare in advance where they will take their animals during an emergency. Make sure you prepare for your pets by having the right supplies and a plan for where you will take them during an evacuation. Many shelters do not accept animals.

Creating An Emergency Plan

If a disaster struck the Baltimore region, it could be days before help arrives and basic services are restored. Would you and your family be ready? Baltimore County's Office of Emergency Management encourages every household to prepare to get along for 72 hours following an emergency. Learn more about how to prepare by having the right supplies and a plan.

Contact Us

The director of the Baltimore County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is Mark F. Hubbard.

Contact the office by calling 410-887-5996, or by e-mailing emergencymanagement@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Revised August 3, 2010