Emergency Management Newsroom
Ways to Receive Emergency Notifications
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Emergency Notification System
Baltimore County's Emergency Notification System (ENS) is designed to enhance emergency preparedness by notifying citizens and businesses of emergency situations that may require time-sensitive protective actions. The system sends a recorded message and /or e-mail to Baltimore County homes and businesses, providing safety information and/or instructions. Since ENS went online in 2007, it has been used in Baltimore County for severe weather events, incidents involving hazardous materials, utility outage notifications and more. Learn how to receive these notifications.
Emergency Notifications On Cable TV
During emergencies, Emergency Management officials may broadcast information about shelters, evacuations and other protective actions on BCTV Channel 25, Baltimore County's cable access channel.
Current Headlines
SBA Disaster Loans Available in Maryland As a Result of Flooding and Flash Flooding
Small businesses who suffered losses in Baltimore County from excessive rain, flooding, and flash flooding (PDF, open new window) associated with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee that occurred August 26 through September 12, 2011 may be eligible for disaster aid. The deadline is July 9, 2012.
SBA Disaster Loans Available in Maryland As a Result of Drought and Excessive Heat
Small businesses who suffered losses in Baltimore County from drought and excessive heat (PDF, opens new window) that occurred on June 1 through August 30, 2011 may be eligible for disaster aid. The deadline is July 9, 2012.
Maryland Receives Federal Crop Disaster Designation Due to Extreme Weather and Crop Losses
Farmers in Baltimore County, Baltimore City and 14 other counties were approved for federal crop disaster designation (PDF) due to widespread crop losses from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Applications for 2011 crop losses will be accepted into 2012, when the 2011 farm revenue data required by statute becomes available.
Disaster Assistance Available to Small Businesses That Suffered Storm Damage
On November 22, 2011, the SBA announced that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture (including fishermen, oystermen, etc.) and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Baltimore County, Maryland, and other counties as a result of the combined effects of drought, excessive heat and damage resulting from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee that occurred from April 1 through Oct. 31, 2011.
Loans are available to eligible farm-related and non-farm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquacultural enterprises, agriculture producers, farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply to SBA, but nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.
Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the U.S. Small Business Administration's web site. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline for the return of economic injury applications is July 16, 2012.
USDA Disaster Assistance Available for Farmers That Suffered Storm Damage
On November 14, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designated three counties in Maryland -- Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties, and three counties in Pennsylvania as natural disaster areas due to excessive rain, flooding and flash flooding associated with Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. These counties were designated natural disaster areas November 9, 2011, making qualified farm operators and ranchers eligible for low interest emergency loans (PDF, opens new window) from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farmers and ranchers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans.
Disaster Assistance Available to Non-Profit Organizations That Suffered Storm Damage
On November 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that certain Private Non-Profit Organizations (PNPs) in Maryland that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest rate disaster loans (PDF). These loans are available as a result of a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee that occurred on September 6 - 9, 2011.
PNPs located in Baltimore County are eligible to apply. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is December 5, 2011. The deadline to return economic injury applications is July 5, 2012.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans Offered to Eligible Storm Victims
Baltimore County residents who believe they have suffered damages from Tropical Storm Lee may be eligible for federal assistance from the SBA. The deadline for economic injury applications is June 12, 2012. Additional information is available in this SBA Disaster News Release (PDF) and SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet (PDF).
Information for Victims of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee
Baltimore County citizens who have suffered damages as a result of Hurricane Irene and remnants of Tropical Storm Lee should investigate a number of State programs for disaster victims:
- Maryland Disaster Housing Assistance Program (MDHAP) Application Process (PDF opens new window)
MDHAP is activated during the State's response to a disaster situation. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) must first make a disaster determination to activate this program. Upon activation, the process is three-step.
Step 1: Preliminary Application (PDF opens new window) and Documentation of Uninhabitable Dwelling. (PDF opens new window) The details provided on these forms document and provide the necessary information that an applicant's dwelling has been rendered uninhabitable as a result of a specific disaster.
Step 2: Voucher and Identification of a Unit. (PDF) The DHCD will verify the preliminary application documents and issue a voucher (PDF) to the applicant for rent payments. The applicant will receive a MDHAP Contract (PDF opens new window) and Unit Information Sheet (PDF) documentation.
Step 3: Approval of Unit and Payment. Upon receipt and verification of information provided on the Unit Information Sheet and MDHAP Contract, the DHCD, upon approval, will provide rent to the landlord for 90 days. - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) Existing Home Improvement Programs (PDF opens new window)
This brochure describes a variety of home improvement programs offered by the DHCD. - Maryland Accessible Homes for Seniors (PDF opens new window)
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA), is offering an interest free deferred payment home improvement loan program to seniors. Loans are earmarked for handicapped accessibility improvements to help seniors stay in their homes. This brochure provides a list of contacts who can provide additional information.
Weather Alerts Provided by NOAA
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Preparedness Information
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
A six-week program to train community leaders how to help themselves and their neighbors during weather disasters and other emergencies begins March 20, 2012 at the Cockeysville Volunteer Fire Company. Online registration is available, or contact the county's Office of Volunteers at 410-887-2715.
Are You Ready for Winter Storms?
Now is the time you have the right supplies and the right plan to get through a winter storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides helpful preparation tips.
Ready? Set? Good!
Every household should be prepared to get through the first three days of a disaster. Your disaster preparedness kit should start with flashlights and batteries, a battery-operated radio and plenty of water. Follow these tips from Fire Captain Ross Cooke.
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.
Don't Drive Through Floodwaters: "Turn Around, Don't Drown"
Most flash flooding deaths occur when people attempt to drive through floodwaters; a foot of moving water can carry away a vehicle. "Turn around, don't drown," and learn more about avoiding disaster during a flash flood.
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.
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.
Create 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 January 31, 2012
