Website: http://mema.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Phone: (877) 636-2872
MEMA – the Maryland Emergency Management Agency – was created by the Maryland legislature to ensure our state is prepared to deal with large-scale emergencies. MEMA is responsible for coordinating the state’s response in any major emergency or disaster. This includes supporting local governments as needed or requested, and coordinating assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal partners.
In times of disaster, the Executive Director of MEMA activates the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to support local governments as necessary or requested. Representatives from state departments and supporting agencies, as well as some federal agencies, the private sector and volunteer organizations, are present in the SEOC. Representatives have the authority to make decisions and allocate resources and funds necessary on behalf of their agency for emergency response. When the Governor declares a state of emergency, MEMA coordinates efforts with FEMA to request a Presidential Disaster Declaration and provide assistance to those impacted by the disaster.
Through our mitigation and recovery process, MEMA strives to reduce or eliminate the impact of future disasters. Close coordination with local jurisdictions and other state agencies may result in responsible land use, appropriate changes to our building codes, and suitable routes for hazardous material transportation to name just a few. Proper planning and preparedness are the keys to surviving a disaster. Therefore by working together with local emergency managers our action plans become pivotal in saving resources, funds, and most importantly, lives.