| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | ||
| Monday, July 9, 2012 |
| Mayor Rawlings-Blake Thanks Employees, Non-Profit Partners and Volunteers for their Part in City’s Storm Response Effort | ||
BALTIMORE, MD. (JULY 9, 2012)-Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued the following statement regarding the city’s storm response:”Yesterday, almost nine days after a sudden summer storm hit the Baltimore region, I ordered the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to stand down. Since early morning on Saturday, June 30, the EOC was fully activated to coordinate city recovery efforts. Over a week of high temperatures and countless challenges for residents and city government has come to an end. On behalf of the people of Baltimore, I want to thank the hundreds of City employees who worked in impacted communities to keep our streets safe, clear debris, repair disabled traffic signals, and distribute ice and water to vulnerable populations. These employees worked in extreme weather on scheduled days off, including a national holiday. Their effort this week makes us proud.I want to give a special thanks to the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management (MOEM). Director Robert Maloney and his staff coordinate the response by city agencies, state and federal partners, private businesses, and non-profit organization. Year after year, MOEM and its partners participate in drills to prepare their response to any number of man-made or natural disasters. They follow the National Incident Management System, which allows the city’s response to an incident to be swift and effective. In the City’s EOC, our partners – including Baltimore Gas and Electric – shared information 24-7. At regular meetings throughout the day, this team updated my office with the latest progress, and allowed me to see in real-time how we were using our resources. This system also allowed us to know where the most vulnerable populations were located. From day one, we made targeted phone calls, and deployed staff and volunteers to go door-to-door to check on residents without power. By focusing our resources where they were needed most, we saved lives. Joining us in our community efforts were non-profit and volunteer partners. The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Maryland Defense Force, and our Community Emergency Response Teams walked side-by-side with city officials to bring relief to residents. Also vital to our outreach efforts were leaders in the communities most impacted by the storm. The Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods was in constant communication with people in our neighborhoods, and they helped us target our outreach. I want to thank Ms. Lillian Sydnor of Park Heights, Ms. Jackson of Frankford, Mr. Cornell Smith of Sandtown, Mr. Jonathan Greene of East Arlington, and so many others for helping us reach those in need. Since becoming Mayor, Baltimore has endured and overcome snow storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, an earthquake, and last week’s derecho. We cannot know what is in store for us, but by training, planning, and fostering strong relationships, we believe that Baltimore City will be prepared for whatever comes next.” |
