Maryland’s Congressional delegation is urging President Obama to declare Hurricane Sandy a major disaster for Maryland, as reported.  The declaration would make Dorchester, Somerset and Worcester Counties and Baltimore City eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars, according to Gazette.net.

“Maryland and its local jurisdictions have contributed a vast amount of resources in a very short period,” wrote the delegation in a letter signed by Sens. Barbara Mikulski (D) of Baltimore and Benjamin L. Cardin (D) of Pikesville, as well as all eight congressional representatives. “The assistance requested will provide vital resources to save lives and protect property.”

The letter to President Obama was written in support of Governor Martin O’Malley’s November 8 request for federal aid.  It references “the significant impact that this storm had on Maryland’s already thin resources.”

County emergency response resources and the local role in emergency response will be featured at MACo’s upcoming winter conference.  Many disaster preparedness best practices will be shared, including continuity of operations planning, the use of social media during emergencies, vulnerable populations care, human resources issues during emergencies, and county infrastructure protection.