Risk Management Archives

Talbot Firefighters Gain New AeroFit System for Safer, Smarter Mask Testing

Talbot County firefighters have received a brand new AeroFit testing system, a device that delivers precise, OSHA-compliant fit tests for N95 respirators, elastomeric masks, and other protective gear. The equipment, fully funded by the County, was purchased to reduce costs for local stations and increase safety for emergency responders. From the county press release: “Providing our firefighters with the right tools is critical,” stated Jimmy Eason, President of the Talbot County Volunteer Fire & Rescue…

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September 11, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management

Montgomery Announces New Streamlined Process for Fire Code Compliance Permits

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is streamlining the permitting process for applying and renewing annual fire code compliance (FCC) permits online. From the county press release: “It is important that business owners maintain their fire protection systems and renew their FCC permits online each year,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “This new DPS process is designed to be more efficient for customers and staff. Ensuring commercial buildings are compliant with fire…

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September 4, 2025

County News / Human Resources / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management / Summer Conference

Supporting Those Who Serve: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

When tragedy strikes, it’s often the first responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and others—who arrive first on the scene. While they work tirelessly to support our communities, who supports them when the emotional and psychological toll becomes too much? Recently, several experts and advocates came together to highlight the importance of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), trauma-informed care, and proactive mental health support for those on the front lines. The Honorable Senator Cheryl Kagan moderated an…

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August 20, 2025

County Budgets / County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation / Risk Management

Charles Awarded Grant for Innovative Stormwater Pocket Park

The Charles County Resilience Authority, in partnership with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, and the Department of Planning and Growth Management, has announced the award of a $438,000 grant for the construction of the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Stormwater Pocket Park. From the county press release: “We’re excited about the Stormwater Pocket Park at the Waldorf Elite Gymnastics Center, which will transform unused space into vibrant green space for our residents. This project supports…

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July 17, 2025

County Budgets / County News / News You Can Use / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management

Streamlined Aid Now Available for Allegany Flood Survivors

In response to the devastating flooding that occurred on May 13, 2025, Allegany County, working in close coordination with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Allegany County Department of Social Services, has launched a single, combined application to streamline aid for affected residents. This comprehensive application is designed to connect residents with various disaster recovery funds through a single form. Eligible applicants may qualify for assistance such as: Appliance replacement Vehicle insurance deductible…

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June 26, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / NACo and Federal Issues / News You Can Use / Risk Management

County Webinar: Harnessing AWARE Flood Sensors via NACo PPP

Discover how counties can deploy the AWARE Flood System—rugged, solar-powered IoT sensors available through the competitively bid NACo Public Promise Procurement Safeware contract—to turn rising water into actionable intelligence. This webinar will demonstrate how each lightweight node tracks depth, temperature, and barometric pressure, pushes real-time alerts over cellular or Iridium satellite link, and keeps reporting for seven days even without sunlight. Learn the simple “piggy-back” procurement steps inside Public Promise Procurement (PPP), funding streams that…

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June 4, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / Environment / Risk Management

Calvert Earns CRS 7 Ranking, Reducing Flood Insurance Rates

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) announces Calvert County has earned a Class 7 rating under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS program offers reduced flood insurance rates to communities that take action to become more resilient to flooding. Calvert County’s new rating qualifies most policyholders for a 15% discount on their flood insurance premiums. The BOCC adopted the 2024 Calvert County Flood Mitigation Plan as an amendment to…

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May 29, 2025

Government Liability and Courts / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning / Public Information and Ethics / Risk Management

County Attorneys Focus on Building Respect and Collaboration With State Agencies

County attorneys shared time with the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Planning, and Maryland Supreme Court members during the 2025 MACo County Attorneys Affiliate Conference. The Maryland Association of County Civil Attorneys, also known as the MACo County Attorneys Affiliate, hosted their 2025 County Attorneys Conference at Turf Valley Resort in Howard County with a full agenda. Affiliate President Roscoe Leslie, Worcester County Attorney, welcomed…

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May 22, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / Risk Management

St. Mary’s Invests in Emergency Water Access for Local Fire Departments

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) has installed the first 30,000-gallon water storage tank to support local fire departments in emergency response efforts. The tank was placed on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the Porto Bello Subdivision in Callaway, as part of a multiyear capital project in partnership with local fire departments. This initiative will enhance emergency water access by installing water storage tanks and dry hydrants in more isolated…

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March 12, 2025

County News / Emergency Management / Public Safety and Corrections / Risk Management

Talbot Gears Up for Another Year of Excellence in Emergency Training

Talbot County is once again hosting Winterfest EMS, a premier regional training event for emergency service professionals. Celebrating its 29th year, the conference will run from January 31 to February 2, 2025, offering a robust program of essential training sessions and hands-on workshops. The conference is hosted by Talbot County Department of Emergency Services (DES), with support from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) and their EMS for Children (EMSC) program. Sponsors…

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January 9, 2025