01.01.20 15.23.
Executive Order Regarding Hurricane Joaquin
Declaration of a State of Emergency

State of Maryland

WHEREAS, The State of Maryland is subject to a variety of hazards and disasters including an impending emergency as defined in Section 14- 101 (c)( l ) of the Public Safety Article of the Annotated  Code of Maryland;

WHEREAS, Having been advised and informed by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency that as a result of the impending impact of Hurricane Joaquin and associated there is a need for special preparedness and response for which resources may be requested;

WHEREAS, Hurricane Joaquin is currently a category four hurricane moving towards the East Coast of the United States and forecasted by the National Hurricane Center to impact the State of Maryland;

WHEREAS, The precise path of Hurricane Joaquin remains uncertain and the entire State of Maryland must therefore take steps to prepare for potential property destruction and minimize the threat to public safety and the lives of all Marylanders who may be in the path of the storm;

WHEREAS, There is a need to take protective actions to protect the lives and property of citizens expected to be impacted by the potentially disastrous effects of Hurricane Joaquin;

WHEREAS, Resources may be requested due to intense and powerfu1 wind, heavy rains, and flooding that may affect the State of Maryland;

WHEREAS, Transportation, water utility, and other critical infrastructure may be negatively affected by power outages, wind damage, and flooding;

WHEREAS, State and local government agencies may require additional resources and support in order to implement protective actions and meet the public safety and welfare needs of citizens that could be affected by the storm, heavy winds, flooding, and power outages;

WHEREAS, The citizens of Maryland may require direct assistance in repairing damaged homes and businesses and in order to return to their daily lives;

WHEREAS, The Federal Emergency Management Agency has urged all residents to take steps now to prepare their families and businesses for the impending hurricane;

WHEREAS, Certain regulations related to commercial vehicles may need to be waived;

WHEREAS, Use of resources of the Maryland National Guard maybe required; and

WHEREAS, In order to facilitate the deployment of requisite resources within provisions of Maryland law and in order to implement the emergency powers of the Governor, an Executive Order of the Governor is necessary and appropriate.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAWRENCE J. HOGAN, JR., GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LAWS OF MARYLAND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TITLE 14 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE, AND BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS WITHIN THE ENTIRE STATE OF MARYLAND PERTAINING TO THE NEED TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANE JOAQUIN.

As a result of the emergency condition, the following measures are enacted:

1. The Maryland National Guard is called into action and State service.
2. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland State Police, and/or any other appropriate State authority, are authorized to engage, deploy and coordinate available resources and activate their emergency preparedness plans.
3. Given the uncertain path, severity and impact of Hurricane Joaquin on the State of Maryland, all State employees are to report for work as they would in the ordinary course, unless otherwise directed.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Stale or Maryland in the City of Annapolis, this 1st Day of October, 2015.

Signed,

Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr.
Governor

Attest:

John C. Wobensmith
Secretary of State