Agency or Department Name Here (for pda/handhelds)

Accomplishments for Core Goal #11 Backup Power and Communications

Backup Power and Communications
Two of the most basic capacities necessary for any operation are continuity of power and redundant means of communication.  Prior to the O’Malley Administration’s focus on these key areas, the State had little or no information on the availability of generators or pre-wiring for generators at the local level, continuity of operations planning was disorganized and uncoordinated, and had inaccurate or incomplete information on redundant communications assets.  Since 2007, the State has focused on inventorying and identifying gaps in backup power and communications resources and in planning to ensure continuity of service and government during times of need.  Following are key projects and accomplishments:

• In 2007, the State had inaccurate and incomplete information regarding back up capabilities for the primary shelters in local jurisdictions; today, the Department of Human Resources has confirmed 20 shelter sites (state and local) throughout the State that have full backup power capabilities or have full backup power capabilities in selected areas of the facility.  Full backup power allows these facilities to run heating and air conditioning units and provide sufficient electrical power for people with special, functional needs.  DHR works with the Maryland State Department of Education to survey local shelters surveys shelter sites bi-annually for data such as generator size and capacity, facility areas or wings that are supplied power, fuel source, pre-wired facilities, transfer switch type, and HVAC back up.

• Conducted a census of backup power capabilities used to identify gaps and needs at critical facilities.  In 2009, MEMA divided state and local agencies into four tiers based on priority of maintaining operations and surveyed their backup power capabilities at critical facilities.  At least 522 State agency facilities and 131 local facilities have been identified and surveyed for backup power capabilities.   

• Ordered an executive branch revision of all department and agency Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP).  COOP plans detail the steps an agency will take to ensure it able to continue its core operations in the event it loses electrical power, communications, or another essential service.  At the Governor’s order, all executive departments and agencies updated and revised their COOP plans with the assistance of MEMA.  By late 2010 every State agency had submitted an initial COOP document that had been subjected is to “peer review” and returned for revisions.  Local jurisdictions continue to work on COOP planning to ensure continuity of services and government during facility-specific, agency-specific, or large-scale disasters affecting a governmental entity’s ability to perform essential functions. 

• Connected local 911 centers and emergency operations centers to the State’s Public Safety Intranet (PSINet).  Twenty-two public safety answering points (911 centers), local emergency operations centers, DHMH, MIEMSS, and MEMA are now connected to the State’s PSINet microwave network.  This network provides backup communications, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) capability and redundancy to existing systems and will operate even when a primary network is inoperable.

• Completed a new State Emergency Alert System (EAS) plan in coordination with private broadcasters and emergency management.  The Emergency Alert System, formerly known as the Emergency Broadcast System, is used during emergencies to alert the public through television and radio stations.  MEMA in cooperation with private broadcasters developed a new plan that takes advantage of new Federal Communications Commission regulations allowing the Governor or his designee to utilize this system during emergencies.

• Purchased and implemented RoamSecure, a system administered by the Maryland Joint Operations Center within MEMA to provide emergency alerts to essential employees.  This system provides for rapid notification, alert, and recall of essential employees to service during emergencies.