The State of Maryland
Executive Department

EXECUTIVE ORDER 01.01.2023.13

Declaration of a State of Emergency

WHEREAS,   The State of Maryland is subject to a variety of hazards and disasters, including an impending emergency as defined in Section 14-10 I(c) of the Public Safety Article of the Maryland Code;

WHEREAS,   Having been advised and informed by the Maryland Department of Emergency Management that, as a result of the impending impact of severe weather predicted for the State, including a significant risk of strong winds, tidal surge, inland flooding and isolated tornadoes, with impacts expected to begin on September 22, 2023, action may be needed to protect the lives and property of Maryland residents and visitors expected to be impacted by the severe weather;

WHEREAS,   Because of the potential impacts of this severe weather and in preparation for all contingencies, an emergency exists statewide;

WHEREAS,   Transportation, utilities, and other critical infrastructure may be negatively affected by the impacts of the storms including high winds and flooding;

WHEREAS,   State and local government agencies may require additional resources and support to implement proactive actions and meet the public safety and welfare needs of Maryland residents who are negatively affected by the impacts of the severe weather including high winds, tidal surge, inland flooding and isolated tornadoes;

WHEREAS,   Maryland residents may require direct assistance in repairing damaged homes and businesses;

WHEREAS,   In order to waive certain regulations to facilitate emergency response and restoration activities, to activate certain emergency contracts, and to facilitate the deployment of requisite resources within provisions of Maryland law;

WHEREAS,   Use of the resources of the Maryland National Guard may be required;

WHEREAS,   An Executive Order to implement the emergency powers of the Governor is a prerequisite for potential federal emergency and disaster assistance;
 
WHEREAS,   In order to implement the emergency powers of the Governor to facilitate the deployment of needed resources, an executive order is necessary and appropriate;

NOW, THEREFORE,    I, WES MOORE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO TITLE 14 OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND CODE, AND BASED ON THE ABOVE FINDINGS, HEREBY DECLARE THAT AN EMERGENCY EXISTS IN THE STATE AND THAT PREPARATIONS MUST BE MADE FOR THE ANTICIPATED SEVERE WEATHER, AND HEREBY PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

1. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is hereby directed to coordinate the State preparedness and response to impacts of severe weather.
2. All other appropriate State authorities are hereby authorized to activate their emergency preparedness plans and engage, deploy, use, and coordinate available resources in furtherance of those plans.
3. The Maryland National Guard is hereby called into State service.

GIVEN Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, this 22nd Day of September 2023.

Wes Moore 
Governor

ATTEST:

Susan Lee 
Secretary of State