The State of Maryland
Executive Department
EXECUTIVE ORDER

01.01.2018.22

Declaration of a State of Emergency

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

WHEREAS, Having been advised and informed by the Maryland Emergency Management Agency that, as a result of the impending impact of Hurricane Florence moving into the Mid-Atlantic, and the associated intense and powerful winds, severe rains, flooding, and other significant hazards, there is a need for special preparedness and response for which State resources may be requested;

WHEREAS, Hurricane Florence continues to move toward the East Coast of the United States;

WHEREAS, Action is needed to protect the lives and property of Maryland citizens expected to be impacted by the effects of Hurricane Florence;

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 to implement protective actions and meet the public safety and welfare needs of Maryland citizens that could be affected by the storm and related winds, flooding, and power outages;

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

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

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

WHEREAS, In order to implement the emergency powers of the Governor and facilitate the deployment of needed resources, an executive order 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 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 HURRICANE FLORENCE, AND PROCLAIM THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

1. The Maryland National Guard is hereby called into State service.
2. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland State Police, and 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. Given the uncertain path, severity, and impact on the State of Hurricane Florence, 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 State of Maryland, in the City of Annapolis, effective this 10th Day of September, 2018.

Lawrence J. Hogan, Jr
Governor

ATTEST:
John C. Wobensmith
Secretary of State