The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) Deputy Director, Operational Support Hannah Thomas, and Emergency Response Specialist Elizabeth Adams had the opportunity to serve as counselors during the second annual Anne Arundel County Office of Emergency Management’s HERricane summer camp program this July. HERricane Camp is a week-long program created and sponsored by the Institute for Diversity and Equity in Emergency Management (I-DIEM). I-DIEM is a global non-profit established to integrate equity into emergency management. Their focus is on supporting and empowering marginalized communities within the disaster management cycle.

The HERricane camp is designed to empower, educate, and encourage young women to pursue careers in public safety. The free camp was geared towards women ages 16-21 who reside within Anne Arundel County. Twenty-three young women participated in the program this year as campers, and five returning campers participated as junior counselors. Other counselors included accomplished women from various public safety agencies within the State of Maryland.

The first two days of the camp offered field trips to the Anne Arundel County Emergency Operations Center

(EOC) and the City of Annapolis EOC. At both locations, the campers participated in various presentations and activities. Some of the highlights include:

• • A presentation from the Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart L. Pittman Jr., discussing the importance of collaboration between elected officials and emergency management professionals.
  • A presentation from the Director of Anne Arundel County’s Office of Emergency Management, Preeti Emrick, outlining what emergency management is and what it looks like in Anne Arundel County.
  • A presentation and activity led by the Anne Arundel County Fire Department’s technical rescue crews, demonstrating the use of several tools necessary for rescue.
  • A presentation led by the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s K9 unit, displaying the skills of the K9 handlers and their partners.
  • An activity mimicking the reporting style of American meteorologist Jim Cantore, allowing campers to present in front of a green screen with fake wind and rain and a lot of background noise.
  • A presentation and activity from the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management, giving the campers the opportunity to present a weather report with song lyrics.

A presentation by Mayor Gavin Buckley of the City of Annapolis, highlighting the importance of emergency management in the city and discussing past incidents the city has successfully responded to and recovered from.

The last three days of camp were primarily held at Anne Arundel Community College. The campers received additional information on career opportunities in public safety and guidance on navigating these roles as women in a predominantly male-dominated field. Some of the highlights include:

• • Stop the Bleed training
  • CPR/AED/First Aid Training taught by MDERS Emergency Response Specialist Elizabeth Adams.
  • A tour of the Health and Life Sciences Building at the Anne Arundel Community College and informative discussions on education in public safety.
  • A presentation from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary, Russel Strickland.
  • An activity titled “Extreme Event” where the campers had the opportunity to test their skills and knowledge of resource management in an emergency.
  • A presentation on stress management from Anne Arundel County Risk Management.
  • A drone presentation by MDERS Deputy Director Hannah Thomas and junior counselor Kayla Foliente.

The camp ended with an awards ceremony, highlighting each camper’s significant participation during the week and presenting them with a certificate of completion. This camp uplifts young women and empowers them to seek careers in public safety. It also provides them with mentorship from counselors and junior counselors to support them in their future endeavors.

The HERricane summer camp has once again succeeded in its mission to inspire and equip the next generation of female leaders in public safety. Through hands-on experiences, engaging presentations, and mentorship, these young women have not only gained practical skills but also a deeper understanding of the vital roles they can play in their communities. As the camp participants move forward with newfound confidence and knowledge, they carry with them the powerful message that the future of public safety is indeed female, and they are at the forefront of shaping that future.

Building on the success of our presentations at the Maryland Emergency Management Association (MDEMA) Symposium earlier this year, the Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) continued to showcase our stakeholder’s cutting-edge initiatives on a national stage. Last month, MDERS and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) had the privilege of presenting at the National Homeland Security Conference (NHSC) in Miami, Florida, one of the most significant gatherings of homeland security professionals in the country.

The NHSC brings together professionals from various sectors, including homeland security, law enforcement, fire, and emergency management. Participants range from federal agency officials and nonprofit representatives to business owners, academic leaders, and key decision-makers. This conference serves as a crucial platform for sharing insights into emerging trends and technologies in the field of homeland security.

At this year’s conference, MDERS and MCPD proudly presented within the Emerging Technologies track, focusing on integrating drones into emergency response operations. Our presentation, which built upon the foundation laid at the MDEMA Symposium, emphasized the innovative ways drones are utilized to enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making, and, ultimately, save lives during critical incidents.

“Presenting at the National Homeland Security Conference was an exceptional experience,” said Hannah Thomas, Deputy Director of Operational Support. “We had the opportunity to engage with sUAS operators from across the country, exchanging knowledge and best practices. The connections we made are truly invaluable resources.”

The presentation resonated with a broader and more diverse audience, sparking meaningful discussions on the future of drone technology in emergency management and the wider field of public safety. Attendees were particularly interested in the practical applications of drones for real-time incident assessment, search and rescue operations, and support during large-scale emergencies. The session highlighted how drones can be integrated into existing emergency response frameworks, demonstrating their potential to transform traditional approaches to public safety.

Participating at the NHSC was an invaluable experience, allowing MDERS and MCPD to contribute to the national conversation on emerging technologies in homeland security. MDERS looks forward to continuing our work in this area, exploring new ways to leverage technology for the safety and security of our communities.