Communities remain in a constant state of flux to adequately prepare for a wide array of evolving and novel emergencies. On the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, a panel of regional experts shared their insights on the evolution of emergency preparedness since that tragic day. The Maryland-National Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) Director, Lauren Collins, served on the panel to highlight the vital role of collaboration between first responder agencies in the Maryland-National Capital Region (MD-NCR).
Joining Director Collins were Nicole Markuski, Deputy Director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and Travis Nelson, Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. The panel was moderated by Caitlin Durkovich, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for Resilience and Response in the Biden White House. The discussion, themed “Resilient Communities – Navigating the New Emergency Preparedness Landscape,” explored a variety of topics, including terrorism, active assailants, cybersecurity, natural disasters, and emergency response. Panelists shared their expertise on local, regional, and national trends and threats, as well as how each respective entity is preparing for these emergencies.
MDERS has a unique role in preparing for these emergencies, as explained by Director Collins. As a subrecipient of the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant, the organization focuses on building and enhancing capabilities that have a nexus to terrorism in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. MDERS works closely with partners in five main disciplines: law enforcement, fire/EMS, emergency management, public health, and hospitals. These partnerships have significantly improved individual agency capabilities and enhanced the region’s interjurisdictional and interdisciplinary coordination.
A recent successful example of the intricate role of MDERS was the revamp of the structural collapse capability of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. Director Collins and Deputy Director Markuski attested to the enhancements that have been made over several years. Cutting-edge technology, advanced training, and a joint full-scale exercise were all supported by MDERS to enhance the existing structural collapse capabilities of each department.
Beyond highlighting organizational efforts, the panelists emphasized the crucial role that community members play in emergency preparedness. Simple actions of creating a small cache of food, medical supplies, and essential items during natural disasters, engaging with community groups, and sharing vital information with peers all dramatically help first responder agencies.
Every single member of the community has an important role to play in preparing for emergencies. Director Collins was delighted to share the vital role MDERS plays in bolstering emergency preparedness in the MD-NCR.