public safety – Jay's Real Estate Blog

Health implications of fracking focus of Garrett meeting

June 28 event open to public

For the Cumberland Times-News

— MCHENRY — A public presentation on the health implications of fracking to be held June 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. in the Garrett College auditorium will include time for community comments and questions.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas inside.

Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Dr. Amir Sapkota and other team members from the University of Maryland’s Institute for Applied Environmental Health will deliver the presentation. “We are looking forward to reporting to the community on our results, conclusions and recommendations,” Wilson said.

Last fall, Wilson and his team met with community members to compile a list of issues and questions they wanted addressed by the public health study. The comments made in those meetings were written up and are available to read at www.marcellushealth.org.

This is also an opportunity to hear more about the work of Maryland’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.

Representatives of the Allegany and Garrett county health departments will be present.

The June 28 meeting will be an opportunity to understand existing threats to Allegany and Garrett County air quality and why citizens may want to be trained to conduct their own air quality monitoring in addition to that being done by the state.

Pre-existing environmental threats need to be documented, so that if fracking is permitted, officials and scientists can determine if new problems with air, soil or water contamination are emerging. For public health purposes, it will be important to know if illnesses can be attributed to any phases of gas extraction and production.

The meeting is hosted by the Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park. MIAEH requests an RSVP atmeleahboyle@gmail.com.

More here.

Garrett County Public Safety Director Reports On June 29 Storm, Aftermath

Jul. 5, 2012

Garrett County suffered “some of the most extensive damage we’ve seen from a storm event,” reported Brad Frantz, director of Garrett County Public Safety and Emergency Management, during a special briefing for the county commissioners on Tuesday morning.

A derecho – a rare string of powerful storms with intense lightening, rain, and hurricane-force winds – swept through the Midwest and mid-Atlantic region Friday (June 29) evening. According to some accounts, at least 22 people were killed, 5 million were left without power, and billions of dollars worth of damages occurred.

“We were quite fortunate that there were not more structures that had impact,” Frantz said. “We had one reported on Savage River Road that was significant damage.”

‘Like’ on Facebook!

Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!

Three trees fell on a home, one of which landed in a bedroom. The house was insured, according to Frantz.

The director said 1,114 county electric power customers remained without service as of Tuesday at 7 a.m., but he anticipated that power would be restored to most of these customers by the end of the day.

As of Thursday morning, Potomac Edison reports that 140 Garrett County residences are still without power. Those without electricity in surrounding counties are as follows: Allegany, 1,225; Preston 2,421; Tucker 185; Grant 117; Mineral, 117; and Somerset, 7.

Utility companies have been working around the clock, since the storm hit Garrett County at 8:20 p.m. on June 29, Frantz said. Potomac Edison reported 147,000 of its area customers had lost power from the storm.

Frantz noted that nearly every fire department in the county spent the weekend clearing roads of trees and debris, and as of Monday, all roads in the county were open.

Cooling centers/shelters were established Saturday morning and remain available this week to residents at the Friendsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Deer Park Community Volunteer Fire Department, and the Southern Garrett Rescue Squad hall, according to Frantz.

At the impact of the sudden storm – with winds exceeding 65 miles per hour in some areas, according to Potomac Edison – Frantz said telephone calls into 9-1-1 were 300-400 percent above normal call volume.

“On a normal day, we might see 75 calls,” he said.

More here.

—

Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

877-563-5350 – toll free —

—

Search Homes/Lots for Sale

New 9-1-1 Dispatch Tool Now In Use

The Garrett County Department of Public Safety implemented a new computer software program this week called ProQA to better serve 9-1-1 callers with medical emergencies. With the help of this automated system, which evaluates incoming information according to logical rules built on expert medical knowledge, callers will be asked specific questions about their situations.

‘Like’ on Facebook!

Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!

“This will result in more appropriate response and treatment of the patient,” said Communications Chief Steve Smith. See story for details. Pictured, left to right, in the county’s dispatch room at the courthouse in Oakland are dispatcher Kenny Collins and Smith. Photo by John McEwen.

More here.

877-563-5350 – toll free

GC Public Safety Implements New 9-1-1 Procedure

Apr. 19, 2012

Callers who dial 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance may notice a significant change in how such calls are handled in Garrett County, according to Communications chief Steve Smith of the GC Department of Public Safety.

“We have just implemented a new program funded through the Maryland Emergency Number Systems Board, which will allow for more timely, comprehensive and accurate information to be collected by the 9-1-1 call taker and passed on to the responding units through our computer aided dispatch software,” Smith said. “This will result in more appropriate response and treatment of the patient, as well as provide an invaluable tool for quality assurance. Callers will notice that the 9-1-1 call taker will ask specific questions, driven by responses about the patient.”

‘Like’ on Facebook!

Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!

The new software, known as ProQA, is based on protocols established by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch (NAEMD). ProQA is based on the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS)and provides a standardized format for carrying out the practice of priority dispatching.

It is an automated system that operates by evaluating incoming information according to logical rules built on expert medical knowledge. Smith noted that those using this system must have the very best emergency medical dispatch training, must have a firm understanding of the MPDS system, and must operate within a quality assurance and improvement environment.

“The use of ProQA software by EMDs trained and certified by the National Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch SM results in state-of-the-art emergency medical dispatching,” Smith said.

More here.

877-563-5350 – toll free

Winter travel safety tips offered by State Highway Administration

Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Mon Nov 14, 2011, 10:34 PM EST

LAVALE — With the official start of winter just weeks away, the Maryland State Highway urges motorists to make preparations now to deal to with hazardous travel conditions that are fast approaching.

Since 2000, Western Maryland has averaged 30 winter storms every year, compared to seven on the Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland and eight in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area. The Oct. 29 snowstorm was the earliest metro area winter storm since 2000. The storm dumped up to 11 inches of snow in western Allegany County.

Travelers can plan ahead before hitting the pavement by logging onto the cyber highway at www.roads.maryland. gov and clicking on “CHART” — Coordinated Highway Action Response Team. The CHART website offers travel information, snow emergency plans, real-time traffic camera views, weather information, average travel speed maps and incident-related road closure reports. CHART is located at the Statewide Operations Center in Hanover where SHA personnel have access to hundreds of cameras throughout the state.

The easiest way to report any issues along SHA-maintained highways is through the Customer Care Management System by logging onto roads.maryland gov and go to “Contact Us” tab and click on “Submit a Service Request.” The online submission form is easy to fill out and will be directed to the proper department within SHA to address the issue.

In the event of snow, motorists are urged:

• Not to drive if you don’t have to.

• Don’t Crowd the Plow — never pass a snow plow or plow train (a series of plows working in tandem). If driving behind a snow plow or salt truck, provide plenty of space (at least seven to eight car lengths) behind the truck.

• Know Before You Go — Call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org for current travel information.

• Remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first. Use caution when driving across them.

• Four-wheel drive vehicles are just as vulnerable to slipping on ice as regular two-wheel drive vehicles.

• Pack a winter driving survival kit —including a shovel, blanket, water, jumper cables, flares, snacks and a flash light.

• Clear snow from your vehicle’s headlights, roof and from other places that may obstruct vision or become a danger to other motorists.

• Make sure your vehicle is in proper working conditions. Check the battery, tire tread and pressure, belts, hoses and fluid levels.

• Travel with plenty of gas in the tank.

• When shoveling snow, do not place it in the street or roadway. Plow trucks push snow to the right. When facing your driveway, pile snow to your left, off the road. The reminder will save you additional hours of shoveling.

SHA District 6 that includes Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties maintains 582 lane miles in Allegany County, 496 lane miles in Garrett County and 750 lane miles in Washington County.

The LaVale shop that serves Allegany County includes 42 SHA trucks and equipment and 49 hired trucks and equipment and has a salt dome capacity of 21,000 tons.

In Garrett County, the Keysers Ridge shop includes 40 SHA trucks and equipment and 64 hired trucks/equipment and its salt dome capacity is 26,116 tons.

The SHA strategies for winter operations consist of application of anti-icing materials prior to or at the onset of precipitation to prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement. The SHA is expanding its anti-icing operations in an attempt to lessen overall salt usage.

The principal winter material used by the SHA is salt, rock and solar (sodium chloride) that is effective at pavement temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and above. The SHA also uses treated dalt, abrasives, calcium chloride, salt brine (liquid sodium chloride), magnesium chloride and GEOMELT 55 (desugared sugar beet molasses).

More here.

877-563-5350 – toll free

Garrett County Agencies May Get Reimbursed For Storm Costs

Mar. 25, 2010

Local agencies may be eligible for federal disaster declaration funding to cover part of their recent snow removal costs, Director Brad Frantz, Garrett County Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management, told the county commissioners on Tuesday. The county received more than 262 inches of snow this winter.
Frantz said it does not appear that the county will be eligible for funding for the Dec. 18-19, 2009, winter storm. Only eight Maryland counties are expected to receive cleanup reimbursement for that weather event.

“However, it does look like we will be eligible for some reimbursement for the period of Feb. 5 through 14,” Frantz said about one of last month’s many storm systems.

County departments and towns will be asked to submit data to Frantz’s office pertaining to costs involved during that period. He and planner Virginia Smith will then compile the information into a spread sheet and forward it to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA representatives will then visit the county, review the original documents, and determine if the claims are valid.

Frantz noted, however, there are two thresholds that the county has to meet before it can qualify for the funding: snow amount and cost per capita. The director indicated there may be some debate over the snow amount qualification, but the county would have no problem reaching the per capita threshold.

“There’s the state per capita, I think, of $6.8 million that has to be met to get a federal declaration, and then there’s a county, based on population, threshold,” Frantz said. “Ours is $96,000+ that has to be met. We’ll have no problem reaching that for that period (Feb. 5-14).”

After FEMA verifies the documents, the county will host an applicants’ briefing to review filing procedures. Departments, agencies, and towns will be asked to look at their paperwork and determine what days during the declaration period they incurred the most costs.

“Whatever the greatest expense they had for any 48-hour window will be what’s eligible for reimbursement,” Frantz said.

Therefore, for example, the Garrett County Roads Department’s request period may differ from Loch Lynn’s.

Commissioner Fred Holliday asked if the discrepancies could hurt the county’s chance of getting funding.

“No,” Frantz said. “That actually helps us maximize what’s eligible for reimbursement.”

Read the rest here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Lake Level Still Being Lowered; Public Warned Of Dangerous Ice

Support the Republican Newspaper! Buy an online membership!

Lake Level Still Being Lowered; Public Warned Of Dangerous Ice

Mar. 11, 2010

The Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station issued another press release this week in its continuing effort to alert persons to the potentially dangerous conditions on Deep Creek Lake. The company is working with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to monitor the snow pack, lake ice thickness, and water level at the lake.
Brookfield Renewable Power, owner of the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station, in ongoing consultation with the agencies, is making adjustments to the lake level in an effort to minimize serious and potentially damaging high water conditions that will occur as this winter’s record lake ice and snow pack thaw. Recreational users of the lake should use extra caution as changing conditions can be dangerous. Persons should be aware that the water level is dropping, so the ice crust may be unsafe.

Brookfield announced last week that it had consulted with MDE and DNR and been granted a waiver to draw the lake level down to two feet below the March lower limit of its water use permit. The 2-foot drawdown was achieved on Sunday, March 7.

The Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station operates under a Water Appropriation and Use permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Under the permit conditions, the station uses water to generate hydropower, while keeping lake levels within a defined “rule band” with upper and lower limits. Any waiver from the rule band limits must be approved by MDE.

Representatives of the MDE, DNR, and Brookfield met Monday to review current lake levels, weather forecasts, and the latest measurement of the snow pack and lake ice. At that meeting, it was determined that Brookfield will continue to gradually lower the lake level beyond the original 2-foot waiver.

“Our goal is to get the lake to a level where it can safely accommodate the snow melt, thus avoiding high water and pressure on the dam,” said David Barnhart, general manager for Brookfield’s Mid-America Operations. “We’ve agreed with MDE to do all we can to lower the lake further.”

Barnhart added that public safety is a top priority for all involved. Brookfield, MDE and DNR continue to advise users on or near Deep Creek Lake to be observant for changing conditions.

“With the water level being drawn away under the ice cover, and this week’s spring-like temperatures, we continue to remind users of the surface of Deep Creek Lake to be extremely cautious,” said Carolyn Mathews, manager of the Deep Creek Lake Recreation Area.

She added that unseen hazards “always exist when recreating on naturally-formed ice.”

The officials said that lower water levels and warmer temperatures may present the following dangers:

•Ice that cracks or suddenly shifts as additional weight is applied;

•Ice that shifts, lifts, and/or settles, creating unexpected ridges;

• Ice slabs that break off near the shoreline, creating open water between stable interior ice and the shore.

Because many people are potentially affected by the lowering of the water level, MDE is requiring that public notice be provided to the local media. For more information on the lake’s level, persons may visit www.deepcreekhydro.com.

If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Category: public safety

Health implications of fracking focus of Garrett meeting

June 28 event open to public

Garrett County Public Safety Director Reports On June 29 Storm, Aftermath

New 9-1-1 Dispatch Tool Now In Use

GC Public Safety Implements New 9-1-1 Procedure

Winter travel safety tips offered by State Highway Administration

Garrett County Agencies May Get Reimbursed For Storm Costs

Deep Creek Lake Level Still Being Lowered; Public Warned Of Dangerous Ice

My Location

Deep Creek Media

Stay Connected