Business Continuity Planning for Disaster Recovery

Last year, we experienced the impact of the derecho on local businesses. A Feb. 13 forum will focus on disaster recovery planning: "Preparing for a Disaster: What Your Business Needs to Know!"

Helicopters Flying Over DC Are Part of Radiation Assessment

Helicopters have been heard in the skies over the area.

The low-flying helicopters heard and seen over the Washington, DC, metro area are part of an radiation assessment by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the federal agency that maintains the U.S.'s nuclear weapons stockpile. The helicopters began flying over the area to measure naturally occurring radiation, according to the group's website. The flights will continue until Jan. 11 during daylight hours only. Pilots fly at about 80 miles per hour at 150 feet or higher over the 70-square mile radiation assessment area, NNSA officials said. Scientists with NNSA’s Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL) out of Joint Base Andrews will use remote gamma radiation-sensing instrumentals to carry out the assessments. Naturally-occurring …

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Bethesda Green To Host Emergency Preparedness Panel

Learn about preparing for an emergency at the Wednesday evening event.

In the wake of the June's derecho storm and Hurricane Sandy, Bethesda Green is set to host a Wednesday evening panel discussion on emergency preparedness. The event will feature local officials and business owners, including Mongomery County Councilman Phil Andrews and Amicus Green Building Center owner Jason Holstine. Other invited speakers include Chris Voss of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Jim Resnick of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Steward Beckham of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to Bethesda Green, the panel is set to address questions including: -- What plans does Montgomery County have in place in preparation for a hurricane Sandy or derecho type of …

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Residents Ready For Sandy

Hardware and grocery stores were busy Friday evening as residents prepare the hurricane.

With Hurricane Sandy on the way, downcounty residents are crowding grocery and hardware stores as they brace for the hurricane, heeding warnings to prepare for extended power outages. "I've been here since 6:30 -- it's been like this all day," said Bill Hart, owner of the Bethesda Strosniders, as shoppers flocked to shelves to pick up flashlights, batteries and candles. Pepco is predicting "[Tens] or even hundreds of thousands of customers could lose power during this potentially catastrophic event, and multi-day outages are a possibility," according to a statement. Montgomery County could begin feeling the effects of Sandy, dubbed "Frankenstorm," by Sunday. With the multi-day outages following June's derecho storm fresh in mind, many are …

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How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

There are six hurricanes in an average season.

This year, the National Weather Service predicts a near-normal hurricane season for the Washington, DC, region. The season runs until Nov. 20. Each year, from 1981 to 2010, there has been an average of 12 named storms and six hurricanes, according to the National Weather Service. The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season produced a total of 19 tropical storms, of which seven became hurricanes, including four major hurricanes. Irene was the lone hurricane to hit the United States in 2011.  At its peak, Irene left 220,000 customers without power—63,000 in Montgomery County, 126,000 in Prince George’s County and 31,000 in DC. Here are some tips from Pepco to get through the hurricane season: Assemble an emergency storm kit, including: If you or …

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Are You Ready for the Next Flood?

If a fierce storm comes through this year, will you be ready?

With Rock Creek nearby, local residents are always on the lookout for potential flooding conditions. While another Hurricane Irene isn't expected anytime soon, Monday marks the beginning of National Flood Safety Awareness Week, the perfect time to make sure you are prepared for the next big storm. The National Weather Service offers flood preparedness tips and videos. Here is some additional advice from Generac:

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Suburban Hospital to Participate in Wednesday Disaster Drill

Capital Shield 2012 will test the region's emergency response capabilities.

Suburban Hospital will be among 13 Maryland hospitals that will test their ability to respond to a mass casualty terrorist attack Wednesday morning. The drill is a part of Capital Shield 2012, organized by the Department of Defense and the University of Maryland’s Center for Health and Homeland Security. More than 80 federal, state and local agencies will test the region’s response capability as a part of the program. From 8:15 a.m. — 2 p.m. Wednesday, mock “victims” — volunteers with simulated injuries — will be transported to area hospitals, where responders dressed in decontamination gear will test their emergency response procedures. The drill will begin with “triage” at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Training Academy before …

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