2013 Maryland Code
PUBLIC SAFETY
§ 14-102 - Legislative policy

§14-102.

(a) To ensure that the State will be adequately prepared to deal with emergencies that are beyond the capabilities of local authorities, to provide for the common defense, to protect the public peace, health, and safety, and to preserve the lives and property of the people of the State, it is necessary to:

(1) establish a Maryland Emergency Management Agency;

(2) authorize the establishment of local organizations for emergency management in the political subdivisions;

(3) confer on the Governor and on the executive heads or governing bodies of the political subdivisions the emergency powers provided in this subtitle; and

(4) provide for the rendering of mutual aid among the political subdivisions and with other states in carrying out emergency management functions.

(b) It is the policy of the State and the purpose of this subtitle to coordinate, to the maximum extent possible, all emergency management functions of the State with the comparable functions of the federal government, other states, other localities, and private agencies, so that the most effective preparation and use may be made of the resources and facilities available for dealing with any emergency.