2010 Maryland Code
PUBLIC SAFETY
TITLE 14 - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Subtitle 1 - Maryland Emergency Management Agency Act
Section 14-101 - Definitions.

§ 14-101. Definitions.
 

(a)  In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from the introductory phrase of former Art. 16A, § 3. 
 

It is restated in the standard introductory language to a definition section. 

(b)  Director.- "Director" means the Director of MEMA. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language added as a shorthand reference to the Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. 
  Defined Terms.


 
"MEMA"                                                              § 14-101

(c)  Emergency.- "Emergency" means the threat or occurrence of: 

(1) a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, fire, explosion, and any other disaster in any part of the State that requires State assistance to supplement local efforts in order to save lives and protect public health and safety; or 

(2) an enemy attack, act of terrorism, or public health catastrophe. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 16A, § 3(d). 
 

In item (1) of this subsection, the reference to a "disaster" is substituted for the former reference to a "catastrophe". In the former law the term "disaster" was used throughout the subtitle, often in conjunction with the term "emergency". By including a reference to "any other disaster" in the defined term "emergency", one term - "emergency" - can be used throughout this subtitle instead of two terms as in the former law. 
 

Also in item (1) of this subsection, the former reference to State "emergency" assistance is deleted to avoid using the term being defined in its own definition. 

(d)  Emergency management.-  

(1) "Emergency management" means the preparation for and carrying out of functions in an emergency in order to save lives and to minimize and repair injury and damage that result from emergencies beyond the capabilities of local authorities. 

(2) "Emergency management" does not include the preparation for and carrying out of functions in an emergency for which military forces are primarily responsible. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 16A, § 3(a). 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Emergency"                                                         § 14-101

(e)  Local organization for emergency management.- "Local organization for emergency management" means an organization established by a political subdivision or other local authority under § 14-109 of this subtitle. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 16A, § 3(b). 
 

The defined term "political subdivision" is substituted for the former reference to a "city, town, [or] county" to conform to language used in § 14-109 of this subtitle and to use the defined term. 
 

The former phrase "as authorized by the Governor under the State plan" is deleted as unnecessary in light of the reference to an organization established by a political subdivision "under § 14-109 of this subtitle". 
  Defined Terms.


 
"Political subdivision"                                             § 14-101

(f)  MEMA.- "MEMA" means the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language added as a shorthand reference to the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. 

(g)  Political subdivision.- "Political subdivision" means a county or municipal corporation of the State. 
   
Revisor's Note.

This subsection is new language derived without substantive change from former Art. 16A, § 3(c). 
 

The phrase "of the State" is added for clarity and to avoid repetition in the revision of the reference to a political subdivision "of the State". Consequently, throughout this subtitle, former references to a political subdivision "of this State" are deleted. 
 

The former specific references to a "town", "village", and "district" are deleted as unnecessary in light of the general references to a "county" and "municipal corporation". 
  Defined Terms.


 
"County"                                                             § 1-101
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 16A, § 3; 2003, ch. 5, § 2; 2006, chs. 369, 505.]