by Kate Evans On May 5, the World Health Organization cancelled its designation of COVID-19 as a public health emergency. The United States also removed its designation of COVID-19 as a public health emergency on May 11, more than three years after it was first instituted. However, health officials say[Read More…]
Public Saftey
Marylanders urged to guard against tickborne diseases
Following Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation of May as Tickborne Disease Awareness Month in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) recently launched a Tickborne Disease awareness campaign urging Marylanders to take simple precautions to prevent illness caused by infected ticks. The warmer spring weather means increased risk of tickborne disease[Read More…]
Two Washington County volunteer EMS companies start transitioning staff to county employment
The Washington County Board of County Commissioners approves a transition plan to shift the Volunteer Emergency Medical Services (EMS) companies career staffing into County employment. The Division of Emergency Services is authorized to begin transitioning the Volunteer EMS companies career staffing into county employment in the late Spring of 2023.[Read More…]
Preparing for a transport disaster, Part II: How is Hancock positioned to handle train or truck emergencies?
by Geoff Fox Last week, The Hancock News reported on how Hancock Fire Company and Hancock Rescue Squad are prepared to respond to a train derailment or truck accident similar to recent incidents in East Palestine, Ohio, and Frederick. In part two, we look at how the county’s emergency services[Read More…]
Spring brings greater risk of wildfire in Maryland
Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires. Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are[Read More…]
Preparing for a transport disaster, Part I: How is Hancock positioned to handle train or truck emergencies?
by Geoff Fox In 2023, train derailments, toxic spills and other transport-related emergencies have been making headlines across the country. The most notable incident was a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio which spilled a variety of toxic chemicals, and resulted in a fire that evacuated the immediate area for[Read More…]
Upgrades on bridge deck in Indian Springs to reroute traffic next week
by Geoff Fox The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will be conducting a project to improve drainage and the driving surface of the US 40 (National Pike) bridge over westbound Interstate 70 in Indian Springs beginning Monday, March 13, through Friday, March 17, weather permitting. MDOT officials said[Read More…]
Early morning fire at Big Pool shed under investigation
Fire officials from the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating a fire at a shed in Big Pool in the early morning hours of February 11. According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was reported at 1:27 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, in the 13000 block of[Read More…]
Maryland State Police reminds public of warning signs of human trafficking
With January being Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Maryland State Police are urging the public to recognize potential warning signs to reduce the chances of others becoming victims in the future. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a child is trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation every two minutes[Read More…]
Hancock Fire Department gets wildland fire protection grant
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service announced the awarding of Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants to 53 volunteer fire departments in 15 counties across the state. The projects to be funded help volunteer fire companies enhance their wildland fire protection in rural communities. Hancock Volunteer Fire Department[Read More…]
