Emergency preparedness means being ready for any kind of unexpected event, from a water main break or a power outage lasting for several hours to a major transportation incident, epidemic, catastrophic storm or terror attack.

When an emergency strikes, it’s crucial to have plans already in place. Our first responders need to know how to work together and share their resources to ensure our safety.

To that end, in 2002 the BMC Board of Directors signed a comprehensive compact for mutual assistance, which established protocols for cooperation among responding agencies from all the member jurisdictions. The agencies conduct table-top exercises and simulated emergency drills to test their response capabilities and learn how to improve.  BMC's member jurisdictions also work closely with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.

In our own homes we need to know how to take care of our homes and families. In the event of a major storm or other incident, emergency responders may not be able to reach individual homes for two or three days. At a minimum, each household needs to be able to provide light, water and communications with the outside for those crucial first 72 hours.