Maryland Department of Emergency Management

What Maryland Department of Emergency Management does

Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), headquartered at 7229 Parkway Drive, Suite 200 in Hanover, Maryland, is the state's legislatively designated emergency management agency established under Maryland Code Public Safety §14-104.1. MDEM coordinates emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation across all 24 Maryland counties and Baltimore City, with a network that includes local Emergency Management Directors, 24 county-level Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), and the Maryland 9-1-1 Board — the first such board in the United States, established in 1979. Core programs include the State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF), Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), Cyber Preparedness Unit (CPU), State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) administration, and the K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative. Public-facing technology platforms include the MdReady app, Know Your Zone flood evacuation tool, MDASH situational awareness dashboard, Maryland GeoShare (ArcGIS Online), WebEOC incident management, MView CCTV (aggregating feeds from 310+ partner organizations across MD/DC/VA/NJ/PA), NCR GDX geospatial data exchange, and RITIS traffic intelligence. NG9-1-1 transition was completed statewide by 2026, enabling text, photo, and video 9-1-1 communications.

MDEM is funded through Maryland state government appropriations, federal pass-through grants (DHS/FEMA programs), 9-1-1 surcharge fees on telecommunications subscribers ($0.50-$4.75/month per county, plus $0.60 prepaid wireless fee per retail transaction), SDRF statutory allocations, and revolving loan repayments from RLF borrowers. The agency does not engage in commercial pricing — services are delivered at no direct charge to Maryland residents and at statutory rates to governmental subrecipients. Go-to-market operates through government-to-government channels (emergency declaration pathways, grant administration), direct technical assistance units (Cyber Preparedness Unit, Continuity Unit), and direct-to-consumer public outreach (MdReady app, GovDelivery email, multi-platform social media, alert sign-ups).

MDEM's customer base consists of (1) Maryland residents and households served through preparedness apps, alerts, and disaster recovery assistance; (2) Maryland local governments and jurisdictions receiving SDRF grants, RLF financing, federal pass-through grants, and cybersecurity support; (3) Maryland state agencies receiving cyber preparedness support and SLCGP funding; (4) K-12 schools and Local Education Agencies receiving cybersecurity assessments and training; and (5) county-level PSAPs receiving 9-1-1 Trust Fund reimbursements and NG9-1-1 system access. Subsidiaries include the Maryland 9-1-1 Board and the Maryland Office of Resilience. Leadership is headed by Secretary Russ Strickland, with key executives including Chief Development Officer Anna Sierra, Public Information Officer Ed McDonough, and Risk & Recovery Manager Dave Robbins.

Name

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Legal name

Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Website

https://mdem.maryland.gov

Company type

Public

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) is the state's legislatively designated emergency management agency, coordinating preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation across all 24 Maryland counties and Baltimore City through programs including the 9-1-1 Board, State Disaster Recovery Fund, Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund, and Cyber Preparedness Unit.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Emergency Management Services

NAICS

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities (922)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Application Data Migration & Master Data Management Services (BPAEAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Managed Detection & Response (MDR) (BPAEADAA)

Keywords

• Emergency management services
• Disaster preparedness programs
• Public safety communications
• Hazard mitigation funding
• Cybersecurity preparedness

Headquarters

HQ city

Reisterstown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. State Government Appropriations: MDEM is a Maryland state government agency funded through annual state budget appropriations. Programs including the State Disaster Recovery Fund, hazard mitigation, and the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund are capitalized through state legislative allocations, the Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, and federal pass-through funding.
2. Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund - Loan Repayments: The RLF offers low-interest loans (capped at 1%) to local governments on behalf of homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and communities for disaster resilience projects. Repayments return to the revolving fund for future lending.
3. 9-1-1 Surcharge Fees: The Maryland 9-1-1 Board manages the 9-1-1 Trust Fund, funded by monthly surcharges on telecommunications subscribers (ranging from $1.25 to $4.75 total per county effective July 2026) and a 60-cent prepaid wireless E 9-1-1 fee per retail transaction. Fees are remitted monthly by service providers to the Board for county PSAP reimbursement.
4. State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF) Disbursements: The SDRF provides disaster-related recovery financial assistance to local jurisdictions, small businesses, and individuals. Funding is disbursed as grants to eligible entities following declared emergencies. Administrative costs limited to 5% of each award.
5. Federal Cybersecurity Grant Pass-Through: MDEM serves as the state administrative agency for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), receiving federal DHS/FEMA funds and passing them through to eligible state and local government subrecipients. MDEM processes reimbursements and provides compliance oversight.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

MDEM is Maryland's official state agency for emergency management, providing statewide coordination of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation services. Its core offerings include the 9-1-1 Board oversight of statewide emergency communications, the State Disaster Recovery Fund for post-disaster financial assistance, the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund for hazard mitigation, the Cyber Preparedness Unit for state and local government cybersecurity readiness, and a suite of public-facing situational awareness tools (MDASH, MdReady, Know Your Zone) for residents.

Product overview

MDEM is Maryland's official state emergency management agency, not a traditional software product company. Its 'products' are government programs, services, and technology platforms operated to protect Marylanders from disasters and emergencies. The portfolio consists of: (1) core emergency management programs — the 9-1-1 Board (overseeing NG9-1-1), the Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund, the State Disaster Recovery Fund, and the Cyber Preparedness Unit; (2) a suite of public and professional situational awareness tools including MDASH, MHAT, Maryland GeoShare, MView CCTV, WebEOC, NCR GDX, RITIS, and HC Standard; (3) specialized initiatives like the K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative and the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program; and (4) advisory bodies and training programs. These offerings collectively serve the agency's mission of risk reduction and consequence management for all hazards across Maryland.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Maryland 9-1-1 Board A legislatively mandated board (established 1979) that coordinates the enhancement of county 9-1-1 systems across Maryland, oversees the 9-1-1 Trust Fund, reviews county plans, and sets reimbursement guidelines. The Board consists of 24 members appointed by the Governor.
• Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) A modern digital emergency communications system that enables voice, text, photo, and video contact with 9-1-1 specialists, with improved wireless call location accuracy, dynamic call routing, and cross-jurisdiction interoperability between PSAPs. Built on ESInet data network infrastructure delivered by AT&T (14 counties) and Motorola Solutions (9 jurisdictions plus Baltimore City).
• Resilient Maryland Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) A low-interest loan program (capped at 1%) offering financing to local governments to help mitigate natural hazard effects, including floods, storms, earthquakes, and wildfires. Loans can support homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and communities, and may serve as non-federal cost-share for FEMA hazard mitigation grants (HMGP, FMA, BRIC). Stated goal that at least 40% of loans will go to underserved communities.
• State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF) A state fund providing disaster-related financial recovery assistance to communities, offering support for individuals and households (immediate needs, clean-up, utilities, transportation, temporary storage, legal assistance), small business loans, and local government response and recovery costs. Activation requires a declared State of Emergency by the highest elected local official, with requests submitted within 14 days of incident end. Administrative costs limited to 5% of each award.
• Cyber Preparedness Unit (CPU) MDEM's lead program for advancing cybersecurity readiness across Maryland. Provides cyber resources, specialized planning, operational assistance, training, exercises, and collaboration to prepare the community for cyber disruptions. Engages local governments, state agencies, and schools through direct technical assistance, grant management, and training requests.
• K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative A multi-agency partnership (MABE, MCSS, MDEM, DoIT, LEAs) providing cybersecurity maturity assessments, emergency operations plan reviews, incident response planning, disaster recovery, COOP support, training, and exercise services for K-12 schools statewide.
• State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) A DHS-funded grant program managed by MDEM and DoIT to help state and local governments address cybersecurity risks, enhance cybersecurity posture, and build long-term cyber capacity. Includes compliance requirements such as Cyber Hygiene registration and annual Nationwide Cybersecurity Reviews.
• MdReady Preparedness App A mobile and web preparedness application providing Maryland residents with emergency alerts, preparedness information, and local emergency resources. Available via web browser and through mobile app distribution channels.
• Know Your Zone (KYZ) A flood evacuation zone awareness campaign and lookup tool helping Marylanders determine their flood risk and evacuation zone designation during flooding events.
• Maryland Dashboard for Awareness of Situational Hazards (MDASH) A public-facing situational awareness dashboard and interactive map providing real-time information on weather conditions, traffic, hydrology, power outages, and links to additional official data sources in a single-page interface.
• WebEOC Incident Management Platform An incident management platform used by MDEM to compile assistance requests from state agencies, local governments, and utilities during activations, producing regular situation reports. Accessible to authorized users with WebEOC credentials.
• MView CCTV Portal A live CCTV camera feed portal providing real-time video from over 310 partner organizations across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania for authorized first responders and public safety personnel with role-based access by jurisdiction.
• Training and Education Programs MDEM's training and education offerings for emergency management professionals and the public, covering preparedness, response, and recovery topics. Includes partnerships with TEEX National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium and Cybrary for cybersecurity training.
• MDEM Hazard Mitigation Program MDEM's hazard mitigation grants and planning efforts, including coordination of FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant programs for Maryland applicants.
• Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) A grant program providing funding to nonprofits for security improvements and preparedness activities.
• Maryland 9-1-1 Trust Fund Oversight and reimbursement system managed by the Maryland 9-1-1 Board for county 9-1-1 systems, funded by monthly surcharges ranging from $1.25 to $4.75 total per county (effective July 2026) collected from telecommunications subscribers and a 60-cent prepaid wireless E 9-1-1 fee per retail transaction. Fees are remitted monthly by service providers to the Board for county PSAP reimbursement.

Quantifiable outcome

• Mitigation projects save $6 in future recovery costs for every $1 invested, on average (per RLF program documentation)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Office of Security Management (OSM) - Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSM is responsible for the direction, coordination, and implementation of Maryland's overall cybersecurity strategy and policy for units of State government. OSM houses the Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MD-ISAC). DoIT serves as subject-matter expert for the SLCGP and co-chairs the Maryland State Cybersecurity Planning Committee with MDEM.
• MDEM State Continuity UnitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides technical assistance with Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and overall COOP Program Management. Works with the Cyber Preparedness Unit on cyber-incident response and preparedness planning.
• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCISA is the U.S. cyber defense agency, providing the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, cybersecurity assessments, training programs (Federal Virtual Training Environment), and co-manages the SLCGP with FEMA. MDEM directs applicants to CISA's Cyber Resource Hub and CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFEMA supports citizens and emergency personnel with preparedness, response, and recovery programs. FEMA oversees federal grant programs including SLCGP and provides training through Ready.gov. MDEM serves as state administrative agency for FEMA pass-through grants (SLCGP, BRIC, FMA, HMGP).
• CybraryminorOthersCybrary provides free and paid cybersecurity training and career development resources. MDEM advertised a Cybrary Account Scholarship opportunity to Maryland residents and cybersecurity professionals. (Scholarship application is now closed; recipients announced June 13, 2025.)
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)minorOthersInternationally recognized leader in emergency response training and technical assistance. Hosts the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium, a premier cybersecurity training and technical assistance provider. MDEM refers cybersecurity training seekers to TEEX programs.
• Maryland Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MD-ISAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoused within the Office of Security Management at Maryland DoIT, MD-ISAC is a platform for Maryland governments to share cyber threat information and stay ahead of cyber criminals, similar to MS-ISAC but specific to Maryland.
• Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMABE is a partner in the K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative, providing governance and policy support for cybersecurity improvements across Maryland school systems.
• Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCSS is a partner in the K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative, bringing school safety expertise and resources to the cybersecurity support program for Maryland K-12 schools.
• Maryland Local Education Agencies (LEAs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaryland's school systems are the direct recipients of K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative support, receiving assessments, planning assistance, training, and exercises through the multi-agency partnership.
• American Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMDEM calls on the American Red Cross to help provide basic needs to disaster victims during recovery. The Red Cross is a key voluntary organization active in Maryland disaster response.
• Maryland Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (MDVOAD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn umbrella organization bringing faith-based and other NGO disaster relief organizations together with state and local government. MDVOAD develops and enhances disaster planning efforts including donations and volunteer management.
• Mid-Atlantic D.O.G.S. Search and RescueminorOthersA group of dedicated people and their canine companions trained and prepared for search and rescue initiatives. Regularly called upon by MDEM during emergencies.
• Chesapeake Search DogsminorOthersDedicated to using K9 resources to assist in finding the lost and missing in rural, urban, and water environments. Called upon by MDEM during search and rescue operations.
• Maryland Wing of the Civil Air PatrolminorOthersThe Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that provides emergency services including search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security support. MDEM leverages this capability during emergencies.
• Maryland Defense Force (MDDF)minorOthersMaryland's all-volunteer reserve military organization specializing in engineering, medical, cybersecurity, and emergency management disciplines. Both a volunteer organization and a state agency.
• Mason-Dixon Search DogsminorOthersProvides professional K-9 search teams to local, state, and federal law enforcement or other government agencies 24/7. Called upon during MDEM-coordinated search and rescue operations.
• The DELMARVA Search and Rescue GroupminorOthersAssists with disasters and the search and rescue of lost citizens. Active in the Delmarva Peninsula region including Maryland. Called upon by MDEM during emergency response.
• AT&T (ESInet Provider)coreTechnology or IntegrationAT&T provides Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) for NG9-1-1 in 14 Maryland counties: Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester.
• Motorola Solutions (ESInet Provider)coreTechnology or IntegrationMotorola provides Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) for NG9-1-1 in 9 Maryland jurisdictions: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Prince George's, and Washington Counties, and the City of Baltimore.
• Maryland GIS Working GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA working group of GIS public safety professionals from Maryland's 24 jurisdictions that contributed to the planning and data preparation for the statewide NG9-1-1 transition (2018-2020).
• Maryland Emergency Communications Committee (ECC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGroup of the 24 state 9-1-1 directors as part of Maryland Association of Counties' (MACo) Emergency Managers Affiliate. Serves Maryland counties by articulating local government needs to the Maryland General Assembly.
• Commission to Advance NG9-1-1 Across MarylandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegislatively created commission providing recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for NG9-1-1 implementation, funding, and governance. Records preserved in Maryland State Archives. Completed its mandate.
• Governor's Emergency Management Advisory Council (GEMAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory council to MDEM providing guidance on emergency management policies, programs, and initiatives across Maryland.
• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational umbrella organization for volunteer disaster relief organizations. MDEM references NVOAD as an excellent source for additional volunteer activity information. Maryland VOAD is the state-level affiliate.
• Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelated Maryland state agency referenced as a Related Agency on MDEM's website, with potential for coordination on public safety emergencies and corrections-related emergency management.
• Maryland Center for School SafetycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency dedicated to school safety in Maryland. Listed as a Related Agency and as a key K-12 Cybersecurity Resilience Initiative partner alongside MDEM, DoIT, MCSS, MABE, and LEAs.
• Maryland Department of HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMDH coordinates with MDEM on public health emergencies including COVID-19, avian influenza, and other health events. MDEM links to MDH resources for pandemic flu, West Nile Virus, and other public health preparedness information.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Esri: Esri is the GIS software platform underlying MDEM's Maryland Hazard Assessment Tool (MHAT), Maryland GeoShare, and NCR GDX via ArcGIS Online. Provides the spatial technology foundation for MDEM's situational awareness stack. Indirect enabling relationship rather than direct competition.

Broad incumbents

• Motorola Solutions: Motorola Solutions provides ESInet infrastructure for NG9-1-1 in 9 Maryland jurisdictions (Allegany, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Prince George's, Washington, and Baltimore City) plus public safety software (CommandCentral, PremierOne) used by PSAPs. A critical technology vendor to MDEM's NG9-1-1 program rather than a direct peer.
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA is the federal EM agency that funds and oversees state EM agencies including MDEM via SLCGP, BRIC, FMA, and HMGP pass-through grants. Operates at national scale rather than state level; provides training, standards, and oversight. MDEM is essentially a sub-recipient and state implementation partner of FEMA programs.

Direct peers

• Florida Division of Emergency Management: Florida DEM is a state EM agency managing hurricane response, federal grant programs, and recovery fund disbursements similar to MDEM's SDRF. Both agencies operate state disaster recovery funds, hazard mitigation programs, and coordinate with FEMA. Florida's higher hurricane frequency makes it a useful operational benchmark for MDEM.
• New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: NY DHSES coordinates emergency management, homeland security, and 9-1-1 oversight for New York State. Comparable to MDEM in combining EM, cyber preparedness, and 9-1-1 board functions. Operates similar programs including state disaster assistance, cybersecurity initiatives, and inter-agency coordination.
• New Jersey Office of Emergency Management: NJOEM coordinates emergency management for a smaller Northeastern state with coastal hazards similar to Maryland's Eastern Shore. Comparable in scope to MDEM with state agency structure, county-level coordination, and federal grant pass-through administration. Shares MView CCTV data exchange partnerships with MDEM.
• Virginia Department of Emergency Management: Virginia DEM is MDEM's closest regional peer, operating just across the Potomac with overlapping NCR GDX and MView CCTV data-sharing relationships. Both coordinate emergency management for Mid-Atlantic states with similar hazard profiles (hurricanes, flooding, winter storms) and share federal emergency preparedness partnerships.
• California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Cal OES is California's state emergency management agency, the largest state EM agency in the US by population and budget. Like MDEM, it coordinates disaster response, manages federal pass-through grants, oversees 9-1-1/NG9-1-1 systems, and operates grant and mitigation programs. Most directly comparable as a state-level EM counterpart.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: Texas DEM coordinates statewide emergency management for a large, disaster-prone state. Comparable to MDEM in coordinating disaster response, operating federal grant pass-through programs, and supporting 9-1-1 systems. Differs in scale (Texas is much larger) and disaster profile (hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires).
• Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA): PEMA coordinates emergency management for Pennsylvania, a neighboring Mid-Atlantic state with similar NCR/Capital Region operational ties. Comparable organizational structure (state agency, county coordinators, 9-1-1 oversight) and shares regional situational awareness platforms (MView, NCR GDX) with MDEM.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MDMEMA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/StateMarylandMEMA/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/mdmema
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/maryland-department-of-emergency-management
• Instagraminstagram.com/mdmema

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maryland Department of Emergency Management