---
title: Maryland Strengthens Ability to Support Disaster Survivors
canonical: https://marylandfeed.com/maryland-strengthens-ability-to-support-disaster-survivors/
published: '2026-10-23T11:22:47-04:00'
updated: '2026-10-23T11:22:47-04:00'
author: MarylandFeed Staff
section: Public Safety
tags:
- Emergency Management
- MDEM
- Public Safety
source: Maryland Department of Emergency Management
source_url: https://news.maryland.gov/mdem/2026/10/22/maryland-strengthens-ability-to-support-disaster-survivors/
publisher: MarylandFeed
attribution: Copyright MarylandFeed. Quote with credit to MarylandFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Maryland Strengthens Ability to Support Disaster Survivors

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) recently concluded a full-day workshop aimed at enhancing the state’s disaster recovery efforts. The event focused on validating and refining the Maryland Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) and Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) Playbook, which is designed to improve support for individuals affected by disasters. This collaboration included local, state, federal, and nonprofit partners, all working together to ensure a coordinated response during emergencies.

During the workshop, participants reviewed roles and responsibilities, practiced multi-level recovery coordination, and identified gaps in resources and capabilities. The agenda included discussions on DAC activation procedures, staffing models, and logistics planning, followed by scenario-based exercises that simulated real-world survivor needs. This hands-on approach aimed to align the plan with practical operational realities.

MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland emphasized the importance of the workshop in strengthening support for Maryland residents during disasters. “By validating the DAC/DRC Playbook through hands-on practice and open discussion, we are ensuring that our recovery operations are both survivor-focused and operationally sound,” Strickland stated. The workshop also allowed participants to capture lessons learned, which will inform updates to the DAC plan, enhancing interagency coordination and preparedness for future emergencies.

MDEM highlighted the necessity of ongoing collaboration between local governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to build a resilient Maryland. Vanessa Calaban, a Disaster Risk Reduction Planner at MDEM, expressed the goal of ensuring timely and coordinated support for every disaster survivor, marking the workshop as a significant step in that direction.

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*Read the original article at [mdem](https://news.maryland.gov/mdem/2026/10/22/maryland-strengthens-ability-to-support-disaster-survivors/)*

Source: [Maryland Department of Emergency Management](https://news.maryland.gov/mdem/2026/10/22/maryland-strengthens-ability-to-support-disaster-survivors/)