Governor Ehrlich Launches All Hazards Consortium to Increase Preparedness.ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. today announced the formation of the All Hazards Consortium (AHC AHC Appalachian Hardwood Center AHC American Heritage Center (University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY) AHC American Horse Council AHC Association for History and Computing AHC Australian Heritage Commission AHC Assault Helicopter Company ) to increase preparedness, initially in the mid-Atlantic region, by enabling emergency management stakeholders to share strategies and integrate planning. The AHC, a not-for-profit organization, emerged from last year's All Hazards Forum, a regional conference bringing together industry, universities and the state homeland security Noun 1. Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Department of Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States and emergency management and citizen leadership from the region. "We are focused on the common goal of getting better prepared for natural disasters and terrorism," said Governor Ehrlich. "This consortium allows private companies, public safety agencies, academic institutions, volunteer and faith-based organizations to tap into many areas of expertise and make us all better prepared across the mid-Atlantic region." Emergency management stakeholders have already reviewed -- region wide -- public safety communications interoperability, the ability to share voice and data information during emergencies. Future AHC issues for review are critical infrastructure protection Department of Defense (DOD) program to identify and protect assets critical to the Defense Transportation System. Loss of a critical asset would result in failure to support the mission of a combatant commander. and evacuation planning. The AHC advances progress on challenges identified during the annual All Hazards Forum. The All Hazards Forum is scheduled for October 25-27 at the Baltimore Convention Center The Baltimore Convention Center is a convention and exhibition hall located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It is managed and operated by the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, a semi-private association started in 1980 by former Baltimore mayor William Donald (www.allhazardsforum.com). Delaware, the District of Columbia District of Columbia, federal district (2000 pop. 572,059, a 5.7% decrease in population since the 1990 census), 69 sq mi (179 sq km), on the east bank of the Potomac River, coextensive with the city of Washington, D.C. (the capital of the United States). , Maryland, North Carolina North Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and Figures Area, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. , New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia all participate. "The All Hazards Forum is a hands-on look at collaboration between the public and private sectors," said Governor's Office of Homeland Security Director Dennis R. Schrader. "Now with the AHC, we have the brightest people in their fields working together, often behind the scenes, to address security challenges common to our region." All Hazards Forum topics include Homeland Security Presidential Directives, port security, evacuation planning and biohazard bi·o·haz·ard n. 1. A biological agent, such as a virus or a condition that constitutes a threat to humans, especially in biological research or experimentation. 2. response and recovery. A "lessons learned" session on Hurricane Katrina will include National Guard Adjutants General. Best practices on implementing Citizen Corps, identifying business resources during a crisis and panels on terrorism are among the other topics. "Preparedness, mutual aid and evacuations are among things we deal with that impact entire parts of the country and must be executed on a regional level," said Tom O'Reilly with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO TEDCO Technology Development Corporation (Maryland) TEDCO Toronto Economic Development Corporation (Canada) ), the State's technology transfer and development arm, manages the All Hazards Consortium. |
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