The completion of the Maryland Disaster Assistance Center/Disaster Recovery Center Playbook will help the State better support future recovery efforts
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (October 22, 2026) — The Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM) announced the successful completion of its Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) workshop, a full‑day event designed to validate, refine, and enhance the recently developed plan. The workshop brought together local, state, Federal, and nonprofit partners to strengthen Maryland’s ability to support disaster survivors through coordinated, efficient recovery operations.
The workshop provided participating agencies and organizations with the opportunity to review and validate roles and responsibilities, practice multi‑level recovery coordination, identify resource and capability gaps, and test DAC site selection, staffing, communications, and survivor support processes. These activities were central to ensuring that the plan reflects real‑world needs and operational realities.
The morning session featured facilitated discussions, including DAC activation procedures, staffing models, logistics planning, and programmatic considerations. In the afternoon, participants engaged in scenario‑based walkthroughs with State agency partners, simulating real‑world survivor needs and practicing coordinated responses.
“This workshop allowed us to bring all of our partners together to strengthen how we support Marylanders during disasters,” said MDEM Secretary Russ Strickland. “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.”
Participants also captured lessons learned and recommended improvements, which will be incorporated into the next version of the DAC plan. These insights will help refine processes, enhance interagency coordination, and ensure Maryland’s Disaster Assistance Centers are equipped to meet the needs of communities and survivors during future emergencies.
MDEM noted that continued collaboration with local governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations remains essential to building a resilient Maryland.
“Our goal is to make sure every survivor receives timely, coordinated support,” said Vanessa Calaban, MDEM Disaster Risk Reduction Planner. “This workshop is a major step toward that commitment.”
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