O'Malley Seeks Private Help With Disasters

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) today announced the creation of Maryland's "Civic Guard," an initiative to tap private and nonprofit organizations for assistance during a major emergency -- and one that should have minimal cost to the state during tight budget times.

During an appearance at a the Meta-Leadership Summit for Preparedness in Baltimore this morning, O'Malley urged businesses and nonprofit organizations to visit the Web site of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and submit information on what they might be able to offer in the aftermath of natural disasters and other emergencies.

O'Malley said he was seeking to build upon recent examples of cooperation, such as an effort by private fuel providers to travel south with Baltimore emergency responders in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.