Harford County Department of Emergency Services

09/15/2026

Today is National Get Ready Day, which falls in the middle of National Emergency Preparedness Month. To celebrate, DES is encouraging families to think about what they would need in case of a natural disaster, pandemic illness or other crisis.

1. Create an emergency plan – have evacuation routes if you need to leave your home quickly, and establish a meeting place nearby.

2. Pack emergency kits, one for staying at home for an extended period and one for leaving quickly. Don’t forget children and pets.

3. Sign up for our virtual discussion of emergency preparedness and guide to putting together your emergency kits. It’s at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4EAFAD2BA4FCC61-65583798-emergency?

Join Harford County Emergency Management Division Chief John Richter live for an online seminar at 2 p.m. September 23 as he talks about being prepared for an emergency.

09/15/2026

**TRAFFIC ALERT** NEW TRAFFIC PATTERN ON SOUTHBOUND I-95 SOUTH OF MD 24 IN HARFORD COUNTY (Traffic Split Lifted; Work Zone Speed Limit Remains 55 mph): On or about September 18, a new traffic pattern will take effect on southbound I-95 just south of the MD 24 interchange.

Since February 2026, traffic has operated in a split pattern, with a barrier wall separating the left lane from the right lanes. The new pattern will remove that configuration and shift southbound I-95 lanes to the right of the work zone. Barrier walls will separate traffic from crews in the work area.

To prepare for the new traffic pattern, the left lane on southbound I-95 will be closed overnight:
• Thursday, September 17, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Friday, September 18.

Dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions and other factors.

The work zone speed limit will remain 55 mph and Automated Speed Enforcement will remain in effect for the safety of workers and motorists.

The MDTA appreciates your patience and reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert, and use caution while traveling through work zones. Motorists should plan ahead and consider traveling off-peak hours to avoid delays.

The work is part of the MDTA’s I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) Northbound Extension Program between MD 43 and north of MD 24 that will help reduce delays and improve travel along northbound I-95 between Baltimore and Harford counties.

For more information or to sign up for e-mail notifications, visit mdta.maryland.gov/I95ETLNB/home.html.

Project information at https://mdta.maryland.gov/md-24-interchange-two-lane-etl-extension

09/14/2026

Paramedics Corey Mitchell and Lauren Rivarde and EMT Kaitlin Linton let kids (and their parents) check out the inside of an ambulance at Saturday's touch-a-truck at Chick-fil-A in Forest Hill. They enjoyed talking about what they do.

09/11/2026

Harford County marks 25 years since 9/11 with a ceremony remembering the victims and the first responders who ran toward danger.

09/11/2026

09/11/2026

The Harford County 9/11 ceremony starts soon. Join us at 9 a.m. at the Equestrian Center on Tollgate Road.

09/10/2026

For our Harford commuters.

Traveling through the I-95 or I-895 tunnels in Baltimore? Plan ahead for longer weekday commute times and extended rush-hour periods. Visit http://mdta.maryland.gov/HarborCrossings for resources to help you plan your trip.

09/10/2026

The Great American Relay stopped at the Department of Emergency Services on Tuesday afternoon, when Brian Hall of Aberdeen and Pam Moore of Bel Air exchanged the baton that's making its way to New York City. The tribute run honors the heroes of 9/11, supports veterans and first responders and celebrates the strength of the American spirit. Over seven days, participants run 565 miles in 122 legs from the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa., to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., before ending at the World Trade Center. Anyone interested in running next year can sign up at www.greatamericanrelay.com beginning May 1, 2027.