Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 26 March 2024

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Port of Baltimore Vessel Traffic Suspended After Key Bridge (I-695) Knocked Down by Cargo Ship

• Baltimore Key Bridge collapse live updates: 2 rescued, several others believed in water
• ‘No Indication’ Of Terrorism In Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Police
• Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision
• Divers frantically searching water for victims after ship strikes, collapses Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge
• Ship ‘lost control’ as it was leaving port, warned of collision, unclassified report says

Analyst Comments:

In addition to the tragedy of injuries and possible fatalities, long-term, world-wide, supply chain issues should be considered. The collapsed bridge has stopped all cargo and cruise ship traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore.

From the Maryland State Archives’ Port of Baltimore, Maryland:

“The Port of Baltimore offers the deepest harbor in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Closer to the Midwest than any other East Coast port, the Port in Baltimore City also is within an overnight drive of one-third of the nation’s population.”

From the Mayland Department of Transportation’s Port Administration website:

“We want to express our deepest thoughts to the individuals and families involved in this morning’s tragic incident. 

Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice. This does not mean the Port of Baltimore is closed.  Trucks are being processed within our marine terminals.

At this time we do not know how long vessel traffic will be suspended.  As soon as that is determined we will provide an update.  Until then please keep those involved in your prayers.”

Highway Traffic:

The bridge collapse will cause major issues with local highway traffic, but there should be minor interruption to interstate shipping.

The Key Bridge collapse closes the eastern portion of Interstate 695.  Most interstate traffic travels through Baltimore using the I-95 and I-895 tunnels, which pass under the Patapsco River. The tunnels do not allow Hazardous Materials to travel in the tunnels. The western portion of I-695 can be used by vehicles carrying Hazardous Materials.

CDC: Ventilation Can Reduce Exposure to Respiratory Viruses in Indoor Spaces

From the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD):

Respiratory viruses primarily spread in the air between people. The fewer viruses in the air, the better. Improving ventilation can help you reduce virus levels in your home and reduce the chances that the virus will spread.

We can improve indoor air quality by increasing airflow and cleaning the air. Making ventilation improvements in your home or building can increase the delivery of clean air and reduce the concentration of viruses in indoor spaces. Improved ventilation can be anything from easy actions such as opening windows to system upgrades.

Ventilation systems work in different ways: they can bring fresh, outdoor air into rooms, filter the air, or treat­ the air. They also serve to move air around, which reduces pockets of stagnant air where viral particles might accumulate.

Related item:

• CDC releases ventilation guidance for curbing indoor respiratory virus spread

Analyst Comments:

Faith-Based Organizations should consider reviewing the CDC’s ventilation guidance to reduce the risk of respiratory virus exposure during worship and other activities.