Laraine Buck

I’m a seasoned Emergency Management Professional with over 29 years of vast experience in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. I’m currently serving as the Emergency Planner for the Somerset County Department of Emergency Services in Princess Anne, MD. I assist a team responsible for safeguarding the community through comprehensive emergency planning, coordination, and public outreach.

I’m a Professionally Certified Emergency Manager (PCEM) with a proven track record in large scale emergencies, natural disasters, public health crises, and complex incidents requiring multi-agency collaboration. My expertise spans risk assessment, incident command, the development of continuity of operations plans (COOP) and creative outreach education.

Throughout my career, I’ve developed innovative strategies that enhance community resilience. I’ve worked closely with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private sector partners, to ensure an integrated approach to emergency management.

My background includes memberships in several professional organizations. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management Association (MDEMA), Somerset County LEPC and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern Shore (BBBS). Additionally, I’m a retired member of the Salisbury Fire Department, where I served for more than 15 years.

I’m dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. I regularly participate in training exercises and speaking engagements with various schools and civic organizations.

My commitment to excellence has led to the development of the “Preparedness PAL’s” program. Aimed at educating students; it teaches the fundamentals of emergency services, and preparedness while fostering peer-assisted leadership within the community. I’ve also developed “The Evac Shack” a creative teaching tool and demonstration model designed to help people prepare for emergencies. It’s set up like a small makeshift- home with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom area- that displays essential items families might need in a disaster. Each area contains everyday supplies and comfort items. The goal is that, if you had only 5 minutes to evacuate, what items would you identify, grab and pack into an emergency “GO Kit” before heading to a shelter or safe location. Once the time is up we review the items that were chosen and how important those items are in an emergency situation as well as the items that were not chosen and how they could be helpful if taken with you.