(a) There is a Maryland Department of Emergency Management established as a principal department of the Executive Branch of State government.

(b) The Department has primary responsibility and authority for developing emergency management policies and is responsible for coordinating disaster risk reduction, consequence management, and disaster recovery activities.

(c) The Department may act to:

(1) reduce the disaster risk and vulnerability of persons and property located in the State;

(2) develop and coordinate emergency planning and preparedness; and

(3) coordinate emergency management activities and operations:

(i) relating to an emergency that involves two or more State agencies;

(ii) between State agencies and political subdivisions;

(iii) with local governments;

(iv) with agencies of the federal government and other states; and

(v) with private and nonprofit entities.