Maryland is one of the better prepared states in the country if a natural disaster or outbreak of a serious disease happened, according to new research.
Researchers with the National Health Security Preparedness Index said Maryland was rated a 7.5 on a 10-point scale.
The ratings are calculated based on food and water safety, flu vaccination rates and numbers of paramedics and hospitals.
Maryland ranked above the national average of 6.8, outranking D.C., Delaware and West Virginia.
Vermont was ranked the highest while Alaska came in last.