Emergency Preparedness
Preparation for emergencies and disasters in St. Mary’s County
The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) works with national, state, and local partners to ensure public health needs are addressed in the community’s preparation for and response to emergencies and disasters. SMCHD’s Emergency Preparedness & Response Division promotes community preparedness regarding public health. This includes planning for and responding to public health and medical emergencies, including potential or actual incidents requiring a coordinated response. SMCHD activation status levels are based on the National Incident Command System:
- Normal (Green): Routine operations
- Enhanced (Yellow): The incident requires additional monitoring and resources.
- Partial (Orange): The incident requires significant monitoring and resources.
- Full (Red): The incident requires extensive response and recovery efforts.
SMCHD Current Activation Status:
Be Prepared – What Can Community Members Do?
Preparing your home and family ahead of time for common emergencies and disasters can increase your personal sense of security and peace of mind. Knowing what to do when an emergency strikes can save time, property, and, most importantly, lives.
Stay Informed
Know what potential disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.
- Sign up for the St. Mary’s County CodeRED Emergency Notification System
- Sign up for National Emergency Alerts
- Know Your Zone for Evacuation
Learn what to do before, during, and after different types of emergencies.
Plan Ahead
Discussing the following questions with your family, friends, or household can help you develop an emergency plan.
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
- Are there any special considerations for my family (children, seniors, pets, medicine, etc.)?
Once you have a plan, practice it with family members. Then, prepare an emergency kit – Just in case!
For more information about emergency preparedness, email smchd.dpr@maryland.gov.
Planning Resources
Preparedness Information – By Topic
Potassium Iodide (KI)
Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets may help prevent thyroid cancer in people exposed to radioactive material released during a radiation incident.
Learn MoreNuclear Radiation
Radioactive contamination and radiation exposure can occur if radioactive materials are released into the environment as a result of an accident or event in nature.
Learn MoreHurricane Preparedness
In advance of severe storms like hurricanes and tropical storms, experts will announce hurricane watches and warnings to prepare people for severe weather.
Learn MoreTornado Preparedness
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Because tornadoes can develop rapidly it is important to be prepared.
Learn MoreFlood Preparedness
Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.
Learn MoreWinter Weather Preparedness
Winter storms can be dangerous and accompanied by low temperatures, strong winds, sleet, and freezing rain.
Learn MoreExtreme Heat Preparedness
In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death.
Learn MoreCybersecurity
Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage a computer or network system. These attacks can damage your reputation and safety.
Learn MoreConnect With Us
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