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 in regard to 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:
Staying Safe in a Radiological or Nuclear Emergency: What You Should Know
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
- Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
- Emergency Plan for Families or (PDF)
- Emergency Plan for Kids or (PDF)
- Pet Owners
- Emergency Plan for Commuters
- Financial Preparedness
- Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
- Technology Preparedness
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Disaster Checklist
- Make A Plan (ASL Video)
- Steps to make a plan
- Business Preparedness
- Disinfecting a Well