Emergency Preparedness

Our Emergency Preparedness program offers guidance and leadership on a variety of emergencies that affect public health in Dorchester County.

These emergencies include:

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes
Bioterrorism, such as anthrax
Disease outbreaks, such as COVD-19
Radiation, such as a nuclear power plant incident

We do this by:

Talking to residents and community leaders about ways we can prepare ourselves for health emergencies.
Planning together with government agencies and local healthcare for the response.
Monitoring information from hospital emergency department visits, the weather, and other data to identify risks to health or possible health emergencies.
Partnering with the city, state, private partners, and community groups to identify resources to meet the needs of the public during emergencies.

A disaster can strike quickly, without warning, causing you to evacuate or take shelter. Whether you face a hurricane, tornado or bioterrorism threat it is essential that you are prepared.

Emergency Preparedness Strategies

Make a Disaster Plan

A disaster plan is needed to safely survive an emergency or disaster. From preparing a disaster kit to emergency phone numbers to pet care, it is essential that everyone in your family knows and practices the disaster plan. A family communications plan outlines phone numbers and other ways your family can stay in touch during an emergency.

Shelter in Place

Sheltering in place means staying in your home, school, or workplace. During a sudden emergency, it also may mean staying where you are when the emergency occurs, whether that is a business, the mall, a supermarket or an office.

Leave the Area

Evacuation means leaving a specific area. How far you must travel away from the area depends on the type of emergency.

Learning

Learning how to respond to different types of disasters. That information, along with details about disasters, kits, and plans, is available at Ready and CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response.

Other resources may be found at Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Preparedness & Response.

And the Maryland Department of Emergency Management offers an online public dashboard, which displays information such as:

Current Weather
Weather Forecasts
Traffic
Power Outages

The dashboard also has links to external sources, such as hospital alerts (via MIEMSS), road closures (via SHA), MTA service alerts, and Executive Orders.

If you have any questions about emergency preparedness, please call the public health emergency planner at 443-205-2275 or send an email.

General Preparedness Checklist

Being prepared in advance can save your life during an emergency.

Follow these important tips to prepare yourself and your community before a disaster strikes:

Create an emergency kit for your home and vehicle.
Have enough food, water, and medical supplies to last 3 to 5 days without help from others.
Keep a current list of the medications you are taking.
Make a communication plan with family and friends in case you are separated.
Fuel your car and review your evacuation plan and routes with your family.
Be familiar with alerts, warnings, and local emergency services.
Keep important documents, both personal and financial, in a waterproof portable container.
Keep food, water, and medicines on hand for pets. Make plans to ensure their safe shelter and care.

Alerts and Warnings

It is important to know the difference between an advisory, watch, and warning.

Each represents a different level of potential threat.

You should be aware and prepare based on the level.

Advisory or Statement: Be aware! A hazard is expected to occur in your area or nearby, but its impact is not expected to be life-threatening.
Watch: Be prepared! A dangerous hazard may occur in your area or nearby.
Warning: Take action! A hazard is expected to occur or is already occurring in your area or nearby, and its impact may be serious.
“THIS IS A TEST”: Officials sometimes send test or practice messages. Consider using this as a reminder to check your emergency plan and supplies.

FEMA Guide to Alerts and Warnings (PDF, 1.2MB) (download)

Be Prepared

Everbridge (Citizen Alert System)

Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news by signing up for the county’s Emergency Alert Program.

This system enables us to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations of buildings or neighborhoods.

You will receive time-sensitive messages wherever you specify, such as your home, mobile or business phones, email address, text messages and more.

Stop the Bleed Training

Dorchester County Emergency Preparedness is excited to offer free Stop the Bleed Training for local community-based organizations for your staff, clients, or volunteers.

The goal of this program is to train and provide credible information on bleeding control during massive bleeding events from any cause, but particularly in a situation where a medical response is delayed.

We hope that you will gain the information and skills necessary to recognize and stop bleeding until medical help arrives.

There is no cost associated with this in-person training.

Please note that some of our great local partners Dorchester County EMS partners & DCHD Behavioral Health Harm Reduction Team do offer this training as well.

Learn more about the training.

View a quick video overview on topics covered.

If your organization is interested, please fill out this brief interest form and we will promptly follow up.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Emergency Kit Checklist (PDF, 215kb) (download)

Additional Considerations

Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Paper and pencil
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Response

If you see an emergency or hear the threat of an emergency it is best to call 911. Following an emergency let the professionals – police, fire, medical services, EMS, National Guard, etc. respond.

In certain instances, the normal response systems may be temporarily overloaded. If you have special training, you may be able to assist in emergency response.

In some emergencies donating blood is an excellent way to save lives. Another way of assisting during an emergency is helping people with disabilities, older people, or families with young children.

Want to Get Involved? Dorchester County Needs YOU!

Do you want to make a real difference in Dorchester County? The health department seeks passionate residents to join our Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps!

Despite the name, you do NOT need a medical background to join. We need skills and helping hands from varied jobs and backgrounds.

If you care about your community’s health and want to help out when it matters most, then we want you!

What is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)?

The MRC is a group of local volunteers ready to help our county during emergencies, such as:

a natural disaster,
a human-made crisis, or
an infectious disease outbreak.

By having a prepared team, we can respond quickly and effectively when our community needs us.

How You Can Help Right Now: Extreme Weather Support!

We’re especially looking for volunteers to help with our extreme weather outreach.

This means:

heading out to help people stay warm,
providing items like blankets or warm drinks, and
supporting our overnight warming shelters.

Volunteers also may support ongoing community health programs throughout the year.

Why Join the MRC?

Becoming a MRC volunteer offers great benefits:

Learn New Skills: You’ll get free training in disaster preparedness and emergency response. You can even earn continuing education credits (CEUs)!
Flexibility: You decide when, where, and how much time you want to volunteer. It fits your schedule.
Protection: You’re covered by state liability and workers’ compensation at authorized events.
Make a Difference: You’ll help your neighbors and our community during tough times.
Be Recognized: Your dedication and efforts will be appreciated and acknowledged.
Be Needed: You’ll be a crucial part of the disaster response.

We need more public health volunteers from Dorchester County!

Learn more about the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps:

Ready to register? It’s easy! Sign up to volunteer with Maryland Responds through the Maryland Responds Registry.

Join your Dorchester County MRC today and be a part of a prepared, caring community!

Community Emergency Response Teams

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) may assist emergency response professionals when systems are temporarily overloaded. See what is involved in being a trained volunteer.

Climate and Health Initiative

Our new Climate and Health Initiative is focused on building community resilience together, especially as we face increasing risks from natural disasters and extreme weather.

To learn more about community-based resilience hubs or our climate & environmental justice council, please email La’Toya Jackson.

We are looking for interested partners and citizens to join our Environmental & Climate Justice Council.

Fill out an interest form for the council.

Climate and Health Workshops

To request a climate and health workshop, please fill out a workshop request formor email Theresa Perry. For those who may be socially isolated or medically vulnerable that may need an extra check-in by public health staff during extreme weather or public health emergencies, please consider signing up for our Preparedness Buddy Network.

Stay Informed

Local News

In the event of an emergency, residents should tune in to one of the broadcasting stations listed below for news and official information.

Radio stations:

WCEI FM 96.7 MHz – Easton
WEMD AM 1460 kHz – Easton
WCEM FM 106.3 MHz – Cambridge
WCEM AM 1240 kHz – Cambridge

Television stations:

WBOC 16
WMDT 47

Emergency Alert System

The Emergency Alert System will provide you with official information in cases of tornadoes, floods, nuclear plant accidents or other emergencies.

Turn on your radio or TV for official information and instructions.

Emergency Alert Stations

WKHZ 1460 Easton
WCEM 1240 Cambridge
WGOP 540 Pocomoke

FM
WCEI 96.7 Easton
WCEM 106.3 Cambridge

TV
Channel 16 WBOC

For Additional Information

Types of Emergencies

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.

Heat stroke & heat exhaustion: Avoid, Spot, Treat (PDF, 310kb) (download)

Be prepared for extreme heat (PDF, 450kb) (download)

Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

High levels of humidity
Obesity
Fever
Dehydration
Prescription drug use
Heart disease
Mental illness
Poor circulation
Sunburn
Alcohol use

Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness.

Older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.

Certain groups are at higher risk, including:

Infants and children
Adults 65+
Outdoor workers
Athletes
Those with chronic conditions
Those with low income
Pets

During extreme heat events, Dorchester County will open cooling centers at both the Cambridge and Hurlock branches of the Dorchester County Public Library.

Thunderstorms/Lightning

Lightning is a leading cause of injury and death from weather-related hazards. Although most lightning victims survive, people struck by lightning often report a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms.

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that include lightning and can create or cause:

Powerful winds over 50 mph
Hail
Flash flooding and/or tornadoes
Stay Safe During Thunderstorms & Lightning

If you are under a thunderstorm warning:

When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
Avoid running water.
Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Stay Safe After Thunderstorms & Lightning

Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.

Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

Be prepared for a thunderstorm, lightning, or hail (PDF, 280kb) (download)

Winter Weather

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us may not be ready for its arrival. Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Prepare your home and vehicles.
Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity.
Be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.
If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

Be prepared for a winter storm (PDF, 390kb) (download)

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are dangerous and destructive. Known also as cyclones and typhoons in other parts of the world, hurricanes cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and storm surges.

Be prepared for a hurricane (PDF, 520kb) (download)

Floods

Floods, big or small, can have devastating effects on your home and your family. You can take steps to reduce the harm caused by flooding. Learn how to prepare for a flood, stay safe during a flood, and protect your health when you return home after a flood.

Tornadoes

During a tornado, people face hazards from extremely high winds and risk being struck by flying and falling objects. After a tornado, the damage left behind poses additional injury risks. Although nothing can be done to prevent tornadoes, there are actions you can take to protect your health and safety.

Be prepared for a tornado (PDF, 360kb) (download)

Disease Outbreaks/Pandemics

A pandemic is a disease outbreak that spans several countries and affects a large number of people. Pandemics are most often caused by viruses, like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can easily spread from person to person.

A new virus, like COVID-19, can emerge from anywhere and quickly spread around the world. It is hard to predict when or where the next new pandemic will emerge.

If a pandemic is declared:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and people who are not part of your household.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public.
Clean and disinfect high-touch objects and surfaces.
Stay at home as much as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
Follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Be prepared for a novel pandemic (PDF, 330kb) (download)

Radiological Emergencies

If you live within a 10 mile-radius of Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant, you will annually receive materials from Exelon Corporation regarding the unlikely event of a radiation emergency. Read the materials carefully and store them in a readily available location.

Map and informational graphic for the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant emergency planning zone

You are also eligible to receive Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets. KI helps protect the thyroid gland from damage caused by radioactive iodine that may be released from the plant during an emergency. KI does not protect any other part of the body from radiation damage. Therefore, KI is not a substitute for other protective actions such as evacuation or taking shelter, which protect the entire body from most forms of radiation.

Pregnant people and children are especially sensitive to radiation exposure.

Should a radioactive emergency occur, official recommendations to the public for protective actions, including taking KI, will be broadcast by the media.

If you have specific questions about the nuclear power plant, your risk, and how to prepare, please contact the Dorchester County Government’s Emergency Management office at (410) 228-1818.

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant Community Safety Information (PDF, 1.8MB) (download)

Guidance on Diagnosis and Treatment for Healthcare Providers

The Radiation Emergency Medicine Management site was produced by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

What are the goals of this site?

Provide guidance for health care providers, primarily physicians, about clinical diagnosis and treatment of radiation injury during radiological and nuclear emergencies.
Provide guidance for the wider health care community, including trainers, about issues related to planning for and responding to radiation mass casualty incidents.
Provide just-in-time, evidence-based, usable information with sufficient background and context to make complex issues understandable to those without formal radiation medicine expertise.
Provide web-based information that is also downloadable in advance, so that it would be available during an emergency if the internet is not accessible.